Relocating to Perth from overseas or even the Eastern States to take up a new job can seem like a big move - after all, Perth is the most isolated capital in the world. And when you have kids in tow as well, the excitement can easily become tinged with anxiety.

But ask any family living in Perth where they would rather live, and there’s en extremely high chance they’ll tell you - right here! This is a perfect place for kids to grow up.

With endless ribbons of uncrowded white sand beaches, acres of parkland in and around the city, and the walk and cycleways that meander along the banks of the Swan River, there’s rarely a need to leave the metro area. When you do, the ideal destination for family holidays is Rottnest Island, just a half-hour ferry ride away - traffic-free with calm bays and clear waters for swimming and snorkelling.
But don’t just take it from us, visit this forum to interact with people who have moved or live here with children, and gain some honest insights.

We also recommend you check this blog and this site to keep up with events that have “kid appeal”.

And you can access information on government schools here and non-government schools here.

The short answer is - probably not, but you can get close.

Many people looking for jobs in Perth are equally interested in quality of life, and this is certainly something the sunset city can offer.

But you need time to enjoy it. So when planning your job move, start out with two things:

1. Your wish list
2. Realistic expectations

1. What’s your ideal work-life balance?

When we interview job candidates, the desire for a better balance often appears on their “dream job” wish list.

Many are looking for a more satisfying lifestyle and/or more time with their family. If this is you, then company culture is going to be extremely important.

A good recruitment consultant will take time to understand the company culture and to discuss this openly with you. Consultants who simply want to fill the job and take the fee will more likely try to persuade you not to worry about quality-of-life issues at this stage.

Don’t be put off. Articulate your wants and needs to the recruiter, ask questions about family-friendly policies such as flexible hours and parental leave if this is important to you, discuss the company’s management style, and examine the department structure.

Are working conditions a priority for this company?  Are employees expected to work extra time?  Are their real professional development opportunities? 

Brazen Careerist, Penelope Trunk, presents a Game Plan for families wanting to have it all, which may prompt further thought and more pertinent questions.

In fact, ask any questions you like, as long as you are prepared to accept the answer…

2. Are you prepared to compromise?

Once you have your wish list and a clear idea of how the company culture maps onto it, you’ll probably be left with a shortfall. In fact, you may save yourself an interview if compatibility is low.

If the match is close, your next step is to prioritise your requirements and decide which ones you are prepared to compromise on.

By the time you get to your interview, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what benefits the company is likely to be able to offer you, and where you are able to be flexible. Many businesses are prepared to offer flexibility in return in the current climate of high employment and skills shortages.

However, if you’re not applying through a recruitment agency, you will have to uncover the company’s policies through direct questioning, so you need to be a little more diplomatic in your approach. Making Work Life Balance a Priority in Your Job Search includes advice on how to negotiate the tightrope between your wishes and the employer’s.

Either way, remember to aim high - but keep your feet on the ground.

We find many people move to Perth for a combination of reasons - jobs being the first motive, but then there are several other incentives to tip the decision.

1. The ideal climate

Perth’s Mediterranean climate means temperatures rarely drop below 9C in winter and hover in the 20s and early 30s during summer with low humidity. Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, but tends to come in waves of a day or so, followed by clear blue skies for the next few days. So it’s very rare to see several days of rain in a row and there are plenty of crisp clear days of respite.

2. A safe, clean environment

Perth is one of the safest (and cleanest) cities in the world. The crime rate is low and traffic is relatively calm compared to other capital cities. Getting into the city, down to the beach or out into the hills is easy and quick.

3. Beautiful beaches

If it’s beach life you’re after, this is the place. Even eastern-staters have been known to gasp at the vast stretches of empty white sand along the Perth coastline and beyond. The beaches don’t get crowded, the Indian Ocean is warmer than the Atlantic, and the coast is within easy reach of any suburb - half an hour to the beach is a long journey. And the stunning Margaret River region is just three hours away.

4. Seductive shopping

What makes the shopping special in the Perth region is the plethora of local artisans and designers selling gorgeous clothing, textiles, ceramics, wood and metalwork, furniture, jewellery, artwork (including indigenous art) and more. Local designers rent space in the Colonnade, Subiaco, with more established designers taking retail space along Hay Street and in Claremont. Craft outlets are everywhere, but more concentrated in outlying towns such as York, Pemberton and Margaret River.

5. World-class wine

Talking of Margaret River, who hasn’t tasted a drop of vino from this fertile part of the world at some time in their lives? There are several wine subregions within the wider Margaret River area, with lots of cellar doors dotted around the rolling countryside. New boutique wineries are springing up all the time, not just here but further south where cool climate wines are thriving.

6. Untouched wilderness

Western Australia is one of the few places in the world that contains true, untouched wilderness. The 1000km Bibbulmun Track winds through pretty bushland, along jagged coastline and through the forested valleys of the south. The wide icing-sugar beaches of Esperance are a joy for four-wheel driving, with nearby national parks harbouring some sheltered camping spots and bushwalks with ocean views. A short flight north and you’re into the clear warm waters of the Ningaloo Reef (heaven for divers), the dramatic gorges of Karijini (backdrop to Japanese Story), and of course there’s the Kimberley region, where large tracts of land and coastline remain unexplored even today.

7. Booming economy

There’s no doubt that the WA economy is strong and is likely to maintain this strength for the foreseeable future, thanks to our rich resources sector, our sustainable tourism industry, a building boom and an ideal climate for entrepreneurial start-up businesses. Perth is crying out for talented candidates to fill the plethora of jobs in small and large businesses - the perfect time to hunt for your dream job.

To find out more about Perth lifestyle go to the Experience Perth website. And This Perth Life is a great little site with a blog to keep you up to date on events.