Need advice on Adelaide

[Guest chrisinus]

G'day all!

 

We left UK in 1989 and spent the next 15 years in Brisbane. Loved it there but were lonely as people tend to keep to their families. As a result, we stupidly uprooted our family (3 young boys) and moved to Canada, which has similar problems to UK. We then went to USA, which we loved. Unfortunately, hubby was made redundant so we've ended up in Christchurch, NZ, which we hate, and now understand why half of NZ lives in Oz.

 

With all of this moving around, we can 100% confirm that Oz is the Lucky Country and will be coming back for good in the next year and a bit.

 

We are seriously looking at Adelaide. My husband helped design the public transportation system there and likes it, but I've only been to the airport and know nothing.

 

I want to find out a number of things:

 

1. Are the people friendly? I don't mean on the street and in shops, I mean do they let you in as proper friends? We don't want to be lonely again. Or are there lots of great Brits out there?

 

2. We are looking for a decent State High School. After the redundancy, we haven't got the money to pay $10,000 a year.

 

3. Along with the schools, we are looking to live on a reasonable sized block of land (quarter acre upwards). I see that some areas (Mawson Lake) have minute blocks that are totally unsuitable for us.

 

Can anyone give me any advice? The more the better as we want to make the right decision this time!!!!!!

[Riponian]

my word your like no mads

But glad you never gave up and kept trying to find the place that fits for you.

 

There are many that are not happy here but I love it! There is a good strong pom community here if thats what your looking for.

The aussies I know are great friends but just take a while to let you in but if your into your sports or like to get involved in clubs, church etc and things then they are very welcoming and can become really good friends.

 

Some find it a little backward and in some ways it is but that's what I like. I like living in a small city and not being in a rat race. Many have said that for the older teenagers it is harder as there is little for them to do but that just depends on what they are into. The aussies are sporting nation after all so you will have to plan where you live around activities that they enjoy.

The streets and public transport is generally safe (except in the rough suburbs and every where has the graffiti and crime to some extent) no where is perfect.

 

As for large blocks unfortunately many of the suburbs suffer the small plot problem but out towards mt barker and south of the city I have heard good things.

 

Good luck if you decide to come here hope that's helped. I am by no means an expert having only been here just over 12mths!

[RockDr]

What exactly makes you hate Christchurch so vehemently? Because to be quite honest, if you hated Christchurch that much, then I would think twice about coming to Adelaide. Yes Adelaide is bigger and warmer, but other than that, most of the ways I would describe Adelaide, I could also use to describe Christchurch. They are both the quieter little sister of the bigger cities, with the pros and cons associated with this. Some people like this, others don't. Personally I really like both cities, but that's just me.

[jim and adel]

It really depends on what it is you're looking for. Some people adore it here, some hate it and others - like me - think it's a fairly nice place to live but no better than many other places (I certainly don't think it's any better than much of the UK, but that's a different discussion).

 

Of course there are large blocks here, but the average block in Adelaide is smaller than in any other Aus state capital (450sqm) and getting smaller. An obvious statement, no doubt, but the further from the CBD you're willing to travel or the more you're willing to spend, the bigger the block.

 

I find the people friendly enough; no better or worse than anywhere else. There are certainly plenty of Brits should the locals seem too aloof.

 

Jim

[Diane]

Why not book a couple of weeks holiday here and come have a look around? Far better than moving then regretting it. Hire a car and take some time to drive around to the different suburbs - check out the Hills, the beach suburbs, north and south, east and west. Personally I think we are very lucky with the state high schools we have here. There are a lot of them, and I think most are of quite a high standard. If you want a bit of land, you will probably need to look either a long way south, or in the hills, or somewhere a bit further out in the north - in all directions there are a few suburbs that are best avoided, but check places out for yourselves and see what you think. Pay a visit to local shopping centres wherever you are, find out for yourself if people are friendly - again, personally we have always found most people lovely here, but it's down to personal preferences again.

 

My favourite property site for places with a bit of land is Country Estates Hills & Country Specialists - Find Real Estate in Williamstown  |  Cambrai  |  Birdwood  |  Gumeracha  |  Houghton, but bear in mind that the further out in the sticks you are, the less choice of school you will have, and the further commute to wherever you might be working.

 

I reckon having a holiday here would be money well spent, before uprooting yourselves again!

[antlet]

I love Adelaide. It is bif enough to be a city but small enough to be able to get around with relative ease.

I have to say I've made some fantastic Aussie, fijian, Irish, Brit and Dutch friends here. I think generally people allow you in if you make the effort.

I can't highly recommend Henley High school enough. They are simply fantastic. My daughter has done brilliantly since being there ( 2 years now)

PM me if you want anything specific or to skype if you want

[Guest jimanG]

Sorry to jump on this thread, but we're moving to Adelaide in January.

 

Diane - you mentioned that there are some suburbs that are best avoided. Which are these, as its really hard from the UK to get a feel for this.

 

Thanks

[Diane]

Rather than offend anyone by naming specific suburbs, get a map of Adelaide and have a look on www.domain.com.au and do a search on all the Adelaide suburbs (Ad, Hills, North and North East, East, South and South East, Western and Beachside) then select 3-bedroomed houses and put in a top price of say 300,000 The general rule of thumb is that those that are particularly cheap are cheap for a good reason.... Domain.com.au is a bit better than realestate.com.au for this as there are more advanced search options, although it's not updated as well as Realestate.com.au. (And I can't always get it to work!)

HTH

[Guest Jo&Phil]

This is a difficult one, as for everyone who loves Adelaide, there will be others who do not.

I have personally found it very warm and friendly and have lots of Australian friends (helped by meeting and marrying an Australian, although he always says I know heaps more people than him!).

 

If you are outgoing, issue invitations, etc I'm sure you'll soon find good friends, and having children will help.

 

We also need your husband back as the public transport system needs some work!!!

 

Older suburbs slightly out of the city tend to have the traditonal Aussie 1/4 acre block. My own preference is for south rather than north (as I like the beach) but others will have a different view. There seem to be lots of English people around Blackwood, Coromondel Valley, Flagstaff Hill, Brighton ... all south and all good size blocks and good public schools in vicinity. You mention Mawson Lakes (north) which is purpose built and quite new and doesn't appeal to me as I find it similar to many English estates but that is a very personal viewpoint and I know people who live there and really enjoy it.