An Expat Talks about Living in Perth, Australia

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Perth

How long have you lived there?

10 years

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

Pick a sport, any sport and that is the best way to meet someone over here. If sport isn't your thing then try bushwalking, volunteer groups, join a gym, whatever, there really is quite a diverse range of groups you can join.

CitizenM
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It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.

CitizenM

It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.
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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

The people are diverse and are very accepting of differences. Probably not as diverse as Melbourne. With all the world unrest at the moment people are still quite open to cultural differences and do not seem openly affected by everything but are cautious none the less - but more about travelling than anything internal to the country.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

The main industries would be mining (need to travel up north and east of Perth), mining support industries, minor chemical manufacture and petroleim refining, Computing, engineering. Most people find jobs either through a job search engine or the paper. Temp O/S travelers are found generally in temp jobs in bars and clubs or sales work.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Peoples lives generally revolve around the outdoors. The weather is only poor during winter and these are mild anyway. Spring through to Autumn is getting out and about weather and the reason for earning money is to support that lifestyle. Whether it be playing sport, riding around the river, settling into the cafe strips and relaxing it all comes down to a relaxed lifestyle. Of course everyone needs an income but its not all push and shove like Sydney or Melbourne.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

I would say..... bring a pair of bathers a T shirt and shorts and lets get a suntan. I would also say to live within a 5 km radius of the city, North Perth, Victoria park Leederville, Subiaco, Como or live down at the Fremantle area to name a few suburbs. If you prefer the hills and trees type environment then Kalamunda, Roleystone, Parkerville (more for the family oriented). Bring a bike because the bike paths here are scenic and second to none. Weekends hold lots to do especially in the winery districts both in Perth and down south (3 - 4 hours drive).