Considering Adelaide? Living in its suburbs offers affordable housing, vibrant neighbourhoods, and easy access to universities and public spaces. You’ll quickly feel at home, enjoying both the convenience of city life and peaceful retreats. In this article, we’ll highlight the 15 best suburbs in Adelaide, showcasing what makes each of them stand out. Whether you prefer peaceful, tree-lined streets or bustling cultural hubs, Adelaide has a suburb to suit every lifestyle.
Top 15 Best Suburbs in Adelaide (Adelaide Suburbs List)
If you’re thinking about moving to Adelaide, the below list of 15 good suburbs in Adelaide are worth considering.
North Adelaide
Population: Around 6,000 people
Key Attractions: Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide Oval stadium, North Adelaide Golf Course
Universities Around the Suburb: Kathleen Lumley College Inc., Aquinas College
Student Accommodation: 4B/39 Jeffcott Street
Average Cost of Living: AUD 1,300-1,500/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 1,300,000
- Rent: AUD 725/week
North Adelaide is one of the top Adelaide best suburbs, just several minutes from the CBD. Its picturesque streets are lined with heritage homes and shaded by tall, perennial trees. For your everyday activities and enjoyment, O’Connell and Melbourne Streets offer a lot of cafes, gyms, restaurants, and boutique shops. Moreover, you can enjoy your leisure time watching at the historic Piccadilly Cinema. Also, imagine dining at a restaurant on a floating pavilion right on the River Torrens or simply enjoying walking and running along the scenic River Torrens to release you from daily stress.
Prospect
Population: Around 22,000 people
Key Attractions: Air Raid Shelter, Morialta Conservation Park, Palace Nova Cinema
Universities Around the Suburb: Stanley College, Eynesbury College
Student Accommodation: 18 Buller Street
Average Cost of Living: AUD 1,200-1,600/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 1,250,000
- Rent: AUD 600/week
Prospect offers a mix of character, with grand bungalows, symmetrical villas on spacious blocks, and modern apartments on low-maintenance courtyards. Just 6 km from the Adelaide CBD, Prospect Road has become popular, with trendy cafés and gourmet restaurants attracting visitors. Surrounded by tree-lined streets, parks, schools, and recreational spaces, including the popular Prospect Oval and the Walkerville Terrace area, Prospect offers a dynamic lifestyle, making it one of the best suburbs to live in Adelaide.
Semaphore
Population: Around 3,000 people
Key Attractions: Rundle Mall, La La Vintage
Universities Around the Suburb: Torrens University Australia
Student Accommodation: 35 Liddon Place
Average Cost of Living: AUD 500-1,000/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 995,000
- Rent: AUD 680/week
Semaphore is the perfect coastal getaway, just 20 minutes from Adelaide’s city centre, offering a family-friendly foreshore for sunbathing and beach volleyball. Explore Semaphore Road’s boutique shops, cafés, and local treasures. Ideal for students, it combines a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to parks and schools, allowing for study by day and beach time by night. With a mix of charming cottages and low-maintenance modern homes, Semaphore stands out as a good suburb in Adelaide with its unique character.
Norwood
Population: Around 5,900 people
Key Attractions: Adelaide Gaol
Universities Around the Suburb: University of Adelaide
Student Accommodation: 19-21 Wakefield
Average Cost of Living: AUD 600-1,100/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 1,374,000
- Rent: AUD 690/week
Norwood, just 2 km from the Adelaide CBD, offers a perfect mix of convenience and charm with easy city access and a peaceful suburban feel. At the centre of Norwood is The Parade, a hotspot for food lovers and shoppers. With quirky boutiques and cafes, it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a break from studying. Plus, it is in the list of the safest suburbs in Adelaide. With its student-friendly vibe, beautiful character homes, and leafy streets, Norwood feels like a welcoming community.
Kensington Gardens
Population: Around 1,700 people
Key Attractions: Beehive Cornert, Mary MacKillop Precinct
Universities Around the Suburb: Bible College of South Australia, University of South Australia
Student Accommodation: Scape Waymouth
Average Cost of Living: AUD 1,000-1,100/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 1,091,666
- Rent: AUD 665/week
Kensington Gardens is among the good suburbs in Adelaide to live, offering a peaceful and quiet atmosphere perfect for students. With a mix of Victorian and modern homes, it’s ideal for those seeking a balance of comfort and convenience. Enjoy relaxing green spaces like Kensington Gardens Reserve and stay connected with easy bus services to the city and universities. If you’re looking for a retreat from your studies, many spots in Kensington offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
Bowden
Population: Around 1,800 people
Key Attractions: Adelaide Central Market, Plant 4 Bowden
Universities Around the Suburb: Adelaide School Law
Student Accommodation: Yugo Adelaide City
Average Cost of Living: AUD 800-1,200/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 948,750
- Rent: AUD 680/week
Bowden, ranked in the top of Adelaide city suburbs, is perfect for young professionals and students seeking a vibrant, artsy atmosphere. With chic apartments, stylish homes, and weekly night markets at Plant 4, it has a lively vibe. Just 2.5 km from CBD, your daily commute is easy and hassle-free. People getting to work or campus by bike or public transport is common here. Bowden is also pedestrian-friendly, so walking to work is a good option as it is convenient and effortless. Moreover, Bowden homes are pet-friendly, making it an excellent choice for students who move in with pets.
