Your opinions of Adelaide

[Guest missy]

Hello, were new here and would love to get some honest advice from local adelaiders

 

In short, we moved from the UK last year and are currently in Perth. OH works in mental health nursing and I work in a call centre. We dont have any kids right now but are hoping to buy our first home in the next 12 months.

 

Although Perth is very pretty, are finding Perth quite expensive and were finding it difficult to afford a home close to the city. We've slowly learned where to make savings and buy our goods and are slowly getting used to he cost of living compared to wages. Were saving for a 20% deposit and hope to have that by the end of the year. My OH would like to move into Psychology and is looking to go back to University and is strongly considering the University of Adelaide.

 

Id like to know if were making a big mistake moving out of Perth. Everyone says Perth is booming, wages are higher here and we should stay. We like the character of Adelaide but everyone tells us Adelaide is sleepy, some have described it as "worse than Perth". We also hear its just as expensive and is in recession. The houses near the city seem affordable though compared to any other state. We like the idea of it being near Melbourne too, so if we wanted to visit a lively city we could easily spend a weekend there.

 

We may consider buying in areas such as Croydon, Brompton, Devon Park, Norwood, Maylands, Unley.

 

We would like to know what local residents think of Adelaide, whether you find it affordable here and whether jobs are easy to come by? I am a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic as well and wanted to check whether healthcare in general is good in Adelaide? I would imagine its not overly different but I just wanted to know if consultants are easy to come by or do people find they have to go out of the state to find a good endocrinologist? I only worry as everyone keeps telling me that "all the good people leave adelaide".

 

We'd be grateful if you could offer any advice.

 

Thank you....

[NicF]

I don't know all the places you mentioned, but Unley, Maylands and Norwood are all very nice places and somewhat on the pricey end of the spectrum. Norwood is a great place for couples as there is a great high street with a cinema and lots of shops, cafes and resturants. There is also a very nice outdoor pool in Norwood that is not very well known about so doesn't get quite as busy as some of the others. The housing there has got quite high density though so not so great if you want a large garden or don't want to be overlooked. Unley and Maylands are a bit more suburban and have some very nice streets with lots of trees. On one side of Maylands is Magil road which also has lots of great shops and things on - I go down Magil road on the bus to work everyday and always promise myself I will go for a look round the shops there one day. Have you looked at house prices on realestate.com.au? All three are areas I'd be more than happy to live in if I could afford the kind of house I'd want.

 

I can't compare Adelaide to Perth because I have never been to Perth. I also don't do much in the way of nightlife so I have no idea what the place is like for that. However I can tell you that Adelaide is not a large city, which for me is part of the attraction. There are various events and things on throughout the year though - google Adelaide fringe for information on the festival that is about to start here. There is plenty to do here but whether there is plenty for you to do will depend on what you like doing. I'm not sure about jobs either. Myself and my OH haven't had any problems finding work but he is in IT and I work in finance, it may be different in your areas of work.

 

We've only been here just over six months but we have used the health system a fair bit already. I've found it comparable to the UK, although more expensive. My eldest son saw a doctor at the hospital that is from Scotland. My GP is lovely and the GP's my Oh and youngest son have seen have also been great. My MIL has been to see specialists about various things and my BIL had treatment for heart disease recently. Neither have had to travel far to see the appropriate specialist. While some people do leave not everyone does and some people leave after Uni then come back to raise a family.

 

Have the people who have been telling you stuff about Adelaide actually lived here or are they just rehashing old stereotypes? While Adelaide isn't for everyone it's not that bad either.

[Guest missy]

Hi NicF

 

Yes - most of the people I have spoken to have only known a friend of a friend who have been to Adelaide or have only stayed for a few days I have not spoken to anyone who has actually lived there for a while. This is why I decided to come here and get opinions from people actually in Adelaide.

 

We have been on realestate.com.au and fingers crossed, we may be able to afford a 3 bedr in the areas we want. I hadn't realised that you have to pay the full stamp duty on land in South Australia so we'll have to factor that into our budget but it looks promising, we just have to do a bit of looking around.

