Areas and suburbs in Adelaide

The best places to live in Adelaide

Searching for the best places to live in Adelaide? You’re in luck. Adelaide boasts a huge variety of neighbourhoods and suburbs, so you’re sure to find an area that suits your priorities and lifestyle.

The city’s compact nature means your house-hunting won’t be limited to areas close to your workplace or your kids’ schools, as it rarely takes longer than 20 minutes to cross Adelaide.

Given the dynamic housing market, you might prefer to rent at first. We recommend doing so until you’ve settled into your new life and acquainted yourself with Adelaide’s many neighbourhoods.

Eager to know more? Check out our guides on the Lifestyle in Adelaide and the excellent Schools in Adelaide.

Family-friendly areas in Adelaide

Medindie, Walkerville and Prospect

Medindie, Walkerville and Prospect are popular family-friendly areas in Adelaide’s north. These suburbs are close to the city centre and offer various housing options, from large luxury homes to apartments and townhouses.

Medindie and Walkerville are particularly attractive due to their proximity to some of Adelaide’s top private schools. Rental prices in these areas are higher, reflecting their desirability.

Prospect, while a little less established, offers more affordable rentals, making it a great option if you’re looking for value without compromising location. The recent upgrades to public transport, including the Adelaide Metro and the free City Connector bus service, ensure that commuting from these suburbs is a breeze.

Brompton

Brompton in Adelaide’s north has become increasingly popular, especially with young families and professionals. This fun, Bohemian area is just a stone’s throw from the city centre and well-connected by trains and buses. Brompton’s affordability, combined with its proximity to the city, makes it perfect if you’re in Australia on a working holiday or gap year.

The area is changing rapidly, with new residents moving in from other parts of Australia and overseas, diversifying the community and adding a new vibrancy. It’s a lively suburb with lots to offer for those seeking a creative, community-driven environment.

Burnside and Kensington Gardens

Located east of Adelaide, Burnside, and Kensington Gardens are renowned for their picturesque tree-lined avenues and strong community vibe. These areas are particularly appealing if you have young children, thanks to numerous parks and excellent community facilities. Burnside boasts spacious homes and leafy streets, while Kensington Gardens offers a mix of charming older homes and modern developments.

Hazelwood Park and Langman Reserve provide great hiking and mountain biking opportunities, making these areas ideal if you love the outdoors. Regular community events, like seasonal markets and local gatherings, make Burnside and Kensington Gardens feel like home, especially for retirees and those looking for a close-knit neighbourhood.

Springfield and Netherby

To the southeast of Adelaide, Springfield and Netherby are nestled at the foot of the Adelaide Hills, offering stunning views of the plains. These green and leafy suburbs are highly sought-after for their family-friendly environment and convenient access to prestigious schools, including some top-rated secondary schools in Adelaide.

Springfield, in particular, has seen increased demand as families search for homes with larger outdoor spaces. Netherby offers a similarly tranquil environment. Both areas are well-connected by public transport, ensuring easy access to the city while providing the serene lifestyle that suburban Adelaide is famous for.

Coastal suburbs in Adelaide

Glenelg

Glenelg is one of Adelaide’s most popular coastal suburbs, offering an enviable beachside lifestyle. The suburb is well-known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and the famous Jetty Road, which is packed with shops, cafés, and restaurants. Recent improvements to the tram service connecting the neighbourhood to the city have increased frequency and extended operational hours, making commuting easier than ever.

The Jetty Road Transformation Project in Glenelg is set to revitalise the main shopping and dining precinct, creating improved pedestrian areas and enhanced public spaces. This exciting redevelopment will further boost Glenelg’s popularity as a top destination for residents and visitors alike.

Brighton

Brighton, just south of Glenelg, is another beautiful seaside community with a slightly more relaxed feel. The suburb benefits from upgraded bus services, providing better connections to Adelaide’s major hubs. Brighton and neighbouring Glenelg are highly sought after, particularly during the summer months when their beaches are at their best.

Golden Grove

Golden Grove, situated northeast of Adelaide, is known for its abundance of green spaces, modern housing, and community-centric vibe. Although public transport is somewhat limited, Golden Grove’s peaceful environment and reasonable rental prices make it an attractive option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.