Scarborough suburb profile: what are its unique advantages and is it a good place to live?

ACCOMMODATION: Scarborough

Population: 17 605

Distance from Perth CBD: 14.6 km northwest

Average house price: US$1,105,000

Average price per unit: US$625,500

Crime: 1,366 offenses (2023)

Situated along Western Australia’s breathtaking coastline, Scarborough is a vibrant community where locals enjoy white sands and clear waters.

The joke may come as a surprise to those familiar with Scarborough’s nickname – Scabs or Armadale by the Sea. Developer Gary Dempsey admitted there was a time when he didn’t have much good to say about the suburb, but claims that all changed about six to eight years ago with a $100 million waterfront redevelopment.

In the 1950s, Scarborough Beach was the heart of rock and roll in Perth. FJ Holdens filled the streets and teenagers gathered around the Kool Korner cafe, ready for another night of dancing at the Snake Pit. The White Sands Tavern quickly gained a reputation as the roughest place in Perth, and Scarborough became a famous hangout for bikers and schoolchildren.

This year, Scarborough was one of 30 suburbs to join the million-dollar club, an exclusive group comprising areas where the average property price is in the seven figures. Mr Dempsey is a pioneer of Scarborough’s upcoming beachfront development and described the most exclusive apartments between Hillarys and Swanbourne as “unabashedly super high-end”.

Shoreline redevelopment has brought several new public amenities along the 1 mile of shoreline, and local agents say there’s always something going on here. From Scarborough Sunset Markets to outdoor yoga and fitness classes, surf lessons and maritime festivals throughout the year.

According to property director Rob Walker, the Esplanade is lined with cafes, restaurants and bars, some of which come alive at night, leaving locals with the heart of the action just minutes from home. The Lookout Bar, located at 148 The Esplanade, is a popular beach club serving live music and good vibes. The bar is known for its bowling alley and the ability to wear beachwear, especially Australian footwear – thongs.

Less than 500 meters from Scarborough Beach is social media-famous gourmet sandwich bar Two Slices. With every ounce of hype from TikTok fans, the sandwich bar often has a line of people desperate for the winning combination of cold meats and fluffy focaccia bread.

The ocean isn’t for everyone, but the scenic views are hard to resist. The bike paths and walking paths along the shoreline of Scarborough Beach are constantly filled with people enjoying the salty sea breeze. There are also six green spaces where locals and visitors can picnic with beautiful views, especially of Sunset Hill.

Manicured grass, a Scarborough whale playground, skate park, amphitheater and swimming pool attract a range of ages to the Esplanade. Scarborough Swimming Pool, which opened in 2019, offers people a unique opportunity to cool off without having to walk across the sand back to their car. And all this time you enjoy the panorama of the Indian Ocean.

Scarborough, named after the English seaside resort of Scarborough in North Yorkshire, was first settled in 1869 when the first plot of land was given to John Hughes. The area was sandy, windy and of little agricultural importance. However, in the 1950s Scarborough, although not much changed, became very desirable.

The Luna Shopping Center in Scarborough, home to local shops and pharmacies, was formerly the Luna Amusement Park, hence the name. The theme park opened in 1939 and featured games and attractions. Events such as cycling, trapeze and beauty pageants were also held here. Luna Park was demolished in 1979 to make way for a shopping center.

The coastal suburb is home to the iconic Rendezvous Hotel, the only high-rise hotel on the Western Australian coast. The building was built in 1986 and was originally called “Observation City”. Alan Bond was responsible for the construction after he anticipated an increase in demand for housing during the 1987 America’s Cup competition in Fremantle.

The 24-storey hotel caused great controversy in the 1980s, but its construction continued despite a public campaign against the construction of high-rise waterfront buildings. Mr Bond wanted to transform Scarborough’s waterfront into a tourist magnet with more high-rise hotels. He managed to acquire almost all of the coastal real estate, with the exception of the family restaurant Peter’s by the Sea.

Peter’s by the Sea still serves fish and chips along the Esplanade and has been praised by locals since he refused to sell the property to Mr Bond despite making inflated offers.

Located in Perth’s northern coastal corridor, the 5 square meter suburb. km is well connected to the surrounding area by public transport. Buses take residents to nearby Glendalough or Stirling stations for train services into the city, Fremantle or the Midlands.

Luna Maxi Mart behind the Esplanade is the closest grocery store and medical facility. Westfield Innaloo Shopping Centre, just 10 minutes’ drive from Scarborough, offers more amenities including Target, beauty salon, Woolworths and Aldi. Karrinyup Shopping Centre, also 10 minutes’ drive from Scarborough, offers a wide range of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Mr Walker says: “Scarborough is the most affordable coastal suburb between Hillarys and Fremantle.” It’s no surprise that young couples without children make up 46.9% of the suburb’s residents, according to the 2021 Census. Scarborough’s average age is 36, with the largest age group being those aged 30-35 at 13.2 per cent.

There are nine schools within a 2.5 km radius of Scarborough, and only two offer secondary education – Western Australia International School and St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School. Scarborough State Primary School and St John’s Primary School are the only schools located less than a kilometer from Scarborough city centre.

Scarborough offers a variety of accommodation, from modern apartments to charming family homes. Townhouses are the most common residential structure in the suburb (47.6%), with detached houses making up 36.2% of the suburb and apartments making up 16%.

Agents say that because Scarborough caters to a range of budgets and lifestyles, it is an attractive suburb for renters, first home buyers, upsizers and downsizers and investors. However, it is not easy to squeeze into the market with houses built for only 11 days and apartments for 10 days.