Northam, WA 6401

3.5(24 reviews)

Ranked 5th best suburb by locals in Midlands Region, WA

Great for

  • Neighbourly spirit
  • Safe and sound
  • Lack of traffic
  • Peace and quiet
  • Medical facilities

Not great for

  • Nightlife
  • Public transport

Who lives here?

  • Families With Kids
  • Retirees
  • Professionals
  • Country Lovers
  • Singles

Reviews of Northam, WA

"Wheatbelt’s version of the City"

Moving to Northam in the new year, some things I have observed it doesn’t seem clique locals have been nothing but kind to me and generous I’ve found overwhelming support on community Facebook pages I’m not originally from Northam either or a sad case that needs fixing just a decent hard working family trying to give Northam a red hot crack! Hubby and I originally grew up in small Wheatbelt towns not far from Northam so for us we are very familiar with Northam but have never lived here before. To play it safe we have enrolled our daughter into St Joseph’s, have secured a rental very quickly despite the very significant housing crisis in the area (I can speak for other towns and regional city’s in saying that the rental situation in Northam is very bad probably on par with towns like Broome at the time we were searching for a rental from The Hills right through to Cunderdin there were 0 rentals available for us) with regard to employment hubby and I have had no issues we both have quite impressive resumes and have always been hard working people so finding a job was no problem in fact I’d go as far as to say that there might even be a skilled worker shortage to greater proportions than most other towns as I was approached by about 10 different companies kinda seeming desperate for workers I also have a very diverse resume bit of heavy diesel and a lot of real estate/ law. So I guess it depends on how employable your are. We realise nightlife is going to be a bit more dull than if you were in the city, which doesn’t bother us because a good country pub counter meal and beer does us just fine for date night plus we have a kid so it’s not like we live for the night life. We want the rural life style that’s what we know and grew up with so we will fit in just fine we aren’t worried about that. Northams in a great location being 50 minutes from Midland and less than an hour from the towns we grew up in.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
2
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Looking for a home in Northam?

"Up & Coming"

Having lived in Northam for many years I have seen a huge amount of changes. There is a fantastic Chamber of Commerce & Northam Women in Business group that are keen to make changes in town. More businesses are coming in to town including the new Spudshed which is now opening. The town will continue to grow and is close enough to Midland should you need anything else.
The locals are super friendly but you must be willing to put yourself out there are actually connect with people.

Samantha Fillingham, Real Estate Sales Executive, Summit Realty, Waikiki

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
2
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"Wouldn’t move back"

We moved to northam for work. The town sadly is clicky and not welcoming to out of towners. Every one leaves town on the weekend so it’s hard to socialise. When we lived there we only had three options for eating out - after our last visit recently we saw many more food venues which is fabulous!
I look forward to northam flourishing into a weekender kind of town like York in its future as it deserves it!

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"Just a country town with diminishing employment opportunities"

Northam has high crime rate and low employment opportunities. If you manage to find a job listing chances are you won't get it unless you're a friend or related to the recruiter/manager.

Long way from Perth and has second rate health and medical services.

Looking to move to Northam should be a 'bottom of list' priority.

1
Zero
Zero

Meanwhile Northam has lowest crime rate in six years and crime continues downward trend

Margaret Wingrove
Margaret Wingrove

Visited Northam recently and was very disappointed. The town does have plenty of shops, lovely older buildings - but that river - the stink I'm talking about. Yes, it's May, and river needs rain in buckets. Toilets at Bernard Park, nice to look at but while it's quiet season I think people would love to have a lock on every cubicle door, and toilet paper would help. We only went for a day but first impressions of Northam doesn't make it appealing.

kristy-jo harber
kristy-jo harber

People have stopped bothering the police with crime as they do nothing, the stats are fixed, even security in the mall doesn't bother calling them anymore

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"A good place to grow up"

