The Best Suburbs to Retire in Perth

Retirement’s meant to be the reward at the end of the nine-to-five slog, and not some game of “guess which suburb has decent coffee and a chemist nearby”. The good news is that Perth’s packed with neighbourhoods that make slowing down feel like levelling up.

So, if you’re ready to trade mowing the back lawn for morning yoga by the river or swapping peak-hour traffic for beach walks, here’s our guide to the best suburbs to retire in Perth.

What to look for when choosing a retirement suburb

Not all suburbs are created equal when it comes to retirement. The dream spot for your golden years should make life simpler, not more complicated. Here are a few things worth keeping high on your list:

• Healthcare on the doorstep – Let’s be real, proximity to GPs, pharmacies, and hospitals matters more than how close the nearest pub is (though both are handy).
• Walkability and public transport – A suburb that’s easy to get around means you can leave the car at home without feeling stranded. Bonus points for train stations or frequent bus routes.
• Community vibes – Retirement isn’t about isolation. You still want to be close to community centres, social clubs, and friendly neighbours who say more than just “hi” as they put the bins out.
• Lifestyle perks – Cafés, markets, libraries, riverfront walks, or beaches. Retirement should be enjoyable, not just convenient.
• Low-maintenance living – Downsizing usually means less lawn to mow and more time to enjoy life. Apartments, villas, and smaller homes are the way to go.

Top suburbs to retire in Perth

Murdoch

Murdoch is one of Perth’s most practical picks for retirement living—sitting just 15 minutes south of the CBD, it combines suburban calm with unbeatable convenience.

Why it works for retirees

With Fiona Stanley and St John of God hospitals right in the suburb, health needs are always covered. Add in established retirement villages such as St Ives Murdoch, strong public transport links, and a choice of low-maintenance villas and apartments, and you’ve got peace of mind built in.

Lifestyle & local perks

• Murdoch Train Station (Mandurah line) for quick city trips
• Fiona Stanley Hospital & medical hubs
• Murdoch University grounds and open spaces
• Easy access to lakes, walking trails, Beeliar Regional Park
• Cafés, shops and the new Murdoch Square precinct

Kensington

Kensington might surprise you. Just 3 km from Perth’s heart, this suburb quietly delivers big convenience and calm. It’s a smart pick for retirees who want to stay close to the action without being in the thick of it.

Why it works for retirees

Close enough to the CBD and South Perth foreshore to enjoy city perks and river views, but tucked into leafy streets for peace. And since Kensington links to multiple bus routes (33, 34, 284) you’re not stranded without a car.

Lifestyle & local perks

• Kensington Bushland Reserve — native flora and walking trails
• Bus routes on Hayman Road, Kent Street, George Street
• Easy access to South Perth foreshore, cafés, restaurants
• Nearby shops, community centres, libraries, cinemas via adjoining suburbs

Applecross

Applecross is a riverside gem just 7 km south of Perth’s CBD, making it one of the more enviable choices on our ‘best suburbs to retire in Perth’ list.

Why it works for retirees

Downsizing here doesn’t feel like “settling”. If anything, it feels like an upgrade. Smaller homes and apartments mean less upkeep and more time to enjoy the good stuff, while the suburb’s riverside setting keeps you active and connected. And because Applecross holds its value, it’s a smart move for anyone wanting to free up equity without leaving behind quality or community.

Lifestyle & local perks

• Riverside foreshore, river paths, Point Walter and Deep Water Point Reserve
• Multiple bus routes (148, 160, 910) and proximity to Canning Bridge for train access
• Local shops, cafés, and restaurants in Applecross Village & the Canning Bridge precinct
• Jacaranda-lined streets, mature tree cover and heritage charm

Nedlands

Nedlands sits about 7 km west of Perth’s CBD, placing it well within the “close enough but not too close” sweet spot.

Why it works for retirees

If you’re after prestige, green streets, and access without fuss, Nedlands delivers. Downsizing into a more compact home or apartment here means sacrificing less. Gardens, riverside views, and proximity to major health centres remain within reach. As a long-held, highly desirable suburb, it also tends to retain value well, helping protect your equity.

Lifestyle & local perks

• Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital & prominent medical research facilities nearby
• Bus routes along Stirling Highway, Monash Avenue, Hospital Avenue (CircleRoute etc)
• Local shops, cafés, Windsor Cinema and Stirling Highway commercial strip
• Tree-lined, leafy streets and heritage character, plus proximity to Kings Park and river environs

Fremantle

If you love atmosphere, history, cafés and sea breezes, Fremantle (aka “Freo”) holds strong as one of the best suburbs to retire in Perth for those chasing a vibrant retirement with soul.

Why it works for retirees

Freo delivers a rare combo of rich heritage streetscapes, arts and culture, plus real convenience. Fremantle Hospital is in town, and the Fremantle railway line gives direct access to Perth. There are over 30 retirement villages in the Fremantle area.

