Not sure about Adelaide

[Guest beth]

Hello,

 

I am new to this forum and have come to it to ask questions as we have a job opportunity in Adelaide.

 

We visited two years ago when the same opportunity came up and to be honest did not fall in love with the city so turned it down. We are now debating it again and think maybe we just werent in the right place to review it.

 

Our findings were that (and please dont take offence) Adelaide seemed really behind the times, like in the 1970s/80 , it just wasnt modern at all. People didnt dress up to go out and eat, it was like a country city and as such we felt we didnt fit in.

 

We now have a 3 year old and wonder if it would be good for her.

 

Can anyone chat to me about life in Adelaide?

 

Thanks

[Guest uklovingaussie]

Hello,

 

I am new to this forum and have come to it to ask questions as we have a job opportunity in Adelaide.

 

We visited two years ago when the same opportunity came up and to be honest did not fall in love with the city so turned it down. We are now debating it again and think maybe we just werent in the right place to review it.

 

Our findings were that (and please dont take offence) Adelaide seemed really behind the times, like in the 1970s/80 , it just wasnt modern at all. People didnt dress up to go out and eat, it was like a country city and as such we felt we didnt fit in.

 

We now have a 3 year old and wonder if it would be good for her.

 

Can anyone chat to me about life in Adelaide?

 

Thanks

Hi Beth

You are sooooo right, Adelaide is stuck in the 70s/80s and the people are so arrogant. There is a big push trying to get retailers to open on public holidays, but oh what a kerfuffle from the people who don't want it. This state is run by the unions. Don't bother coming here. If you want to migrate go to NSW, or QLD. QLD is such a positive state, the people are great, they have this can do attitude and usually the weather is great.http://www.pomsinadelaide.com/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Guest Guest75]

Hi Beth

You are sooooo right, Adelaide is stuck in the 70s/80s and the people are so arrogant. There is a big push trying to get retailers to open on public holidays, but oh what a kerfuffle from the people who don't want it. This state is run by the unions. Don't bother coming here. If you want to migrate go to NSW, or QLD. QLD is such a positive state, the people are great, they have this can do attitude and usually the weather is great.http://www.pomsinadelaide.com/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif

 

 

Ouch!!!!!

 

Not everyone's thoughts regarding SA at all!!

 

I'm not in "the love it no matter what " category but do enjoy living here in South Australia.

Over the 11 years here she has afforded my family and I some great opportunities in both lifestyle and business.

I have visited other cities so can judge.

 

Yep Adeliade is behind in many things but that is part of her charm.

It's quieter, less crime and less "keeping up with the Joneses"

Great for young families.

Never come accross any problems on the union front,in fact they seem quite ineffective here.

 

 

We did come here for a complete lifestyle change and we got it in spades.

 

Beth- I'd advise you to have a really good look around the forum using the seach engine,you'll soon find a balanced view.

 

One person's meat is another's poison.

 

Have a look at this thread for a start......

 

http://www.pomsinadelaide.com/forum/news-gossip/16040-all-who-have-settled-here.html

[Guest Squareman]

I have bern here 3 months and have not encountered any arrogance at all (except on here, possibly). Adelaide is known for the friendliness of its people.

[Moosh]

Well you can always leave if you don't like it. That's all I'm saying!

 

Happy Easter to you all, we're off to the wineries ... again, hic

[Guest Jo&Phil]

Adelaide is a small city and doesn't easily compare with other state capitals (eg: Melbourne and Sydney).

 

It's certainly true that casual attire is very acceptable in most places which is a little different to the UK.

 

Adelaide is perhaps (personal opinion here) more like the older cities in the UK than the up and coming ones - eg: I think it's more Oxford than Manchester. This suits me beautifully as I enjoy that sort of place but if you're hankering for bright lights, big city, then Melbourne, Sydney and maybe Brisbane (or Brissvegas as it's often coined) may appeal.

 

Personally I've found no arrogance whatsoever in Australians - the opposite would be true.

 

Adelaide has an easy way of life, good house prices and easier commuting than other capital cities which may suit family life better. South Australia doesn't have a lot of smaller towns (as we in the UK consider a 'town') whereas other states, with denser populations do and so this may be preferable for you.

 

You don't say where you are living now so it is different to make any comparisons that might help.

 

Good luck in your decision making.

[Guest RichandHelen]

Yes its like stepping into an 80s timewarp but some might consider this a plus. Afterall not all change is good change...