 

Thank you for such a detailed response, Im glad things are going well for you 6 months in.

[soo_the_panda]

Hey there, hope I can help with my general impressions/opinions. I've been in Adelaide just over 5 years - have travelled all over Aus but only lived here.

 

A few points from me - firstly whilst it's great (and impressive!) that you'll have a 20% deposit - it's a myth that it's a 'must have' - I know it's not normal but we bought our home ($450k mortgage) with a $5000 deposit. Our mortgage broker said our potential earnings was more important than a deposit - which is literally that, a deposit used to secure a payment. Obviously the more you have the less you need to borrow, but just wanted to share our experience to show it is possible with less =) (Incidentally our mortgage broker was Wendy Higgins at Mortgage Choice in Glenelg - cannot recommend highly enough).

 

Ok - I can understand when people say Adelaide is sleepy - compared to London, New York etc it's almost comatose. However it definitely isn't dull, and I'd say is on a par with Perth in the 'sleepiness' scales. I've never lived in Perth, but friends who have recently relocated from Adelaide are shocked at rental and food prices in particular in comparison (both eating out and groceries).

 

Agree with you re being close to Melbourne - it's great being a short flight away to get a fix of better shopping/concerts that don't come to Adelaide/generally be in a big bustling city.

 

So to answer your questions, I have no idea about healthcare - sorry. But imagine you'd be ok, Adelaide isn't a tiny country town. In terms of being affordable - from everything I hear it's cheaper than Perth, and I wouldn't say Adelaide is in a recession.

 

In terms of living here - the things that I personally love about living in Adelaide are:

 

- An enormous stretch of amazing, clean, safe accessible beaches close to the city - about 30kms of pristine lovely beaches within 20 mins drive of the city plus the amazing beaches further South.

- If you're into wine, amazing wine culture with great wine bars plus McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and Barossa all within an hour of the city plus Clare Valley not much further away

- A real foodie culture with affordable fine dining plus brilliant markets and farmers market

- Loads of festivals, arty things, gigs, etc - good local live music scene

- I don't have kids yet, but it seems a great place to bring up kids with loads of well maintained parks, public BBQs, sporting/surf clubs etc

- A laid back attitude plus all the conveniences of being in a city (lol, that sounds like a line lifted from the SA tourist website!)

 

I don't know all the areas you'd think about living in but the ones I do know are all really nice.

 

There's nothing unique to Adelaide that I see as a negative to living here - except perhaps that shopping is much better in Melbourne (easily fixed by a couple of weekend trips a year) and that some bigger international bands skip Adelaide on their tours, favouring the east coast.

 

Happy to chat further - cheers!

[Guest Guest8609]

We arrived in Adelaide in May last year. My partner likes Adelaide, I only like the area of North Terrace I think the city centre looks old fashioned (first impression: We're back in the 80s or 70s!) and neglected, especially Rundle Mall, sorry. I also don't like Jetty Road in Glenelg for the same reason - these places have many tourists and they should look at least... representative. But they look like they've been crying for renovation for a decade. That may be contrast to modern Perth, although I've never been there.

But we LOVE South Australia in general, plenty of beautiful places in the Hills or at the ocean. I would be happy to live and work here, but preferably not in Adelaide

About jobs - we're both IT people, my OH has a good job, but I was invited only ONCE for an interview since May, even though my CV is quite good:/ I heard once I was overqualified, but actually it's hard to tell what the employers really expect Still we can survive on one salary in a really lovely house with a swimming pool (we don't have kids though ).

Also I consider house prices not bad here. And I liked them more than the ones I saw in Victoria.

Other things- I'm 35, my OH is 38 and we have impression that most people we meet are around 60...

About healthcare - so far I love it. In the UK they wouldn't make basic blood tests, well, no tests (or referrals!) for anything, even when I had very serious health problems. And in here I've already had detailed blood tests, CT scan and full tests for allergy. Without queues (didn't pay a cent for either of those tests), mostly bulk billing. I had to pay $20 for some visits, but it's the doctor I chose (and don't regret, she's very thorough). I find medicines very expensive though.

