Originally Posted by Kato

Personally I would try and live closer to the city than Joondalup / Rockingham. Although that would depend on what kind of work you are chasing. If it is in or near the city, you will have a long commute every day which will get tiresome quickly.

Personally all suburbs are bad and all are good. It all depends on your neighbours. Inherently cheaper suburbs bring 'cheaper' people and you get the problems.

Personally I'd go for a short term rental near to where you will be working and then if you are looking to buy, check out the suburbs yourself.