Choosing where to build your forever home is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make, especially when you're planning a future for your family. The idea of settling down in a place where kids can grow, learn, and thrive is something many buyers strive for. That’s why the phrase “family-friendly” has become so popular, especially in the real estate sector... but what does it actually mean?
A family-friendly suburb is more than just a place with good schools or nearby parks. It’s about safety, connection, access to essentials, lifestyle, and opportunity, wrapped into a welcoming community where you can truly feel at home.
Located in the heart of Viveash, a leafy green suburb nestled along the Swan River, Rivermark is a masterplanned estate designed with families in mind. Perfectly positioned on a picturesque portion of the Swan River and at the doorstep of the Swan Valley, this enviable riverside community celebrates connected living with open green spaces, leafy streets, playgrounds, walking trails and a relaxed pace of life that invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
In this guide, we explore the most important qualities to look for in a family-friendly community and explain why Rivermark is the perfect place for young families, first-home buyers, and growing families looking to build their dream life.
The Key Features of Family-Friendly Communities
When you're searching for a new family home, there’s more to consider than floor plans and finishes. The surrounding community plays a huge role in your decision, affecting your day-to-day quality of life. Whether you're raising toddlers, teenagers, or planning for the future, these key features are worth keeping in mind.
Homes in family-friendly suburbs often hold their value over time and tend to see steady interest because they appeal to many families. In fact, factors like school zones, parks, low crime rates and local amenities can all impact a suburb’s median house price, making your decision not just a lifestyle one, but a smart investment.
Let’s explore what makes a community truly family-friendly.
A Safe and Secure Environment
When it comes to your family, safety is always a top priority. A community that feels secure offers more than peace of mind; it supports your family’s wellbeing. Living in a safe neighbourhood has been shown to reduce stress and contribute to better outcomes for children, both mentally and physically.
When choosing where you want to live, look for areas with:
- Low crime statistics
- Well-lit streets
- Safe pedestrian paths
- Family-oriented design
At Rivermark, every detail has been carefully planned to support a safe and inclusive environment. This masterplanned community features wide streets, pedestrian-friendly footpaths, and generous open spaces. Here, safety blends seamlessly with beauty. Imagine coming home to tranquil river views, beautiful parks, and quiet walking trails where your kids can roam freely and safely.
Access to Quality Education
Proximity to quality schools is a key driver for many families choosing where to live. Good education options aren’t just convenient; they set the foundation for your child’s future. From early learning to secondary school and beyond, the right environment can shape academic success, social confidence, and lifelong learning habits.
Being close to good schools also means less travel time, a more manageable routine for parents, and more time for kids to enjoy extracurricular activities, friendships, and family life.
At Rivermark, you’ll have access to a wide range of local schools (both public and private schools) across all year levels:
- Woodbridge Primary School
- Midvale Primary School
- Caversham Primary School
- La Salle College
- Guildford Grammar School
- Swan Christian College
- Governor Stirling Senior High School
Whether you're looking for public or private, secular or faith-based education, there's a school near Rivermark to suit your family's needs.
In addition to these excellent schools, Rivermark is also conveniently located near leading higher education and training options, including:
- North Metropolitan TAFE – Midland Campus
- Curtin University – Midland Medical Campus
- Edith Cowan University – Joondalup Campus
From early learning to tertiary study, Rivermark provides the perfect base for every stage of your child’s educational journey.
Parks, Playgrounds and Outdoor Living
Access to green spaces is one of the most important features of a family-friendly neighbourhood. Not only do they offer a place to relax and unwind, but they also encourage kids to stay active, use their imagination, and spend less time in front of screens.
Rivermark is all about connected living, with an emphasis on getting outside and enjoying the beautiful WA landscape. Designed with families in mind, this beautiful community features:
- 5.5km of riverside trails
- Direct access to the Swan River foreshore
- Leafy parklands and shady picnic areas
- Adventure playgrounds for all ages
Some of the local highlights include:
- Reg Bond Reserve – Ideal for picnics, family sports and open-air gatherings.
- Jack Williamson Park – A friendly green space where kids love to climb, explore and play.
- Ray Marshall Park – With stunning views of the river and peaceful paths, it’s a favourite among locals.
- Swan River Foreshore Trails – Running alongside the water’s edge, these scenic trails are perfect for active movement, exploring, cycling, jogging or simply strolling at sunset.
At the heart of the community, Rivermark’s newest park is designed to encourage social interaction and outdoor enjoyment. With shaded seating, open lawns, and meandering pathways, it’s a fantastic place for a picnic, a morning workout, or simply soaking in nature’s beauty.
Close to Everyday Essentials
For growing families, convenience can make all the difference. Living near local amenities means less time in the car and more time doing what you love.
When everything is close by, from schools and shops to doctors and playgrounds, your daily routine becomes easier and less stressful.
Rivermark is ideally positioned with access to:
- Midland Gate Shopping Centre – For groceries, dining and entertainment
- Midland Town Hall Farmers Market – Discover local crafts, fresh produce and community charm
- Guildford Main Street – A boutique hub with cafes, shops and WA’s rich history
- St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals – Trusted health facilities just minutes away
- Public transport – Close to Midland Station, future METRONET links and key highways
Whether you need groceries, healthcare, child care, or shopping centres, Rivermark places it all at your fingertips.
Community and Connection
A truly family-friendly suburb should feel like a place where you belong. That means more than just physical infrastructure; it’s about fostering a close-knit community where neighbours know each other, kids make friends easily, and families support one another.
At Rivermark, community is at the heart of the design. Shared green spaces, walking paths, and riverside gathering spots encourage spontaneous connections and weekend meetups. Whether you’re out walking the dog or attending a local event, you’ll feel part of something bigger.
You can embrace the great outdoors with loved ones or enjoy peaceful moments along the trail. The layout is designed to encourage interaction without sacrificing privacy.
It’s this mix of local community, lifestyle, and genuine connection that makes Rivermark a standout among Perth suburbs.
Why Rivermark is one of the Best Family-Friendly Suburbs in Western Australia
So, what really makes a suburb family-friendly?
- Good schools
- Green spaces and parks
- Safe, welcoming streets
- Everyday essentials nearby
- Affordable housing
- A strong sense of connection and community
Rivermark offers all of this and more. It’s a return to the values of traditional neighbourhood living where children ride bikes, parents chat on the footpath, and nature is never far away.
Combining the benefits of a masterplanned riverside community with a competitive average house price, Rivermark offers exceptional value for first-home buyers and growing families seeking both quality and affordability.
This thoughtfully designed riverside suburb is a hidden gem in Western Australia, offering relaxed community living without compromising on convenience. It’s one of the more affordable suburbs for families seeking a premium lifestyle in a peaceful, leafy suburb that’s still close to the CBD.
With homes designed for young families, first-home buyers, and upsizers, Rivermark truly is a place where many families can grow and thrive. Surrounded by quality schools, stunning nature, great recreational activities and easy access to everything you need for a relaxed lifestyle, it’s a community built for today and for the future.
Explore land for sale at Rivermark today and discover a better way of living for your family—right here in the heart of Viveash.