In general I think South Oz is a good place to live, beautiful state, nice houses with reasonable prices. I can't say for sure we'll stay here, I hate being jobless and the fact I don't even get the chance to be interviewed.

[Jessica Berry]

About jobs - we're both IT people, my OH has a good job, but I was invited only ONCE for an interview since May, even though my CV is quite good:/ I heard once I was overqualified, but actually it's hard to tell what the employers really expect. I hate being jobless and the fact I don't even get the chance to be interviewed.

 

You should come along to my workshop, details below....

 

http://www.pomsinadelaide.com/forum/jobs-careers/35963-resume-job-advice-guidance-workshop-9-march-2013-a.html

[Northern Mick]

Other things- I'm 35, my OH is 38 and we have impression that most people we meet are around 60...

 

Are you hanging around the Bingo halls and pokies rooms a fair bit?

[zebedee]

Hey there, hope I can help with my general impressions/opinions. I've been in Adelaide just over 5 years - have travelled all over Aus but only lived here.

 

A few points from me - firstly whilst it's great (and impressive!) that you'll have a 20% deposit - it's a myth that it's a 'must have' - I know it's not normal but we bought our home ($450k mortgage) with a $5000 deposit. Our mortgage broker said our potential earnings was more important than a deposit - which is literally that, a deposit used to secure a payment. Obviously the more you have the less you need to borrow, but just wanted to share our experience to show it is possible with less =) (Incidentally our mortgage broker was Wendy Higgins at Mortgage Choice in Glenelg - cannot recommend highly enough).

 

Ok - I can understand when people say Adelaide is sleepy - compared to London, New York etc it's almost comatose. However it definitely isn't dull, and I'd say is on a par with Perth in the 'sleepiness' scales. I've never lived in Perth, but friends who have recently relocated from Adelaide are shocked at rental and food prices in particular in comparison (both eating out and groceries).

 

Agree with you re being close to Melbourne - it's great being a short flight away to get a fix of better shopping/concerts that don't come to Adelaide/generally be in a big bustling city.

 

So to answer your questions, I have no idea about healthcare - sorry. But imagine you'd be ok, Adelaide isn't a tiny country town. In terms of being affordable - from everything I hear it's cheaper than Perth, and I wouldn't say Adelaide is in a recession.

 

In terms of living here - the things that I personally love about living in Adelaide are:

 

- An enormous stretch of amazing, clean, safe accessible beaches close to the city - about 30kms of pristine lovely beaches within 20 mins drive of the city plus the amazing beaches further South.

- If you're into wine, amazing wine culture with great wine bars plus McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and Barossa all within an hour of the city plus Clare Valley not much further away

- A real foodie culture with affordable fine dining plus brilliant markets and farmers market

- Loads of festivals, arty things, gigs, etc - good local live music scene

- I don't have kids yet, but it seems a great place to bring up kids with loads of well maintained parks, public BBQs, sporting/surf clubs etc

- A laid back attitude plus all the conveniences of being in a city (lol, that sounds like a line lifted from the SA tourist website!)

 

I don't know all the areas you'd think about living in but the ones I do know are all really nice.

 

There's nothing unique to Adelaide that I see as a negative to living here - except perhaps that shopping is much better in Melbourne (easily fixed by a couple of weekend trips a year) and that some bigger international bands skip Adelaide on their tours, favouring the east coast.

 

Happy to chat further - cheers!

 

Agree with all the good things you say about Adelaide, plus we have kiddies and it is an ideal place for them - the local scout group, for example, have so much going on - and we have the weather to enjoy the outdoors too.

[nevergiveup]

Very nice and useful thread for new folks :-)

[Guest missy]

Hey there, hope I can help with my general impressions/opinions. I've been in Adelaide just over 5 years - have travelled all over Aus but only lived here.