I was born in Northam and grew up there in the 70's and 80's and I still return from time to time for a spot of nostalgia. I found that Northam was a great place to grow up. At the time people were friendly and helpful and there was little crime. Northam has a very good regional high school. I went to Avonvale Primary and found that to be an excellent school. Northam Primary and St Josephs also had a good reputation but West Northam Primary was considered a bit rougher due to the large number of public houses in that part of town. Having said that, I never felt unsafe when I cycled or
walked through West Northam.
There were and still are plenty of sporting opportunities for kids and the new indoor recreation facility is great and I see that the outdoor Olympic swimming pool is still in operation during the hotter months. The riverside parks are lovely and there are lots of interesting historic buildings if you know where to look. For day to day shopping there are 3 supermarkets (Woolworths, Coles and Aldi) and several clothes shops and other stores. Unless you want something special such as furniture there's really no need to travel to Perth. I'd agree that there is a lack of entertainment options, but come on.... it is in the country after all... and it's only an hour to the city if you want nightlife or restaurants. Northam is a beautiful green place in winter and spring; albeit the winter mornings can be quite chilly however it can be very hot in the summer months so make sure your house is well insulated. Compared to other towns such as York or Toodyay it is good to to see on my visits that the town still appears to be expanding and prospering. Overall I feel lucky that I grew up there and I enjoy my visits back to the place that will always be home in my heart. If I was looking for a place to live, the south side of town between the river and Avonvale is a good spot, as is the central part of town extending up the hill behind the Bouldevard Shopping centre. I'd still steer clear of West Northam if purchasing a home though.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
2
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Rentals in Northam

"Large country town"

Large country town, houses are cheaper here compared to nearby towns. Has all essential services and upgraded hospital.

Some areas of town do have a lot of crime (home west houses).

PS: Nikki Gogan is still trying to be famous. Trying her luck out in Perth now.

0
kristies4

Hi. Are you able to tell me where the homes west houses are? Any streets in particular to avoid? We are looking at burying there. Thank you

paulr11

The whole area around Clarkson Street

chillx
chillx

any real estate agent can look up homes west locations

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"Regional hub with services but does have high crime"

Certain areas in Northam are safe but other sections of the town are quite dangerous and I wouldn't live in some areas. Especially near the home's west houses.

There are lot's of schools in Town one of which is private. There is also a hospital that is getting major upgrades. TAFE collage and a new supermarket complex does make the town appealing to live in. It would be great if the town had a lower crime rate.

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"Northam is dodgy as hell"

Do not ever think of living in northam very dodge place full of hoons and truckies terrible place to bring up any kid

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"Live in Northam at your own peril!"

Terrible place, do not live here unless absolutely necessary. Check out the crime statistics on WA police website and the fact that Northam has one of the highest rates of insurance claims from burglaries - these figures tell the real story of Northam. Northam has the worst crime rates and break in's of any place I have ever been previously, it is absolutely atrocious - I'm sure local police would also support this claim. Even with a totally secured house I was still robbed after some nice folk kicked in the front door while I was at work and cleaned out the house of any item of value - this is NOT an isolated incident as most of my work colleagues have had similar experiences. No one was ever caught and no property ever recovered. Neighboring properties have also experienced the same fate (numerous times). A local officer told me there is a huge drug problem in town (not unique to country towns unfortunately) and lots of issues with (some) local indigenous folk. So unless you like to live in Forte Knox and have security screen doors and windows (even then they will still get in) or don't value your property then I would strongly recommend you consider living elsewhere! Aside from that there is little to do locally, limited choice of restaurants / take away options. The weather is freezing in winter and extremely hot over the summer months. Taxi's don't run 24 hrs. I'm normally a glass a half full type of person but cannot think of any positives to write in this review. Bad vibe around town. ....anyways you get the idea. Good luck - you will need it if you move to Northam!

http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/northam-plagued-by-youth-crime-20121109-293l7.html

https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Crime/Crime-Statistics-Portal/Statistics

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-08/worst-wa-suburbs-for-break-in-claims-revealed/6077150

2
hollyr2

That is a good point my kids are scared to stay in the car

Zero
Zero

You sure talk like someone from the city. Sure as hell better than any suburb in Perth of equal population. looking at your Crime Statistics Portal take midland for example with a population of roughly 6000 that has 1500-1000 reported stealing per year while Northam with a population of roughly 6500 has 200-450 per year.

Kevin Muller
Kevin Muller

good comparison thank you

chillx
chillx

About the profile areas. The 2021 Estimated Resident Population for Midland is 48,595, with a population density of 742.0 persons per square km.
Please google + check "midland population = 48000 + The Estimated Resident Population of the Shire of Northam was 11,810 as of the 30th June 2021.

chillx
chillx

Northam 7500 people , Midland 48000 , according to google

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"Fairly standard country town"

The critics of northam say it's boring, dead- well it's not abnormal for a country town. If you like country towns then northam is ok as it comes with all the usual features of a country town. Some like the fact that life can be less crowded, less shopping, less traffic!! And lower prices for housing. That being said, northam does have a very busy courthouse for such a small town....Educational outcomes are notably lower than many metro schools- again normal for a country town. It is what is is

Who lives here?