Aldgate
Population: Around 3,400 people
Key Attractions: Aldgate Valley Nature Walk, Stangate House and Garden
Universities Around the Suburb: The University of Adelaide
Student Accommodation: Fullarton Road
Average Cost of Living: AUD 1,500-1,700/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 1,330,000
- Rent: AUD 700/week
Aldgate, a leafy escape in the Adelaide Hills, offers a charming, community-focused lifestyle with picturesque views. Just a short drive from the CBD and close to the popular village of Hahndorf, Aldgate combines easy city access with nature’s tranquility. Aldgate is surrounded by natural beauty, with walking trails and the Cleland Conservation Park nearby to explore. Ideal for University of Adelaide students, it provides convenient campus access while avoiding urban chaos. Aldgate is a perfect suburb of Adelaide for students and anyone seeking a relaxed, village-like atmosphere.
Highbury
Population: Around 6,000 people
Key Attractions: Aurko’s Lookout, Anstey Hill Recreation Park
Universities Around the Suburb: CQUniversity
Student Accommodation: 14 Binnswood Street
Average Cost of Living: AUD 600-900/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 855,000
- Rent: AUD 650/week
Located just half an hour from the CBD, Highbury is a growing Adelaide Australia suburb with affordable homes between the city centre and the Adelaide Hills, making it ideal for families. Predominantly made up of detached houses (97%), the suburb features a mix of family homes on large blocks, perfect for those seeking more space. Offering a blend of relaxation and recreation, you can enjoy everything from hiking and lively socialising to peaceful yoga in the fresh air. Highbury perfectly combines community charm with suburban appeal.
Henley Beach
Population: Around 6,200 people
Key Attractions: Adelaide Botanic Garden, Adelaide Central Market
Universities Around the Suburb: Flinders University, University of South Australia
Student Accommodation: Scape Adelaide Central
Average Cost of Living: AUD 1,200-1,400/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 1,615,000
- Rent: AUD 795/week
Henley Beach is a good suburb in Adelaide to live. It’s just 10 km from Adelaide’s CBD and offers beachside living and suburban vibrancy. This beautiful area features a long stretch of sandy beach for relaxing study breaks, and Henley Square’s cafes and shops will excite your taste buds. Moreover, it’s ideal for students, as Henley Beach provides easy access to nearby universities and a range of affordable accommodation options. Public transport is also convenient, allowing you to enjoy the relaxed beach atmosphere while staying connected to the city.
Black Forest
Population: Around 2,000 people
Key Attractions: Sasmee Park, Chinatown Adelaide South Australia
Universities Around the Suburb: Tabor College
Student Accommodation: UniLodge Metro Adelaide
Average Cost of Living: AUD 850-1,350/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: NA
- Rent: AUD 650/week
Black Forest, which has tree-lined streets and a mix of mid-century homes, such as Tudor and Victorian-style homes, is ideal for those seeking a quiet, family-friendly environment. Among the top suburbs in Adelaide, Black Forest is just minutes away from larger shopping precincts and transport links, providing easy access to the city. It also has easy tram access to the CBD and surrounding suburbs. The suburb’s proximity to the popular Goodwood Road ensures convenience without sacrificing peace. Moreover, its close-knit community and friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere, making it feel like home.
Glenelg
Population: Around 20,000 people
Key Attractions: Glenelg Oval Stadium, Glenelg Town Hall
Universities Around the Suburb: The University of Adelaide College
Student Accommodation: The Switch Adelaide Central
Average Cost of Living: AUD 700-1,000/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 1,595,000
- Rent: AUD 720/week
f you’re after beach vibes and a lively community, Glenelg has it all. This place offers a vibrant beachside lifestyle with its bustling Jetty Road, full of cafes, bars, and shops. You can easily hop on the tram and head straight to the city without hassle. As it’s near the University of Adelaide College, it gives you easy access to classes, even to early morning classes. Glenelg is the best suburb of Adelaide you need to enjoy a lifestyle that blends relaxed beach living with the energy of city life.