[Guest Debbie Whittaker]

easy to answer you problem. If you are 80 plus its a beauty. enough said

[Guest moonraker1959]

There is alot more to SA than just the city!I used to work in the city many moons ago so know it like the back of my hand!I always liked the city,ok its quite small,but that makes it easier to get around and everything is more central.There are alot of nice places in SA to live,and if it were me,if I do ever return,I would be heading to a country town as thats what I'm used to.It does depend on where you work though so I guess thats why alot of folk head to the city and suburbs.As for arrogant people,I've personally never experienced this(except from my BIL and he's english ).I think Adelaide grows on people.Its not in your face like alot of other cities.Of course if you like living in the hub of a big city,you might find Adelaide abit too laid back and quiet,but alot of people I know live there because of that.If you have a job lined up,well thats even better right?I would give it a go,and if for whatever reason you can't settle into life there,its fairly easy to move elsewhere.Good luck and I hope it all works out for you.x PS as for the casual dress code,I quite like it myself.Much more relaxed I reckon!

[Guest Guest5035]

There is a big push trying to get retailers to open on public holidays, but oh what a kerfuffle from the people who don't want it.

 

Perhaps the people who work in the shops would not like the shops opening on public holidays....

 

stevo

[Guest teamV]

Well with us being from cumbria we are sooooo going to fit in and feel at home in Adelaide

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Guest Guest5035]

Well with us being from cumbria we are sooooo going to fit in and feel at home in Adelaide

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

i work with a guy from Cumbria...........and none of us can understand him..

 

Sent from my home using my fingers:biglaugh:

 

stevo:D

[Guest moonraker1959]

Lynsteve,thats true about the shops.Surely we don't need them open 24/7!I can remember in Adelaide,and yes even in the city,the shops would close at 1pm on a Saturday!:shocked:There's alot more to life than shopping!

[Guest BurgessFamily]

We have been here since 2009, could have gone anywhere on a 176 visa, in-fact we do have family in Sydney who sponsored us. We've travelled around NSW, and even up the coast all the way to Brisbane. We've been to some great places, but still chose Adelaide.

 

Why did we come here? We found Sydney (and for that matter Brisbane also) to be too Metropolitan, the same reason why we couldn't have lived in London. We found these to be great holiday destinations, and can holiday there anytime we like. Adelaide came across as more 'family-friendly', and to be honesty we haven't looked back.

 

We have two young boys, 4 and 5. They love it here. Many play parks, fantastic wildlife parks/zoos, 'wild' places to go for long walks ('bear hunting' as the kids call it), great bike paths for family bike trips, so many beaches and so few bathers , and lots of great camp sites.

 

If you enjoy the outdoors, you can't go wrong here - be that 8 or 80. On the other hand, if you need posh shops, top nightlife, and home comforts - maybe it's not the best place. Hell though, what would I know? - I'm happy and my family is happier than ever.

[Guest beth]

Thanks for quick replies. I dont want the fast life of London but equally not a place that is like the back of beyond lol. We do like to go out to nice places to eat and bars etc and did like the feel of Perth when we visited, only thing is the job is in Adelaide...

Think Perth was a bit less busy than Sydney etc but buiser with more going on than Adelaide...

 

So hard to know. What is there for small children, any playgroups, classes etc?

Just worried its too laid back for us as we do like to get stuck in and do things...

[snifter]

I think you've been given some good feedback.

 

Personally I found the last time I was over in Adelaide (last year, Easter) it had changed a bit. Some more modern and more with it bars, eateries and so on. I'd never want it to full with that sort of thing though. Nor would I want it like the larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne. I like it is smaller with a more laid back feel. I know when we had nights out plenty of people were smart casual. Far from just shorts and a tee.

 

I like Adelaide is smaller, easy to get around either driving or using public transport. It has some great beaches and plenty going on for kids of all ages. And for family life I feel it will give us a good all round set up.

 

I know some people say Adelaide is boring or not for them. Fair enough. I'd not live in Sydney or Brisbane. In the UK I've lived in London, Exeter and just outside Bristol atm. The thing is, with a young child things like eating out in fancy places tends to only happen when you have a babysitter Same as having nights out. But I've found Adelaide has some good places to go for an evening. And things like cinema, theatre and so on all tend to be decent. But once you have young kids you tend to need/want more family friendly type social places or more relaxed approach stuff and Adelaide works for us. Plus so long as the company is good, I don't mind if its a picnic or a fancy slap up meal.

 

I think if you are really smitten with Perth you are probably comparing it with Adelaide, which I don't think is fair to do on either city. Perth is young, modern and remote. Popular because of its climate and for its youthful bling. Adelaide is older, mixes old and new and already knows itself I feel.