  • Country Lovers
0
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"Wanna live in Northam? Think again"

I've been living in Northam for a while and so far have found it one of the most boring places that I've ever seen.
1. It's always claimed that Northam is close to Perth so it's a good choice to live or work, theoretically yes. But in reality, road is not safe, lots of truckies, hoon drivers, animals which makes you tired while you drive. There is a train and some road coaches which are strangely slow with non efficient timetable.
2.It's not a safe place specially for teenagers, although it looks like a calm city but lots of things happening underneath. There are lots of mental, criminal drug induced problems among young ones. There are lots of mental health helps, alcohol rehabs and so on just in a city with 7500 population.
3. It's a dead city after 5 and after 9 the only place open is mac an old dirty pub. There is not even a cinema in town.
4. Majority of people are aboriginals and white christians who hate each other and try to remain in their gangs, btw having gang is something really popular here.
5. It's hospital is one of the most notorious ones in AU, just google it.
6. This is the only place in Australia that I've seen men honk for women and bully them on streets.
7. Phone and internet coverage are not bad if you have them with telestra otherwise its like living in a panic room.

1
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"Great town, very friendly"

We have lived in Northam for 3 years and have found the town very friendly and helpful. I work a 2 and 1 FIFO roster and its fairly close to Perth Airport. Whether you have lived here for a week or all your life, someone will help you. Our kids go to Avonvale Primary, some may say its "shabby" but its a small school with a huge community spirit. Bernard Park is a great park to take energetic kids to run amok in. Certainly not a small town, with almost 10,000 in the shire. Shopping has a good choice with Coles and Woolworths, and Midland is only 45-50 mins away. You can get everything you need. The medical side is good also, lots of Doctors and the Hospital is a Regional Hospital and has every specialist that is either based at the hospital or visits regularly from Perth, yes theres a few services that you will need to go to Perth for. We have lived in other towns like Kalgoorlie and Northam comes very close in likeness to Kalgoorlie, however Northam is smaller and friendlier and the distance to Perth makes it very attractive to many people. This town may not be for everyone, but for us its home, and a fine town it is to call home to.

Great for

  • Pretty in the Winter

Not great for

  • Parts of West Northam are shabby

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Country Lovers
0
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"Very nice place"

Cool hot darty

Great for

  • Natives are friendly
  • Pretty in the Winter
  • Virtualy crime free

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
0
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"I came here 8 years ago... And Im not leaving!"

I followed my fiancee here 8 years ago. We married, had two children and divorced. However the town is great and I'm not going anywhere. I have purchased two quality properties (An acre of land with all amenities for 98k and a 4x2 quality home for 350k). Considering as the town in 50 minutes from midland and has great schools and a lot of spirit I'm glad I'm here.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
0
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"Been there 6 Months...and I'm staying!"

Im a FIFO worker who came to Northam because my wifes a Northam Girl. Northam constantly suprises me. Its obviously not Claremont but its has a pleasant rural aspect and its housing is 75% cheaper. I was there when the winds hit in Feburary and saw first hand the generousity and spirit of the townsfolk. It is still a true country town wheras in my view York is full of city "types". Im not a snob but you can get a decent Coffee and a meal. In reality Perths just down the road anyway for those exotic experiences and weekends away when required. It takes about the same time to get into Perth as it does to get from Rockingham to Perth in the traffic.
There are some good schools here Northam Primary and St Joesephs for my kids age group. There are an abundance of parks and recreation areas and overall the main street has many interesting old buildings which go well beyond the turgid shopping malls which populate many the desolate urban areas of Perth.

Great for

  • Virtualy crime free
  • Natives are friendly
  • Pretty in the Winter

Not great for

  • Parts of West Northam are shabby

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
  • Country Lovers
0
kristy-jo harber
kristy-jo harber

Why lie about the crime?

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Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
0
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"A great place to give your children the childhood they deserve"

I can not rate this town highly enough, there are many schools to choose from for primary and a government and a private school for high school. there is any sport you could hope to play, and almost any other pastime you could think of. The town is friendly and has great community spirit. the housing affordability is beyond you wildest metropolitan expectation!!! And all of this less than 100km from perth!!! if you have a dream of self sufficient living or just want to dial stress back 20years or so, come up and have a look. the local tourist bureau is fantastic for information.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"An excellent place"

My wife and I bought a house in Northam 2 years ago. We looked at York and we looked at Toodyay. (and elsewhere) Toodyay was okay, but we found York 'prententious' and somewhat snobby.

