Areas and suburbs in Adelaide

The best places to live in Adelaide

Adelaide is blessed with a huge variety of neighbourhoods and suburbs, and new arrivals are sure to find an area that suits their priorities and lifestyle.

The compact nature of the city also means that a house hunter’s search won’t be limited to areas close to their workplace or their kids’ schools, as it rarely takes longer than 20 minutes to cross Adelaide.

Expats tend to rent, at least at first. We recommend newcomers do the same and only commit to buying once they’ve settled into their new life and have acquainted themselves with the many different neighbourhoods of Adelaide.

Popular areas and suburbs in Adelaide

Family-friendly areas in Adelaide

Medindie, Walkerville and Prospect

Medindie, Walkerville and Prospect are suburbs in the north of Adelaide. They are close to the city centre and boast a wealth of different housing options, from large luxury homes to apartments and townhouses. These areas are a short commute from the city centre and are well served by public transport. Medindie and Walkerville are popular with wealthy expat families because of their proximity to some of Adelaide’s top private schools. Prospect is a little less well established so rental prices may be slightly gentler than in Medindie and Walkerville.

Brompton

Brompton is a fun bohemian area in northern Adelaide popular with arty types and students. It's a stone's throw from Adelaide city centre and is well connected by trains and buses. With plenty of houseshares in the area, Brompton is perfect for young expats who are in Australia on a working holiday or gap year.

Burnside and Kensington Gardens

Burnside and Kensington Gardens are suburbs to the east of Adelaide that are renowned for their beautiful tree-lined avenues. They are particularly popular among expats with young children, as there are lots of parks and community facilities. For active types, Hazelwood Park and Langman Reserve provide great opportunities for hiking and mountain biking over weekends. Burnside is also home to many older expats and retirees, and the area has a strong sense of community.

Springfield and Netherby

To the southeast of Adelaide are Springfield and Netherby. These green and leafy areas are nestled at the bottom of the Adelaide Hills and have stunning views over the Adelaide plains. Neither are from the city centre, and both are easily accessible by public transport. There are a number of prestigious schools here, adding to the area’s appeal for families. Thanks to the beauty of their location, Springfield and Netherby have become some of the most sought-after areas of Adelaide.

Coastal suburbs in Perth

Glenelg and Brighton

To the west of Adelaide lie Glenelg and Brighton, two wonderful beachside suburbs popular with expats of all ages. Both suburbs are connected to the city by public transport networks, and demand for property here is quite high, which is reflected in the rental prices.

Golden Grove

Golden Grove is in the northeast of Adelaide. The downsides are that it’s quite far from Adelaide’s city centre and public transport here is limited. The upsides are its abundance of green spaces, modern housing, low crime rates and favourable rental prices. The area has a balanced mix of locals and expats, and is home to people from all walks, including students, young families, professionals and retirees.