 

A few points from me - firstly whilst it's great (and impressive!) that you'll have a 20% deposit - it's a myth that it's a 'must have' - I know it's not normal but we bought our home ($450k mortgage) with a $5000 deposit. Our mortgage broker said our potential earnings was more important than a deposit - which is literally that, a deposit used to secure a payment. Obviously the more you have the less you need to borrow, but just wanted to share our experience to show it is possible with less =) (Incidentally our mortgage broker was Wendy Higgins at Mortgage Choice in Glenelg - cannot recommend highly enough).

 

Ok - I can understand when people say Adelaide is sleepy - compared to London, New York etc it's almost comatose. However it definitely isn't dull, and I'd say is on a par with Perth in the 'sleepiness' scales. I've never lived in Perth, but friends who have recently relocated from Adelaide are shocked at rental and food prices in particular in comparison (both eating out and groceries).

 

Agree with you re being close to Melbourne - it's great being a short flight away to get a fix of better shopping/concerts that don't come to Adelaide/generally be in a big bustling city.

 

So to answer your questions, I have no idea about healthcare - sorry. But imagine you'd be ok, Adelaide isn't a tiny country town. In terms of being affordable - from everything I hear it's cheaper than Perth, and I wouldn't say Adelaide is in a recession.

 

In terms of living here - the things that I personally love about living in Adelaide are:

 

- An enormous stretch of amazing, clean, safe accessible beaches close to the city - about 30kms of pristine lovely beaches within 20 mins drive of the city plus the amazing beaches further South.

- If you're into wine, amazing wine culture with great wine bars plus McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and Barossa all within an hour of the city plus Clare Valley not much further away

- A real foodie culture with affordable fine dining plus brilliant markets and farmers market

- Loads of festivals, arty things, gigs, etc - good local live music scene

- I don't have kids yet, but it seems a great place to bring up kids with loads of well maintained parks, public BBQs, sporting/surf clubs etc

- A laid back attitude plus all the conveniences of being in a city (lol, that sounds like a line lifted from the SA tourist website!)

 

I don't know all the areas you'd think about living in but the ones I do know are all really nice.

 

There's nothing unique to Adelaide that I see as a negative to living here - except perhaps that shopping is much better in Melbourne (easily fixed by a couple of weekend trips a year) and that some bigger international bands skip Adelaide on their tours, favouring the east coast.

 

Happy to chat further - cheers!

 

Thank you for such a detailed post!

 

So far were liking the sound of Adelaide everything you've mentioned here is the type of things we'd love to do more of, especially dining. Perth is just crazy expensive but on the flip-side wages are high too. Some days you do wonder here all your money is going...

 

The reason we are trying for 20% deposit is to avoid the mortgage insurance and get a smaller mortgage - I hear the insurance itself can be around an extra $10,000 or more?!

 

I will check out your recommendation of Wendy and see if she has any advice or me thank you

[Guest missy]

We arrived in Adelaide in May last year. My partner likes Adelaide, I only like the area of North Terrace I think the city centre looks old fashioned (first impression: We're back in the 80s or 70s!) and neglected, especially Rundle Mall, sorry. I also don't like Jetty Road in Glenelg for the same reason - these places have many tourists and they should look at least... representative. But they look like they've been crying for renovation for a decade. That may be contrast to modern Perth, although I've never been there.

But we LOVE South Australia in general, plenty of beautiful places in the Hills or at the ocean. I would be happy to live and work here, but preferably not in Adelaide

About jobs - we're both IT people, my OH has a good job, but I was invited only ONCE for an interview since May, even though my CV is quite good:/ I heard once I was overqualified, but actually it's hard to tell what the employers really expect Still we can survive on one salary in a really lovely house with a swimming pool (we don't have kids though ).

Also I consider house prices not bad here. And I liked them more than the ones I saw in Victoria.

Other things- I'm 35, my OH is 38 and we have impression that most people we meet are around 60...