Northam people spealk well of Northam. We asked people working in Northam what they thought of the town. We asked in banks, service stations, cafe`s and received ne're a bad word.

Did find some Real Estate Agents a bit lacklustre, but were lucky to find Nikki at Hollett & Laurence and her help and guidance was 'OUTSTANDING'. In fact, the entire team at Hollett & Laurence were and are 'First Class'.

I don't yet live there, but I will and I can't wait to get involved in the local community.

Bill & Sue S.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"sleeping beauty"

We have lived in Northam for 5 years and we do love the place .
We commute to Perth daily for work and enjoy the peaceful drive back home after a hectic day at the office.
Do find the shops closing at 12 on a saturday a bit of a pain and definately Cafes closed after 12 on weekends a definate loser for the town, and tourism.
Northam is a friendly town and quiet and peacefull most of the time we find busineses very willing and able to accomadate your needs without to much trouble.
Being not too far from Perth we do find it strange that we are not on natural gas here ???
The facilities such as Hospital and emergency services are second to none.
House prices are very affordable we highly recommend bringing families, or retirees into Northam.
A great place to live down by the river ................

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"Potential Plus!"

Northam's great! We have lived & worked here for many years. The facilities are good. Great schools and modern hospital. The people friendly. There are numerous community and sporting groups. Real estate is still reasonable and being less than one hour from Perth if you can't get what you want here it's no biggy to hop in the car (or train). A $9mill sports facility has just been given the go ahead. New houses are popping up, Macca's has moved into town - Northam is on the move!!!
Like any town it's what you put into it. No use bagging a place if you haven't made an effort to become part of the community. :-)

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
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"Northam is a way of life."

You have to live and work in Northam to understand the beauty within. Plus, Perth is less than an hour drive for those who wish to visit parks, zoos and shopping centres.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
hollyr2

I agree

Jason MacKinnon
Jason MacKinnon

It seems more than an hour away. Do you have to speed to make it to Midland within an hour? The train trip, both via the Avon Link and the Prospector from Midland, seems to take an eternity.

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"a town is what you make it"

we have lived in Northam for over 17 years and i've found the neighbours friendly if you take the time,in Perth you don't even know your next door neighbour.Houses and gardens are average when you compare us to Perth gardens, but we are in the country remember.There are enough shops and food outlets etc to satisfy or take a run to Midland 1 hour away for the outing.We have a hospital,doctors,dentists, etc,lots of schools, parks and gardens, on the river free entertainment.We have spent many years making our home lovely, but it is time to downsize as we're getting older, but we will still live in Northam, it's a lifestyle that you can't get in Perth.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"DEAD Town, lifeless, a good place to hide, bring some steroids!"

Like some towns in the wheatbelt, Northam is quite lifeless especially on the weekend. If you want to buy something at the local hardware store on a sunday forget it, it will be closed as are most of the shops. Don't expect any intellectually stimulating conversations with the locals either! It is controlled by some old cronies and that''s why Northam is what it is and will remain so for many decades to come. What does it offer? Nothing, steer clear! A place to die...

Who lives here?

  • Retirees
1
Jason MacKinnon
Jason MacKinnon

I agree. It's an ugly boring town that seems hours away from Perth regardless of the 1 hour drive claim that has been made.

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"Close enough to Perth to commute"

Northam is about an hour and a half drive north west of Perth and is in the Avon Valley. Located on the banks of the Avon River the area has fertile land and is used extensively for agriculture. There are many wineries in the area as well and some great wines come from Northam. The town is a major administration centre for the area and has everything you could need. There are good shopping facilities in the town with supermarkets and specialty shops, banks to ATM’s and some great restaurants, cafes takeaway food outlets. There are hotels and taverns for your entertainment some of which offer good economical meals. Northam has modern medical centres and a fully equipped hospital. In Northam you have a choice of educational facilities with state, religious and private, primary and secondary schools. Home prices and rentals in the area are very reasonable and given the close proximity to Perth and the easy train commute to the capital it makes the area very appealing. There are plenty of sporting activities to get involved with here including cycling, swimming, basketball, football, cricket, netball etc. There are numerous playing fields and indoor recreation centre. The town has a great community spirit with many community based activities held at regular intervals.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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