Australia is renowned for having some of the highest quality of living worldwide and Perth easily falls into Mercer’s top 25 cities in their global Quality of Life Rankings. Perth has long been a popular destination for South African expats and the joking phrase “Are you packing for Perth?” is often used whenever South Africa goes through a period of political or economic unrest. So what is it about the city that makes it so popular with expats?
Why expats choose to stay in the city of Perth
- A large expat community
There are over 2 million people living in Perth and about a third of them were born outside Australia. The largest proportion of expats living in Perth is from Britain, but it is also a popular destination with South Africans, Indonesians, the Chinese, Vietnamese and Indians. The large and thriving expat communities in Perth naturally draw more expats who feel more confident moving to a city where they have friends or family.
- The beaches and the weather
The southern and western border of Western Australia, of which Perth is the capital, is formed by kilometres and kilometres of endless beaches – which attract and delight expats from all over the world – especially the UK. Some of Perth’s most popular beaches include Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach and Port Beach – all of which have warm turquoise waters and white sand.
A Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cooler winters makes enjoying the beaches and living in Perth extremely pleasant and allows you to enjoy its relaxed outdoor lifestyle.
- A growing economy
Perth was once the driver behind Australia’s wealth when the mining boom was at its height, but with the slowdown in this sector the city of Perth is working on expanding other sectors from healthcare to tourism and construction.
- Excellent healthcare
Like the rest of Australia, the healthcare in Perth is exceptional and Australia has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. Expats arriving in Perth without permanent residency will, however, have to prove a minimum level of private health insurance adequately covers them in order to be granted their visa. The government supported healthcare system known as Medicare is available to all Australian citizens and permanent residents and is accepted internationally as a world-class system.
- World-renowned standard of education
The standard of education in Perth and the rest of Australia is world-renowned and many students move to Perth and other Australian cities to complete their tertiary education. Perth offers many types of schooling options from private and public schools to faith based schools and international institutions. Expats can attend state schools in their catchment zone. It’s important for foreign students to note the language of tuition is always English in these schools.
- Wide variety of leisure activities
Perth has something for everyone, whether you enjoy hiking or swimming, cycling or cultural pursuits. There are plenty of clubs to join and every effort is made to ensure outdoor spaces are conducive to sporting activity – don’t be surprised to find free gym equipment in the park
- The laid back lifestyle
Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world and with this reputation comes a laid back lifestyle. Everything in Perth takes place at a slightly slower pace and people often joke that WA (Western Australia) stands for “wait awhile”. The result is a social, friendly culture where everyone makes use of the beautiful parks and public barbeques that are set around the city – and the weekend starts early on Friday.
If you are thinking of immigrating to Australia and need any advice about your financial emigration and how to access your retirement savings, contact us today and we’ll help you on the path to financial freedom in your new home.
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