About healthcare - so far I love it. In the UK they wouldn't make basic blood tests, well, no tests (or referrals!) for anything, even when I had very serious health problems. And in here I've already had detailed blood tests, CT scan and full tests for allergy. Without queues (didn't pay a cent for either of those tests), mostly bulk billing. I had to pay $20 for some visits, but it's the doctor I chose (and don't regret, she's very thorough). I find medicines very expensive though.

In general I think South Oz is a good place to live, beautiful state, nice houses with reasonable prices. I can't say for sure we'll stay here, I hate being jobless and the fact I don't even get the chance to be interviewed.

 

Hi lenore

 

Thanks for your opinion, it's good that the healthcare will not differ so much - my doctors and hospitals staff here have been fantastic - just like you said about blood tests, my doctor had ordered all sorts of tests for me and thats how we discovered my T1D. He was able to refer me to a public hospital and they dealt with me quickly and have been so helpful.

 

Meds - wow prices take some getting used to lol - no wonder there are chemists on every street corner! That aside, the care is great so far and I feel supported.

 

Perth is very modern, I will miss it if we move to Adelaide but I'd rather the necessities and a city with a bit of soul where we can afford our own home over some pretty buildings and suburbs - it wears off after a while .

 

I hope you can secure work soon - do you think there is a lack of need for IT staff as the main industries are retail, defence and nursing? Best of luck x

[Guest pizzicarella]

Adelaide:

I have heard that Adelaide is cheaper than Perth - but having not lived in Perth I cannot be certain!! Adelaide is pretty sleepy for most of the year. We are coming into what we all call Mad March though, so at the moment there is a lot to do. The clipsal 500 (car racing and music concerts) is on at the moment. The Fringe, and the Adelaide festival (music/comedy/art/film) are both on at the moment. Womadelaide (BIG world music festival) is later in the month. Plus we have plenty of other music and cultural festivals throughout the year... I guess that is why the number plates on cars say "the festival state"

 

I think Adelaide is as boring as Perth. But it has the plus side of being two and a half hours from melbourne - and return flights are only about $120.

 

 

Places to live:

 

As for places to buy: You seem to be looking at two very different areas of Adelaide.

 

Norwood and Maylands are in the eastern suburbs - along with Parkside, Rose Park and St. Peters (some other areas to consider) - and are close to the Parade (Norwood), which is very cosmopolitan. At least, as cosmopolitan as adelaide gets. Norwood is more expensive than Maylands precisely for this reason... BUT Maylands is not far away at all and is more convenient to get to the city (the bus route along Magill road is quicker than the Parade, likewise for general traffic). I was raised in Norwood and it is a wonderful area for children - there are lots of Parks (Richards Park is the best!) and activities available for children (theatre, ballet, trampolining).

 

Unley is known for being an expensive area - I think because of its close proximity to Hyde Park! Goodwood, which is a nearby suburb is a little bit cheaper, and ever so slightly easier to get to the city from. There is less traffic on the roads that go from Goodwood, and if you are into public transport there are two bus routes running every 15 minutes, there is the tram again running every fifteen minutes and there is the train not too far away. Its very close to the south side of the city.

 

Brompton, Devon Park and Croydon are on the other side of the city- closer to North Adelaide. This would be VERY convenient if your OH ends up working in the Boylan (psychiatric) ward of the Womens and Children's hospital. Prospect is another suburb just out of North Adelaide, and it is one that I myself would pick above those you listed. North Adelaide has O'Connell and Melbourne sts - which have nice restaurants, boutiques and cafes.

 

A good idea would be to rent in one of the areas first.. see if it works for you and in the meantime check out houses in the other areas.

 

 

Work

If your partner is going to work as a mental health nurse full time or part time there are a couple of places - namely the RAH, QEH, WCH, Glenside and other private hospitals.

In relation to where you are thinking of living:

RAH - is in the cbd and is close to all of them

WCH - north adelaide. Closest to brompton etc, but not inconvenient for the other places.

QEH - North west of the city, and definitely not convenient for norwood or unley, unless you don't mind driving. Would be ok from brompton.

Glenside - very close to both norwood and unley. Less convenient from brompton.

