Need suggestions about moving to/living in Adelaide
Hi, I am seriously considering the move to Australia and feel that Adelaide would be a good place to start for my wife and two kids (5 & 2). We are currently living in rural south island and think that Adelaide would be a better place for us to get settled into and be able to afford a nice lifestyle etc. What I would like to know is what areas or surburbs people would recommend for a typical family of four, that are close to the beach and within an easy commute to the city with good schools etc. We would be looking around the $350k mark for a 3 bedroom plus house (I will be working close to the city centre). I appreciate your advice on the above or any other relevant info or suggestions about living / moving to Adelaide. Cheers.
Hi Ashleigh,
I haven't visited Adelaide but I have heard it is very similar to Christchurch, NZ in terms of size. You might these guides and discussions useful:
http://www.domain.com.au/public/apm/suburbprofile/default.aspx?mode=buy
http://www.expatfocus.com/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=5323
http://www.realestate.com.au is also very handy for looking at properties for sale.
Cheers!
To whom it may concern,
I would like to share my personal experience of living in Adelaide, particularly as someone who moved here with a young family. Before relocating, I often heard that Adelaide was peaceful, affordable, and family‑friendly. Unfortunately, my experience has been very different, and I believe it is important for others considering a move to have a realistic understanding of the challenges they may face.
The cost of living, especially housing, has been significantly higher than expected. Despite visiting more than seventy rental properties and submitting over fifty applications — including homes priced above $900 per week — my applications were consistently rejected without clear explanation. My spouse and I have a combined income of around $200,000, yet securing a rental has been extremely difficult. Due to visa restrictions, purchasing a home is not an option for us, which adds further pressure.
Schooling has also been challenging. Only a small number of public schools are considered strong options, and most are concentrated within a limited area in the eastern suburbs, where housing is highly competitive and expensive. Families living outside these zones often feel compelled to consider private schooling, which adds another financial burden.
Healthcare costs have also been higher than anticipated, with out‑of‑pocket expenses for medical visits and medications adding up quickly.
Daily life has felt restrictive at times, with limited shopping hours, reduced weekend availability, and public transport that does not adequately support families living outside key areas. These factors combined have made it difficult to build the stable and fulfilling family life we hoped for.
I understand that every city has strengths and weaknesses, and that others may have different experiences. However, based on what I have encountered, I feel it is important to share my perspective so that families planning to move here can make informed decisions.
Relocating to Adelaide has been one of the most difficult decisions I have made, and it has had a lasting impact on my family’s wellbeing. I hope that by sharing this, others can better prepare for the realities of living here.
The job market has also been extremely challenging. Securing employment here has proven far more difficult than expected, even for skilled professionals. Opportunities are limited, competition is high, and the process often feels slow and discouraging. This has added another layer of stress to settling in Adelaide and has made it harder to build a stable life for my family.
Sincerely, Victim
the northern suburbs of adelaide Elizabeth, Salisbury etc aren't too nice. Traffic is generally fine, nothing like Auckland for example as there are alot of roads to choose from. $350k might get you into Adelaide at the lower end of the market but I'm certainly no expert. You could also build for that but maybe not in your favourite area, and it would take one year. If you're from the rural area you might also like the Adelaide hills. its a drive every day but not considered long commute over here. Plenty of people working in the Barossa commute from the city, for example.