 

I never felt Adelaide was behind the times. Certainly not in the 70's or 80's. I think its more that Aussie life in general is more laid back and Adelaide isn't trying to prove anything. Personally I rather like the slightly slower approach and the less busy paced life these days. Being a Mum to a young child is knackering and I want to relax more, not keep up with a lifestyle I no longer can realistically live (or afford )

 

It may not be for you. If country city is what you felt, based on what you saw, perhaps it won't change on second viewing. It depends on what you saw last time you were over, how much you know about SA overall and what you can do/see/visit there and elsewhere and other things.

 

The other thing is I think people coming over from the UK are conditioned almost to the UK way of socialising. Pubs, bars, clubs and not so much round at people's houses or at the beach or picnics or days out someplace with friends/family. I know when I moved overseas to the Netherlands years ago the difference in nightlife and the bar/club culture was overwhelming. So so different to the UK. When I moved back to the UK years later I felt the UK was lagging miles behind. No cafes with terraces on the streets, hideous counter service not great table service, no fresh ground coffee or a glass of fresh squeezed (right that minute) orange juice. No decent beer served with a proper head on it. Just overcrowded smoky pubs serving warm flat beer. It took another decade before the UK really seemed to embrace this sort of thing and even now its still lacking the mainland Europe something. It is done in a British way and it doesn't quite work for me . But my friends rave about it.

 

I guess what I am trying to say is to not compare. Consider what your priorities are now you have a child and perhaps plan on more. What kind of life you would like to have, what sort of things you would like to see/do. What is important to you. Weigh it all up.

 

I know where I am today, at 40 with a young child is very different to where I was 5 or 10 years ago and how I lived. I think we'll get a good balance in Adelaide and I'm happy with that

[yenajisjaney]

i like it here in south australia, ive visited victoria ie melbourne and honestly the city is crowded!...small(ish) roads..and gosh the traffic jams esp. when its rush hours!...and i think crime rates are much higher in those other big cities!.....

[demewoods]

Hello

 

I came here a year ago, I wanted to go to Perth, but my job brought me here. I landed in the winter and initially I thought why have I come here. It is a little backward, the trains aren't great, it basically seemed like you really had to drive everywhere to get around. Then as I got to grips with where I was I realised there was so much going on wherever I was I could, drive, bus it or get a cab (quite expensive).

 

It is kind of 80s, especially work computer wise, clothes shops aren't great...... But I totally loved the fact that when I went for a run along the beach, it was beautiful. I went to the hills, that was beautiful, the city was great, small but loads going on... All within a short journey.

 

Then there were the festivals and the food and wine markets.... Each day that went past Adelaide grew and grew on me.... I now think that it is a pretty fantastic place and has some great places to go out, do activities you wouldn't do at home (unless you lived near the beach) and I live in a pretty cool area.

 

I can get plane tickets to Melbourne and Sydney cheap if I book in advance, have the hussle and bustle, grab some cool clothes then return to my faithful homeof Adelaide, where I can walk down the street without being barged and talk to people at the bus stop, normal people that just fancy a chat...

 

Im a towny from the UK but I am now loving Adelaide. Everyone has a different opinion and the only judgement you can go by is yours.Hopefully you will choose it.

 

Enjoy!.... By the way depending on where yu choose to meal I sometimes thing the Adelaide locals are a bit too dressed up, but hey ho, just my opinion...

 

[Rachiegarlo]

Classes for young children in Adelaide are plenty. Put it this way, there is kindergym, kindermusic, playgroups, dance classes, girl guides, scouts, drama , swimming, sporting teams, farm barns, farmer's markets, youth orchestras, little athletics, museums, toy libraries, mini railways, cinemas, playgrounds, beaches, swimming pools, art gallery kids club, art classes, language lessons, etc........Adelaide's children certainly don't miss out on opportunities.

[True Blue Aussie]

I've lived in Adelaide since the 70's, and, as I have family in Melbourne, I struggle with where I would like to live. I would like to be closer to family, but really like the Adelaide lifestyle better. I like being able to get in my car and drive practically anywhere in Adelaide without being a touch afraid of the traffic. (Except for Brittania Roundabout, which I'll only tackle in one direction!) In Melbourne, the traffic is far more scary - so much more of it, and when it's fast going, you feel a bit vulnerable with lots of trucks etc going fast, changing lanes, etc. Then, when the traffic is slow, it is VERY slow. Even about 25 years ago, I missed a coach in Melbourne as we just couldn't get through the traffic in time.