Fullarton Private Hospital - specialises in mental health. Close to Unley and to Norwood.

 

As for available jobs - check out the South Australian notice of vacancies (both of you). Government jobs are fairly easy to get into. If your OH has relevant experience there are almost always vacancies for social workers in the government - they get paid very well.

 

Health SA lists its vacancies here:

http://jobs.sahealthcareers.com.au/jobSearch.asp?stp=AW&sLanguage=en

 

 

Healthcare:

Healthcare here is affordable and accessible. I would not say it is expensive. Plenty of doctors and some specialists will bulk bill and if you have private health insurance even those who do not bulk bill are still affordable. I have never had to pay out of pocket for a medical appointment as my private health insurance covers the gap. As for diabetes... I don't know of any endocrinologists myself - but I do know that the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has a research program for endocrinology, and that there are endocrinology centres in the major hospitals. I think there is also the southern diabetes centre, but this is not at all near where you are thinking of moving to.

 

 

 

If you want any more info, feel free to PM me.

Edited March 2, 2013 by snifter
Removed email as per forum rules

[Guest Guest8609]

Are you hanging around the Bingo halls and pokies rooms a fair bit?

 

Nope

[Guest Guest8609]

You should come along to my workshop, details below....

 

http://www.pomsinadelaide.com/forum/jobs-careers/35963-resume-job-advice-guidance-workshop-9-march-2013-a.html

 

They're paid workshops, right? How much is the fee?

[Mr Technical]

 

I hope you can secure work soon - do you think there is a lack of need for IT staff as the main industries are retail, defence and nursing?

 

I am not sure that retail and nursing would be classed as the main industries in Adelaide/SA. I work as an IT Consultant and I definitely don't see there is a lack of need for IT staff as most businesses can not operate without an IT function. For example, as an IT Consultant I have worked in many industries including aged care, not for profit, legal, insurance, financial, local government, federal government, mining/oil and gas, retail, manufacturing and construction.

[Guest Karen Montero]

Hi I am a fellow Brit who moved to Adelaide 7 years ago. Adelaide is not a backward town but probably just a bit slower place than the rest of the country. It is however a great and very beautiful place to live. I am also a mortgage broker and although you don't need a 20% deposit to buy a house you are right in the fact that the more deposit you do have you will avoid or have lower costs with lenders mortgage insurance

Edited March 3, 2013 by Ktee
Forum rules

[Misplaced]

I am not sure that retail and nursing would be classed as the main industries in Adelaide/SA. I work as an IT Consultant and I definitely don't see there is a lack of need for IT staff as most businesses can not operate without an IT function. For example, as an IT Consultant I have worked in many industries including aged care, not for profit, legal, insurance, financial, local government, federal government, mining/oil and gas, retail, manufacturing and construction.

 

Strange how people see things differently! I have been told that BA jobs in Adelaide are saturated by a recruitment agency!

 

What is your opinion on this?

[Mr Technical]

Strange how people see things differently! I have been told that BA jobs in Adelaide are saturated by a recruitment agency!

 

What is your opinion on this?

 

BA is not my area of specialism within IT, but the demand in Adelaide is going to be less than say Sydney or Melbourne where many of the larger companies will have their head offices based. Just looking on seek Adelaide has 20 BA vacancies, Sydney has 735 and Melbourne has 424!

 

Do you mean saturated by one particular recruitment agency or just agencies in general? A lot of IT work is contract, but there are perm positions out there. I work as an IT Consultant for one company but go out to many clients. The company I work for recruits on a regular basis due to growth and movement and depending on demand for certain skill sets.

Edited March 5, 2013 by Mr Technical

[Misplaced]

It was just one agency that said BA positions were saturated!

 

Don't really want to go to Sydney or Melbourne as Adelaide is my home.

[Guest dittydotty1]

Hi, i see a great endocrinologist, at a southern suburbs hospital, cant fault the care i get and he bulk bills.

