Do others find it harder to make friends in Perth than elsewhere?

Question

I lived in Perth for years. Occasionally I go back. I now live overseas in Singapore. Everytime I go back I am struck by how cold and friendless Perth society feels to me. I considered retiring there in 20 odd years but am not sure I can bring myself to do it. There are a couple reasons why I feel this way:

1. Too d**n big. It's a HUGE city in terms of distance. If you live in Rockingham you'll never see your friends North of the River it seems.

2. Too busy doing something nothing. Everyone seems tied up making money.

3. Shuts far too early. Where I live now everything is open later. That means there's more people out and about. Perth is deathly in the suburbs once the sun goes down.

4. Un-engaging or reluctant people. If you meet new people (and look - I can make friends elsewhere) unless you really go out of your way they seem to be reluctant to strike up friendships.

Comments?

Answer 1

Hi there,

I am an ex West Aussie, I left Perth when I was 23 and being living in Sydney for the past 25 years. I still have family in Perth so from time to time I return to catch up with family.

The one of the things that hasn’t changed about Perth is there ego. It wasn't till I left Perth that I realized how bad it was, "I know, I use to be just like that". For example:

They think they have the best beaches in the world. You ask them which beach and the answer is Cottesloe Beach (THAT'S IT) "come on" there are far better beaches around the world than Cottesloe Beach.

They think they have the best climate, it's Stinking hot in summer it rains and rains with flash flooding in winter. You watch TV and every second ad is about how great Western Australia is.

They think they have the most beautiful river. (Swan River) "I don't think so" It's like they think the worlds revolves around them. The place that comes second to them when it's comes to ego is Queenslander's.



The place is flat boring and colourless. They rave about Kings Park, but that's all they have for a bit of bush in the suburbs. Sydney has more parks way larger than Kings Park and more natural bush land in the suburbs than Perth.

"Well what can I say about the shopping". You could shoot cannon down Hay Street on a Sunday afternoon and not hit anyone. The place is a ghost town.

If you need petrol on a Sunday or late at night you have to drive around and find a roster. Since you have lived in Perth you know what a roster is.

The things that have changed:

The property market has gone though the roof. Perth isn’t as friendly as it uses to be when I lived there 25 years ago, I thinks that’s what mmdjaajl is talking about.

Chooch was right on the mark when it come to Perth drivers. They have a big problem letting you in. They speed up to stop you from getting in front of them. I stirred up my older brother for doing that.

I am very happy living in Sydney and will never return to Perth to live there. I don’t wont to become narrowed minded again.

Answer 2

I lived in Perth from 2004 til 2006. Meet some of the most wonderful people there. Thought the suburb I lived in was very friendly, people always said hi.

The shopping hours are pretty pathetic though.

I just wish it wasn't so far from the rest of my family who live central australia and east coast as I could have happily stayed there longer.

Thought the night life was pretty good, great pubs and good touring bands etc.

The one thing i always say though out of the places that I have lived in Australia Perth would be a great place to live if you were rich.

In my opinion though they have the worst drivers I have ever encountered in the country!!

Answer 3

i spent 2 years in  Perth about 25 years ago & they were a friendly mob then so i dont know why you have a problem if (as you say)it is not you then the people have changed a lot