Lifestyle & local perks

• Fremantle Railway Station & public transport links to Perth
• Fremantle Hospital and specialist health services
• Fishing Boat Harbour, cafés, galleries, markets & Victorian architecture
• Esplanade Park and foreshore walks by the ocean
• Strong sense of community, festivals, arts scene (Freo doesn’t sleep!)

Floreat

Floreat sits around 8 km from Perth’s CBD, offering leafy streets and a relaxed pace while still keeping the city within easy reach.

Why it works for retirees

Here’s where you get leafy, laid-back living without sacrificing accessibility. Downsizing here still keeps you near premium amenities, green space, beaches and solid transport links. Floreat’s prestige and steady demand help protect your investment, so you don’t feel like you’ve given up upside in exchange for ease.

• Lifestyle & local perks
• Floreat Forum Shopping Centre with dining, medical centre, library & municipal offices
• Bold Park & Perry Lakes Reserve with walking trails, bushland access
• Proximity to City Beach and coastal access
• Bus routes (e.g. 28, 81, 82, CircleRoute 998/999) along key streets connecting to Perth

Bicton

Bicton is one of Perth’s classic riverside retreats that’s about 10 km south-west of the CBD, hugging the Swan River and blessed with scenic foreshore views.

Why it works for retirees

Here’s where you get serious “lifestyle return on investment.” By downsizing into a smaller home or apartment in Bicton, you lose upkeep but keep the serenity, the river views, and strong capital resilience. This suburb is affluent and stable, meaning your property is likely to hold value. Plus, you’re never far from essential services, shops, and natural escapes.

Lifestyle & local perks

• Bicton Baths, Swan River access, foreshore walks along the riverfront
• Point Walter Reserve and Blackwall Reach cliffs for nature, picnics, views
• Strip shops along Canning Highway, local cafés & character shopping nodes
• Excellent public transport options and road links to the city
• Quiet, leafy streets with mature trees and neighbourhood charm

South Perth

South Perth is a rare sweet spot that’s just across the river from the CBD (4 km), yet it feels like a suburb rather than a city maze. It’s got prestige, views, and that “I’m close enough but not too close” feel.

Why it works for retirees

You get the best of both worlds—café strips, ferry access, river walks—without sacrificing peace. High-density living (apartments, stylish townhouses) means less maintenance. Meanwhile, the riverside position and enduring desirability keep property values strong, so you don’t compromise your nest egg.

Lifestyle & local perks

• Walks along South Perth foreshore, Sir James Mitchell Park, and Mends Street promenade
• Ferry service from Mends Street Jetty to Elizabeth Quay + bus links along Mill Point, Angelo, and Canning Highway
• Perth Zoo in your backyard, Royal Perth Golf Club, Old Mill, heritage sites
• Strong café & restaurant culture along Angelo / Mends Street precinct

Tips for downsizing and moving smoothly

Downsizing is a big shift, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A clear plan and a few smart moves will make the transition feel far more manageable.

• Start with a plan: Make a timeline for selling, buying, and moving so you’re not packing boxes at midnight before settlement day.
• Declutter with purpose: Keep what adds value to your life, pass along items to family, and donate or sell the rest.
• Think smaller, smarter homes: Villas, apartments, or townhouses mean less maintenance and more freedom.
• Check the market: Timing your sale and purchase can help free up more equity for your retirement lifestyle.
• Get support: Lean on friends, family, and a trusted local agent to take the pressure off and keep the move running smoothly.

Frequently asked questions

Which suburbs are considered the best for retirees in Perth?

Popular choices include Murdoch, Kensington, Fremantle, Applecross, Bicton, South Perth, Nedlands, Floreat, and Mount Hawthorn. Each offers its own blend of healthcare access, community atmosphere, transport links, and lifestyle advantages, making them strong options for downsizers and retirees.

Why is Perth a great place to retire?

Perth offers a relaxed lifestyle, stunning natural surroundings, and suburbs that are well set up for retirees. With reliable public transport, world-class healthcare, and plenty of community hubs, it’s easy to stay active, connected, and independent while enjoying everything WA has to offer.

What should I look for when choosing a retirement suburb in Perth?

Focus on convenience and comfort. Key factors include proximity to healthcare services, good public transport, low-maintenance housing options, and lifestyle perks like cafés, parks, or riverside walks. Suburbs that combine these elements tend to make daily life simpler and more enjoyable.

Ready to start your next chapter?

From riverside strolls in Applecross to the café culture of Fremantle, Perth has no shortage of suburbs that make retirement feel like a lifestyle upgrade. Choosing the right spot comes down to finding a balance of convenience, community, and comfort—and making the move into a home that’s easier to love and look after.

If you’re starting to explore houses for sale in Perth or thinking about selling the family home, our team is here to help. At Semple Property Group, we’ll guide you through every step so downsizing feels less like a chore and more like a fresh start.