Reasons why people regret moving to Perth

Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is a thriving metropolis situated on the west coast of Australia. The city offers residents an excellent quality of life. With a population of over 2 million people, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia. The city boasts world-class infrastructure and amenities while maintaining a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle that sets it apart from other major Australian cities. From its trendy cafes and bars to its bustling shopping districts and cultural events, Perth provides an unbeatable experience for those who choose to call it home.

However, not everyone who moves to Perth ends up loving it as much as they thought they would. From cultural differences to high living costs and limited job opportunities, we’ll take a closer look at some of the factors that can make life in Perth less enjoyable than expected for those who have taken a chance on this vibrant Australian city. Here are the top reasons why people regret moving to Perth

Racism

Racism is an unfortunate reality in many parts of the world, and Australia is no exception. Many immigrants and people of colour who moved to Perth for a better life have reported feeling unwelcome due to racist attitudes and behaviours they’ve encountered in public spaces such as shops, schools, and workplaces. This has created a hostile environment that makes it difficult for them to integrate into society and feel like they belong. Some have even been victims of hate crimes simply because of their skin colour or ethnicity. Institutionalized racism in areas such as education and employment has made it harder for people from diverse backgrounds to succeed.

To learn more about the extent of racism in Perth, see these recent reports about racial profiling and the siege of racism in Australia.

It’s isolated; too far from other Australian Cities

Situated on the southwestern coast of Australia, Perth is geographically remote from other major Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. This isolation has its fair share of downsides that can make living in this beautiful city challenging. One of the most prominent issues with living in Perth is the high cost of travel to other cities. The distance between Perth and other Australian cities means that airfares can be exorbitant even for short trips. That said, it is almost impossible to live in Perth without a car, public transport anywhere outside the CBD is fairly random and non-existent on weekends.

Summers can be brutal

Summers in Perth can be brutal, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius on some days. The hot and dry weather can take a toll on both mental and physical health, causing dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even sunstroke. UV levels in the extreme region for the majority of the summer, two hours at the beach without sunscreen will see you glowing. With that go some of the highest rates of melanoma in the world.

Inflated cost of living due to the local mining industry

The mining boom that occurred in Western Australia a few years ago led to an economic surge but also resulted in a cost-of-living increase. The high wages paid by the local mining companies have caused a ripple effect on other sectors, such as housing and services. Rent prices have skyrocketed due to increased demand from miners who are willing to pay exorbitant amounts for accommodation. This makes it difficult for regular citizens who cannot afford these high prices, leaving them struggling to find affordable places to live.

Additionally, basic goods and services are more expensive as businesses try to capitalize on the high incomes generated by mining workers. As a result, groceries, transportation, and utilities all come at a premium price in Perth.

Most stores and shops close at 9.pm

If you’re used to living in a big city where stores stay open until midnight or later, then the early closing times in Perth can be particularly frustrating especially for people who work long hours or have busy schedules. You might find yourself rushing to get your shopping done before everything shuts down for the night. And if you need something urgently outside of regular business hours, it can be difficult to find a store that’s open and able to help you out.

Another downside of stores closing early in Perth is that it limits your options when it comes to socializing and entertainment because while some restaurants and bars stay open later, they’re often concentrated in certain areas, making it inconvenient for those who live on the outskirts of town.

Poor public transport

Despite the government investing in new trains and buses, many residents still find themselves facing long delays and unreliable services which makes commuting to work or school, etc. an absolute nightmare. The train system is not extensive enough, and buses are often late or don’t show up at all. This means that people waste hours every day waiting for their transportation to arrive. The limited number of routes available also makes it difficult for people who live outside the city center to access necessary services such as hospitals or universities without spending a lot of money on taxis or ride-sharing services. This inconvenience has led many people to purchase cars just so they can avoid using public transportation altogether.

Terrible Motorists

Drivers where are reckless; often not following road safety rules, ignoring traffic signals or signs and causing chaos on the roads. This behaviour not only puts their lives at risk but also threatens the lives of others sharing the roads with them. Between the years 2017 and 2021, a total of 291 people died in reported crashes, while a total of 1, 096 people were seriously injured in 2021 alone. Most crashes occur at intersections, etc. Check out this report for more details on Perth Metropolitan Road statistics. All am saying here is, since you will need a car (at least) if you relocate to Perth, practice cautiousness.

Fierce competition for jobs

In Western Australia, in general, the rate of unemployment has declined in the past few years. In 2023, unemployment was 3.588%, a decrease from the 2022 record of 4.194%. Nonetheless, Perth is home to some of Australia’s largest industries, which include mining, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. While this offers plenty of career opportunities for locals and newcomers alike, it has created a highly competitive job market. With the decline in some industries like construction and mining in the recent past, there is also an oversupply of skilled workers which means that there is intense competition among job seekers. See more residents’ reviews here.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, living in Perth may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The high cost of living, lack of a nightlife, terrible public transport, and limited job opportunities can make it challenging to thrive in this city. Additionally, the hot and dry climate can take a toll on one’s health and well-being. However, this does not mean that Perth does not have its fair share of advantages such as stunning beaches, beautiful parks, and a relaxed lifestyle. If you are considering moving to Perth, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Ultimately, with proper planning and realistic expectations, living in Perth could still be an enjoyable experience.

Top 8 Reasons why people regret moving to Perth |Must Read