 

The eastern cities do have a lot going for them. They are more convenient for travel overseas or other states, and obviously have a lot more shopping. However, it can feel like everyone is in a hurry when walking in the cities, and not so friendly.

 

Perth is a lovely city, but so far away from the rest of the country's cities. You really need to fly if you want to get anywhere else, unless you are prepared for a very long drive across the Nullabor Plain.

 

Weather-wise, Perth is hotter than Adelaide, which is nice in the winter, but they had horrific long spells of very hot weather this last summer. Brisbane is warmer in the winter, but humid and sticky in the summer. Sydney is similar, but not as warm. Melbourne is cooler than Adelaide, which I like in the summer, but the winter is a bit more miserable. They say you can get four seasons in one day in Melbourne. To be honest, I find Adelaide's summers a bit too hot, but I especially like our inbetween seasons, and I like the fact that we do have all different kinds of weather throughout the year. Warm all year wouldn't suit me, as I would hate to never have the need to have a cosy heater or a warm bed.

 

So, I think there are pros and cons wherever you are. I have yet to find the perfect place. We could possibly still one day move to be closer to family, but I would miss the laid back Adelaide if we did.

 

Oh, and I like being casually dressed, but that doesn't mean I EVER go out in bare feet or short shorts, but I do prefer to be comfortable than overly classy.

[Lazy Cow]

and to be honest did not fall in love with the city so turned it down. We are now debating it again and think maybe we just werent in the right place to

We now have a 3 year old and wonder if it would be good for her.

 

It must be great to have that job opportunity but unless it's a fabulous job, I would be hesitant about rushing into anything. Or worse, IMHO, trying to convince yourselves that Adelaide really is for you when your post seems to indicate it still wouldn't be your first choice?

 

I'm sure having a littlie means you would want to focus on other aspects of living here, which might make Adelaide seem just right this time but I would still be cautious about coming here if your heart really isn't in it.

 

Can you come and give it a try first, you know before selling everything over there or paying $ks in container fees? From what people say, moving away from family and friends can be unsettling enough when you are 100% excited and commited to being here... I would imagine it could be even worse if you aren't sure you want to be in the state!

 

Just a thought. I truly wouldn't want to put you off. Adelaide works for us and our kids and you seem to have heaps going for you - a job, a child (I think it makes it easier to meet people!) and seem keen.

Best of luck to you and your family!

LC

[Guest beth]

Thanks, really good posts! Just replying quickly for now but wanted to say thanks for your thoughts. When i said to dress up and go out i didnt mean over the top dressing up i just meant shoes, maybe a dress (smart casual) and shirt for husband again smart casual as we found there to be lots with flips flops and shorts for an eve meal yet in i.e perth people would dress for an evening.

 

I understand the comparision thing and i shouldnt do it but i am trying to describe what sort of place in oz i liked. I dont fancy too much hustle and bustle like syndey though.

 

Yes to the whole the uk is different to oz and i understand what you are saying about people socialise differently and to get used to this so thats a good perspective.

[RockDr]

Perhaps the people who work in the shops would not like the shops opening on public holidays....

 

stevo

 

The 16yr olds and students who would be getting time and a half or double pay to man the shops on those days might disagree with you there...

[Guest Guest5035]

alot don't get the weekrnd/ph rates these days due to workplace agreements.

 

stevo

[AussieRob]

Thanks, really good posts! Just replying quickly for now but wanted to say thanks for your thoughts. When i said to dress up and go out i didnt mean over the top dressing up i just meant shoes, maybe a dress (smart casual) and shirt for husband again smart casual as we found there to be lots with flips flops and shorts for an eve meal yet in i.e perth people would dress for an evening.

 

I understand the comparision thing and i shouldnt do it but i am trying to describe what sort of place in oz i liked. I dont fancy too much hustle and bustle like syndey though.

 

Yes to the whole the uk is different to oz and i understand what you are saying about people socialise differently and to get used to this so thats a good perspective.

 

I do understand what you mean, there are many many people who really have no sense of occasion. People get married in jeans with alarming regularity, not that you need to hire a suit, but just a shirt and trousers would be good. After a while though you can work out where people get at least a little dressed up for, or even where you can get suited and booted, and you do adjust.

 

Sometimes though we can see the bad here in Adelaide and forget the bad in the UK, we easily see some bogan walking around in a vest top, boardies, and bare foot, whilst forgetting the gangs of teens, in shell suit pants, baseball caps with hoodies hiding their faces and puffer jackets even in summer.

 

I don't think though the casualness is only an adelaide issue, it is an Australian wide issue, there are just a few more people in the other major cities who have a sense of style.