Moving to Adelaide
Adelaide is known as the City of Light, an affectionate and tongue-in-cheek nickname that stems from its roots - it was founded by Colonel William Light in 1832.
Unofficially, the city is called the City of Churches, as it has many beautiful examples, including the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Christ Church and St. Francis Xavier's Roman Catholic Cathedral. The city is also blessed with being the gateway to the world-famous Barossa Valley wine area.
Adelaide is popular with expats. It’s clean, safe and compact - it's known by many as the ‘20-minute city’, as you can get anywhere in 20 minutes or less. If you’re used to the traffic in Britain this will come as a pleasant surprise!
As Adelaide is so compact, proximity to your work location isn’t as big a deal as it is in other cities. Adelaide offers beachside living, stately homes in well-established suburbs and also the possibility of living in a semi-rural setting in the Adelaide Hills. Families relocating from overseas tend to choose a style of house they like as opposed to the neighbourhood. Being close to your chosen schools may influence your decision.
Where’s good to live?
Expatriates typically rent in Adelaide. It’s not advisable to buy unless you plan to become a permanent resident, as the South Australian State Government has placed a high tax (known as ‘stamp duty’) on the purchase of real estate. Non-permanent residents will need to get Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval to purchase a home in Australia.
- Inner city and North Adelaide. The northern inner suburban areas of North Adelaide, Medindie and Walkerville are noted for their fine homes. The inner city provides apartment and townhouse style living.
- Eastern Suburbs. Toorak Gardens, Heathpool, Tusmore, Burnside and Kensington Gardens are renowned for their beautiful tree-lined avenues and good access to the more exclusive private schools in Adelaide.
- South Eastern Suburbs. Southeast of the city lie the suburbs of Springfield and Netherby. Nestled at the bottom of the Adelaide Hills Face Zone, this area has a wealth of fine properties in lush tree-lined streets.
- Southern Suburbs. South of the city centre, the suburbs of Unley and Hyde Park offer a very cosmopolitan, fashionable way of life with top designer boutiques.
- Western Suburbs. West of the city are the seaside suburbs, including Henley Beach, Grange, West Beach, Glenelg and Brighton. West Beach Reserve contains numerous playing fields, two golf courses, and a boating lake.
- North-eastern Suburbs. Suburban areas to the northeast of the Central Business District are also popular with expatriates, particularly those with offices located to the north of the city. The Golden Grove area, including Greenwith, Wynn Vale, Modbury and St Agnes is full of new housing.
Getting Around
It is not necessary to own a vehicle, but most families in Adelaide will have a car. The public transport system is very good and professionals often use trains, buses and trams to commute to the city.
To read about Stella Hartley's experience of moving to Adelaide click here
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