The western side of Australia is like the middle child. Everyone knows it’s there, but no one talks about it very much. Sydney and Melbourne get all the attention, and the Great Barrier Reef can be seen from space.

It’s time someone stood up and said something about the forgotten member of the family. The entire western half of the continent is designated as the state of Western Australia, and it’s easily the largest of the country’s states. The capital of this vast area is the beautiful city of Perth, which is perched on the continent’s left coast, making it next-door neighbour to the vast Indian Ocean.

If you’re looking to relocate and put down roots in a new place, here are some reasons why Perth should be on your shortlist.

The Climate

With a Mediterranean climate and wall-to-wall sunshine, Perth has weather that much of the world only dreams about. It’s Australia’s sunniest city. Hot summers and mild winters mean Australia’s amazing outdoors is accessible all year. The coldest month is July, but daytime highs are still around 18° C. Sea breezes help to keep things cool in the summer months.

The Beaches

Does living just a few minutes from the ocean, putting your feet in the sand several times a week and taking a swim in warm, crystal clear water sound good to you? You’ll be happy as a clam in Perth. The long coastline means plenty of beaches – 19 of them, in fact – and each one has its own special character. From family-friendly beaches with playgrounds and picnic areas to surfer hangouts with challenging breaks, you’re sure to find a beach or two that will make it on your favourites list.

Spectacular Nature Experiences

With so much to do within a days’ drive of Perth, you can spend each weekend on a different adventure. Take a ferry to Rottnest Island to see quokkas (cute little marsupials), swim in the ocean and visit its lighthouses. Explore the caves around the Margaret River Region. See the otherworldly desert sculptures at the Pinnacles. Go dolphin-spotting at Busselton. Check out the wineries and family-fun activities in the Swan Valley. Travel up the coast to see the amazing red cliffs of Francois Peron National Park and the breathtaking water of Turquoise Bay. Swim with manta rays in Coral Bay, and visit Kalbarri, Exmouth and other fascinating coastal towns.

A Foodie’s Paradise

Perth is full of trendy bars, cafés and restaurants that serve an amazing variety of cuisines from around the world as well as local fare using the abundance of local produce available. And the coffee scene is thriving in Perth. The city’s residents take their coffee very seriously, and many trendy niche cafés have sprung up around town. The Northbridge area, next to the central business district, is especially known for its nightlife and great food. You’re sure to find something that will suit your mood and palate in Perth.

Tech and Innovation are Thriving

A significant number of entrepreneurs, networking groups and co-working spaces have sprung up in Perth in recent years. More than 400 digital and internet start-ups were established in the past eight years alone, and that number is only expected to grow. The mining activity in Western Australia is a catalyst for this, as mining and associated industries are among the biggest users and developers of new technology.

A Slower Pace of Life

If your hectic lifestyle makes you feel like you’re constantly burning the candle at both ends, you’re not alone. Perth residents have learned to slow things down a bit and actually enjoy life. Maybe the abundant sunshine and spectacular coastline have something to do with it – it’s kind of like being on holiday all the time. The people are down-to-earth and friendly, and they love to spend time walking outside, hanging out on the beaches and having picnics. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

There’s a reason the expat community continues to grow in Perth. Australia’s jewel on the “other coast” has so much to offer that those who experience it decide that they want to stay.