Scarborough suburb profile: What are its unique selling points and is it a good place to live?

LIVING IN: Scarborough

Population: 17,605

Distance from Perth CBD: 14.6 km north-west

Median House Price: $1,105,000

Median Unit Price: $625,500

Crime: 1366 offences (2023)

Tucked along West Australia’s breathtaking coastline, Scarborough is a vibrant community where white sands and clear waters are at local’s disposal.

This pleasantry may come as a surprise to those who are familiar with Scarborough’s nickname, Scabs or Armadale by the Sea. Property developer Gary Dempsey admitted there was a time he didn’t have many good things to say about the suburb but claims that all changed about six to eight years ago with the $100m foreshore redevelopment.

In the 1950’s Scarborough Beach was Perth’s heart of rock’n’roll. FJ Holdens filled the streets and teenagers gathered around the Kool Korner Kafe, ready for another night of dancing in the Snake Pit. The White Sands Tavern quickly developed a reputation as the roughest place in Perth and Scarborough became the well-known hang-out for bikies and schoolies.

This year Scarborough was one of 30 suburbs to join the million-dollar club — an exclusive group featuring areas where the median property carries a seven-figure price tag. Mr Dempsey is pioneering Scarborough’s upcoming beachfront complex and has dubbed the most exclusive apartments between Hillarys and Swanbourne as “unashamedly super high-end.”

The foreshore redevelopment brought several new public amenities along the 1.6km of beachfront and local agents say there is always something happening. From the Scarborough Sunset Markets to outdoor yoga and fitness sessions, surfing lessons and seaside festivals throughout the year.

The Esplanade is home to cafes, restaurants and bars, some of which come alive at night leaving locals with a happening hub just a few minutes from home — according to Property Director Rob Walker. The Lookout Bar, located at 148 The Esplanade, is a popular beachside club serving live music and good vibes. The bar is known for its in-house bowling facilities and acceptance of beach wear, especially the Aussie footwear staple — thongs.

Less than 500 metres from Scarborough Beach is the social media renowned gourmet sandwich bar, Two Slices. Living up to every ounce of hype from its TikTok fandom, the sandwich bar often has a line of people out the door desperate for their winning combination of cold meat and fluffy focaccia bread.

The ocean isn’t for everyone but the picturesque views are hard to resist. Cycling and walking paths along Scarborough Beach foreshore are continuously filled with people enjoying the salty sea breeze. There are also six grassed areas where locals and visitors can picnic with a view — particularly on Sunset Hill.

Breaking up the well-kept grass, Scarborough’s Whale Playground, skate park, Amphitheatre and swimming pool draw a variety of ages to The Esplanade. Scarborough Pool which opened in 2019 offers a unique experience for people to cool off without the sandy walk back to the car. All while enjoying the panoramic outlook of the Indian Ocean.

Scarborough — named after the English beach resort Scarborough, North Yorkshire — was first settled in 1869 with the first piece of land granted to John Hughes. The area was sandy, windy and had little agricultural value. However, in the 1950s, although it hadn’t changed much, Scarborough became very desirable.

Scarborough’s Luna Shopping Centre — home to local coles and pharmacy — used to be Luna Amusement Park, hence the name. The theme park opened in 1939 and was home to games and rides. It also hosted events such as cycling, trapeze and Beauty Competitions. Luna Park was demolished in 1979 making way for the shopping precinct.

The beachside suburb is home to the iconic Rendezvous Hotel, the only high-rise hotel along the West Australian coast. The building was built in 1986 and was originally named Observation City. Alan Bond was responsible for the building after he anticipated an increase in demand for accommodation during the 1987 America’s Cup challenge in Fremantle.

The 24-level hotel was very controversial in the 1980s but proceeded despite a public campaign against high-rise beachfront development. Mr Bond wanted to convert Scarborough foreshore into a tourist magnet with more high-rise hotels. He managed to secure almost all of the beach-front real estate apart from the family-owned restaurant Peter’s by the Sea.

Peter’s by the Sea is still frying fish and chips along The Esplanade today and has been praised by locals ever since it refused to sell the property to Mr Bond despite him making inflated offers.

Positioned in the northern coastal corridor of Perth, the 5sqkm suburb is well-connected to its surroundings through public transport. Buses link residents to the nearby Glendalough or Stirling stations where trains to the city, Fremantle or Midland can be accessed.

The Luna Maxi Mart behind The Esplanade is home to the closest grocery store and medical facility. Westfield Innaloo Shopping Centre, a mere 10-minute drive from Scarborough, has more amenities including a Target, beauty salon, Woolworths and Aldi. Karrinyup Shopping Centre, also a 10-minute drive from Scarborough, offers an extensive range of retail, dining, and entertainment options.

Mr Walker says: “Scarborough is the most affordable coastal suburb between Hillarys and Fremantle.” Making it no surprise that young couples without children make up 46.9 per cent of the suburb — according to the 2021 census. Scarborough’s median age is 36 years old with people aged 30-35 being the largest age demographic at 13.2 per cent.

There are nine schools within 2.5km of Scarborough, and only two offer secondary education — The International School of Western Australia and St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School. Scarborough Public Primary School and St John’s Primary School are the only schools less than a kilometre from central Scarborough.

Scarborough offers a diverse mix of housing, from modern apartments to charming family homes. Townhouses are the most common dwelling structure in the suburb at 47.6 per cent, separate houses make up 36.2 per cent of the suburb and apartments 16 per cent.

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