'Best' beach suburb for young family?

**Dr Scotland** · 17-02-2012, 08:26 AM

Hope this isn't a repeat question. I've read a bit on individual suburbs but find it difficult to get an overview. My wife and I are moving over in August with our 7-month old daughter. I will be working and Eva will be looking after the little one. We will be renting and want to settle by the beach, at least initially. Out of Glenelg, Brighton, Seacliff, Hallet Cove, Christie's Beach, and Port Noarlunga, does anyone have a feel for which offers the best combination of: a sense of community; plenty for a mum and baby to do (mums and toddlers groups, parks, etc); a selection of cafes; a few restaurants; and, less importantly, a tennis club?
We don't want to be any further north than Glenelg as I will be working at Flinders MC.

Thanks for your advice. And I understand it will ultimately depend on how we feel when we visit the areas.
Simon

**Jo&Phil** · 17-02-2012, 09:23 AM

Don't have children personally .........but several of my work colleagues/friends have them and live in Somerton Park/Brighton which is good for both Flinders and city and Brighton has nice cafes etc

**Rochesdownunder** · 17-02-2012, 11:23 AM

Glenelg is great the tram is there that brings you into the center of the city,bus and train not to far away either We are in Henley Beach and Its is great for families Lots of playgroups Good schools cafes restaurants Good luck with the move

S xxx

**Dr Scotland** · 17-02-2012, 11:28 AM

Thanks for info. Rochesdownunder, do you have a feel if Glenelg has much of a sense of community? I wondered if it could be a bit soul-less as the nearest beach suburb to the CBD.

**Squareman** · 17-02-2012, 11:41 AM

Mmmmm I would advise against making any sort of decision until you get here, if at all possible. A sense of community' means different things to different people. I live in Glenelg and I love it here. It ticks all of my boxes but it might not tick all of yours. As a fellow member of the master race, I could show you around when you arrive if you like. Nae bother.....;-)

**Dr Scotland** · 20-02-2012, 12:49 PM

Ha! Thanks Squareman. What do you love about Glenelg? Cycled 8 miles to work this morning through some typically Edinburgh-esque grey, windy, rainy conditions. Not fun.

**Squareman** · 20-02-2012, 07:37 PM

Glenelg is Adelaide's answer to Blackpool, except its beautiful and not half as tacky! Lol. The beach area is a very popular tourist spot and there are dozens of restaurants, shops and pubs within walking distance of my house. Its a very 'outdoorsy' place too. Lots of organised sport as well as recreational stuff like kayaking, fishing, cycling (amazing cycle trails) etc. The tram also starts at Glenelg and takes you right into the city, should you want a night on the town and dont want to drive in

Glenelg has everything! Lol

**catherine.c** · 20-02-2012, 11:01 PM

I have lived in Glenelg (Moseley street) and loved its nightlife and proximity to shops, cafes and the beach but it does have its bad points. There is a lot of drunkenness due to all the bars in jetty road, especially on public holidays when the sun is shining and there are many brawls and incidents of unsocial behaviour. It seems to have a fairly elderly population with young visitors coming from all over. We have moved to a quieter area but miss that easy access to cafes etc.
If I had small children and wanted to be near the beach I would be looking at Somerton Park (expensive), Hove, Brighton, brighton north, brighton south and seacliff (quite expensive west of Brighton Rd (beachside)), or south of Hallet Cove - my daughter and young family live in Hallet Cove and she has made many friends there and is very happy but there is not much of a beach if this is what you are after. It is cheaper to live further south and there are many young families on poms living there and it seems a very relaxed lifestyle if this is what you are after.
I would also look for somewhere on the train line which takes you to the city in a reasonable time (quicker than tram that does not seem to have any priority at traffic lights) as you will find that there is not that many places to go in the evening in the suburbs and there are some great places to see in the city with the children such as the museum, zoo and botanical gardens.
Australians have advised me that it is a good idea to live in the catchment area of a good public school as although the house will be more expensive it will still be cheaper than paying for private school - not sure if that is an option for you? Incidentally Marryatville school seems to have the best reputation of the public schools which is not a western suburb, is near the city but still reasonable access to Flinders? Especially as you would be going the opposite direction of the heavy traffic into the city?
** I have just reread your post and seen your daughter is 7 months so school not really needed at the moment!
Good luck and dont worry too much about deciding before you are here, have a good look round and I would advise rent before you buy!
Catherine

**Squareman** · 21-02-2012, 12:37 AM

I hear what you are saying about the occasional loutish behaviour, but I think you would only really experience that if you lived within a stone's throw from Moseley Square and/or you were running about at 3am with all of the other muppets. I live in Glenelg North, so its an easy walk down to the square and when we come home, we are well removed from any 'action' that may go down. I think you'll find these problems anywhere where there are a few pubs/nightspots. We like to go our for a pint or to a restaurant for a meal, and having engaged in this activity at least twice a week for the past year, we haven't seen any unsavioury incidents whatsoever. I'm not saying it doesn't happen - because it definitely does, but there are ways and means of enjoying life in Glenelg without experiencing the 'down side.'

**catherine.c** · 21-02-2012, 01:04 AM

Yes, we lived by the church on moseley street and we would regularly wake to drunks shouting, there would often be smashed glass all along the road, bottles in the garden, people climbing over our fence etc. I was never out at 3am but have seen my share of fights in the square, especially on Adelaide cup day when people had been drinking all day - even had to give CPR once! Not a pleasant experience I can tell you.
There is however a 'vibe' about Glenelg and apart from these episodes enjoyed living there, just do not think I would if I had a young family.