With its idyllic climate, beaches, revitalised neighbourhoods and edgy enclaves of cultural hotspots, there is little wonder that everyone wants to move to Perth.
With a new $1 billon waterfront development, an underground train line and sports arena in the offing, Perth is officially hot. Not only branded by international publications Conde Nast Traveller as "Australia's rising star", and by The New York Times as "hipster heaven", Perth is now widely considered one of the world's most liveable and exceptional outdoor cities.
![Perth is now widely considered one of the world's most liveable and exceptional outdoor cities.](/web/20160705080411im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/w/9/9/0/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gpw87o.png/1467686074136.jpg)
"Kids growing up in Perth are the luckiest in the world," Perth-born lawyer Carly Barlow says. "Where else is it affordable to live so close to the water and still enjoy an exciting cosmopolitan lifestyle?"
Ranked the world's eighth best city to live in, on The Economist's Global Liveability Ranking 2015 chart, Perth is one of Australia's fastest growing cities, with a population of about 2 million people. Yet unlike other capitals, Perth holds the inimitable advantage of offering locals a stress-free beachside lifestyle with all the big city perks.
"Many born-and-bred in Perth have traditionally felt that they had to leave and experience the world," Ms Barlow says.
"Some, myself included, felt drawn to exciting metropolises such as Sydney, London or Dubai. After living and working in Dubai I craved the relaxed urban vibe of Perth, with easy commutes to work and long sunny days. Whilst Dubai is exhilarating with its mega malls and 24-hour economy, you cannot beat the open-air lifestyle in eclectic, trendy Perth."
In 2016, the city's skyline is growing exponentially taller with the emergence of chic, soaring, inner-city developments –such as Waterbank – which will sit idyllically on the Swan River at the eastern gateway to the city. Featuring the perfect combination of alfresco dining, river-based recreation, two beaches and perfect river views, the development extends busy Hay Street all the way down to the water, cleverly connecting the CBD to the Swan River.
"Perth strikes the perfect balance between work and play," Ms Barlow says. "You can be working in an office in the city looking out over the water, and 10 minutes later be at the beach enjoying sundowners with an amazing view of the sun setting over the ocean."
For Perth office workers, exquisite water views are simply a part of their day. Developments such as Waterbank are taking nine-to-five to a whole new level by transforming the traditional CBD office into a more serene environment, complete with natural light, green zones and tranquil water views.
"I feel very spoilt with my working environment," says Ben Luker, state branch manager for Boutique Boat Brokers, whose desk job comes with a picture perfect river outlook.
"With any job that you care about, there is a high level of stress, but being by the water helps to reduce it. There is something about living and working in Perth that allows you to have the best of both worlds, as opposed to living in Sydney, where you feel constantly 'at work'."
Accessible public areas such as green spaces and waterways mean city dwellers can take full advantage of all the open-air benefits Perth has to offer.
"No matter what the season, everyone takes advantage of our waterways; they are an integral part of Perth life, whether you are taking out a luxury motor yacht or a little tinny," Mr Luker says.
"Along the Swan River or over to Rottnest Island, you can enjoy a cleansing ale or a crisp vino with a million-dollar view. With all the development happening in our beautiful city on the waterfront, boating will increase. Elizabeth Quay is starting to take shape, the other exciting development is the $50 million project Ku De Ta, which when complete will offer world-class dining options and be accessible by boat. It's very unique and will add real vitality and lifestyle benefits for the CBD.
"We pretty much have it all here. Why would you want to live anywhere else?"
Indeed.
Brought to you in association with Lendlease.
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