[Guest Treetops]

I think other contributors have covered it. Yes it's quieter but then how many people living in the other major cities can get to the office in 10 minutes during rush hour? That clinched it for me because having spent up to 3 hours a day commuting in UK and around Europe I wanted to spend more time at home with the children.

[Guest missy]

Adelaide:

I have heard that Adelaide is cheaper than Perth - but having not lived in Perth I cannot be certain!! Adelaide is pretty sleepy for most of the year. We are coming into what we all call Mad March though, so at the moment there is a lot to do. The clipsal 500 (car racing and music concerts) is on at the moment. The Fringe, and the Adelaide festival (music/comedy/art/film) are both on at the moment. Womadelaide (BIG world music festival) is later in the month. Plus we have plenty of other music and cultural festivals throughout the year... I guess that is why the number plates on cars say "the festival state"

 

I think Adelaide is as boring as Perth. But it has the plus side of being two and a half hours from melbourne - and return flights are only about $120.

 

 

Places to live:

 

As for places to buy: You seem to be looking at two very different areas of Adelaide.

 

Norwood and Maylands are in the eastern suburbs - along with Parkside, Rose Park and St. Peters (some other areas to consider) - and are close to the Parade (Norwood), which is very cosmopolitan. At least, as cosmopolitan as adelaide gets. Norwood is more expensive than Maylands precisely for this reason... BUT Maylands is not far away at all and is more convenient to get to the city (the bus route along Magill road is quicker than the Parade, likewise for general traffic). I was raised in Norwood and it is a wonderful area for children - there are lots of Parks (Richards Park is the best!) and activities available for children (theatre, ballet, trampolining).

 

Unley is known for being an expensive area - I think because of its close proximity to Hyde Park! Goodwood, which is a nearby suburb is a little bit cheaper, and ever so slightly easier to get to the city from. There is less traffic on the roads that go from Goodwood, and if you are into public transport there are two bus routes running every 15 minutes, there is the tram again running every fifteen minutes and there is the train not too far away. Its very close to the south side of the city.

 

Brompton, Devon Park and Croydon are on the other side of the city- closer to North Adelaide. This would be VERY convenient if your OH ends up working in the Boylan (psychiatric) ward of the Womens and Children's hospital. Prospect is another suburb just out of North Adelaide, and it is one that I myself would pick above those you listed. North Adelaide has O'Connell and Melbourne sts - which have nice restaurants, boutiques and cafes.

 

A good idea would be to rent in one of the areas first.. see if it works for you and in the meantime check out houses in the other areas.

 

 

Work

If your partner is going to work as a mental health nurse full time or part time there are a couple of places - namely the RAH, QEH, WCH, Glenside and other private hospitals.

In relation to where you are thinking of living:

RAH - is in the cbd and is close to all of them

WCH - north adelaide. Closest to brompton etc, but not inconvenient for the other places.

QEH - North west of the city, and definitely not convenient for norwood or unley, unless you don't mind driving. Would be ok from brompton.

Glenside - very close to both norwood and unley. Less convenient from brompton.

Fullarton Private Hospital - specialises in mental health. Close to Unley and to Norwood.

 

As for available jobs - check out the South Australian notice of vacancies (both of you). Government jobs are fairly easy to get into. If your OH has relevant experience there are almost always vacancies for social workers in the government - they get paid very well.

 

Health SA lists its vacancies here:

http://jobs.sahealthcareers.com.au/jobSearch.asp?stp=AW&sLanguage=en

 

 

Healthcare:

Healthcare here is affordable and accessible. I would not say it is expensive. Plenty of doctors and some specialists will bulk bill and if you have private health insurance even those who do not bulk bill are still affordable. I have never had to pay out of pocket for a medical appointment as my private health insurance covers the gap. As for diabetes... I don't know of any endocrinologists myself - but I do know that the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has a research program for endocrinology, and that there are endocrinology centres in the major hospitals. I think there is also the southern diabetes centre, but this is not at all near where you are thinking of moving to.

 

 

 

If you want any more info, feel free to PM me.

 

Thank you for such a detailed post this is really helpful for us!