Belair
Population: Around 4,700 people
Key Attractions: The National Park, Windy Point Lookout
Universities Around the Suburb: Australia Lutheran College
Student Accommodation: 16 Regent Street
Average Cost of Living: AUD 900-1,400/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 1,192,500
- Rent: AUD 650/week
Belair, South Australia, is a picturesque suburb in Adelaide Hills, known for its natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. The suburb features spacious homes on larger blocks, offering a peaceful living environment and convenient for study. Moreover, you can take a short escape by walking on trails and picnicking in Belair National Park. Its combination of green space, community atmosphere, and accessibility makes Belair a top choice for those looking for the best suburbs in Adelaide.
Eden Hill
Population: Around 3,700 people
Key Attractions: Colebrook Reconciliation Park, The Big Chair
Universities Around the Suburb: University of South Australia
Student Accommodation: 17 Mansfield Street
Average Cost of Living: AUD 650-1,250/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 983,500
- Rent: AUD 650/week
Eden Hills offers a tranquil, semi-rural lifestyle just a short drive from Adelaide’s city centre. Stunning natural landscapes surround the suburb, with lush greenery, rolling hills, and bushland, making it ideal for nature lovers. Local schools, parks, and convenient shopping options complement its strong community spirit. The quiet atmosphere, combined with easy access to the city, makes Eden Hills a desirable suburb in Adelaide to live.
Crafers
Population: Around 3,300 people
Key Attractions: Mount Lofty Summit, Cleland Wildlife Park
Universities Around the Suburb: The University of Adelaide – Waite Campus
Student Accommodation: 21 Union Street
Average Cost of Living: AUD 500-1,000/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 1,210,000
- Rent: NA
Crafers is a charming and nice Adelaide suburb characterized by elegant homes set among lush greenery, with many properties offering spectacular views. Located near Mount Lofty, it provides easy access to outdoor adventures like picnicking, hiking, and enjoying fresh air, releasing stress from daily routines. Moreover, the local community is active, with various markets and events adding to its family-friendly reputation. Crafers is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, nature-filled lifestyle while being close to the city.
North Brighton
Population: Around 2,600 people
Key Attractions: Brighton Jetty, Somerton Park Beach
Universities Around the Suburb: Flinders University
Student Accommodation: 72 Vinrace Street
Average Cost of Living: AUD 900-1,250/month
Median Property Cost:
- Purchase: AUD 1,333,500
- Rent: AUD 730/week
North Brighton is the place if you’re looking for the perfect beachside vibe. Just 13 km south of Adelaide’s CBD, it offers coastal living and community charm. North Brighton features a mix of modern homes and well-established properties. Enjoying leisure time in lush parklands and on the stunning Brighton beach is ideal for refreshing summer activities. With local shops nearby and easy city access, it is a desirable location in Adelaide.
Where to Find Your Home in Good Suburbs in Adelaide?
If you’re planning to study in Adelaide or move to one of the above vibrant suburbs of Adelaide but are struggling to find affordable rental accommodation, uhomes.com offers a range of comfortable, budget-friendly options to simplify your search. Whether it’s Glenelg, Kensington, or Bowden, uhomes.com can help you find the perfect home. If you are a student, simply search for the ideal Adelaide student housing, or directly go to the university page of us. If you are a working professional in the city, there are also sufficient apartments, houses, 1-bed flats, and more for your choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Adelaide offers a diverse range of suburbs, each with its own unique appeal. We’ve shown you a list of the best suburbs in Adelaide. For students and young professionals, areas like Bowden and Glenelg provide vibrant atmospheres, easy city access, and modern living options. If you’re seeking peace and green spaces, suburbs like Kensington and Black Forest offer a blend of tranquility and convenience. For beach lovers, North Brighton is the perfect mix of coastal charm and community spirit.
All in all, whether you’re after city buzz or nature’s embrace, areas in Adelaide Australia deliver the ideal balance of lifestyle, convenience, and affordability for all.
FAQs About Best Place to Live in Adelaide Australia
Is the cost of living in Adelaide expensive?
Living in Adelaide costs approximately AUD 400-2000, depending on which suburb you live in. It is actually cheaper than other cities in Australia, such as Melbourne and Sydney.
What are the best suburbs in Adelaide for students?
Suburbs like Bowden, Glenelg, and Norwood are popular among students due to their proximity to universities, vibrant community, and convenient public transport links.
Which Adelaide suburb is best for a quiet lifestyle?
Suburbs like Aldgate, Highbury, and Black Forest offer a peaceful, relaxed lifestyle with easy access to nature, away from the hustle and bustle. These are just a few examples of the best suburbs to live in Adelaide for those looking for a quiet, serene environment to call home.
What is the richest suburb in Adelaide?
The richest suburb in Adelaide is Unley Park, followed by Malvern, Erindale, St Georges, and Millswood. Unley Park is a quiet and exclusive suburb, bringing you enough privacy and understated luxury. The above Adelaide suburbs are famous for high-end properties, proximity to urban amenities, safe atmosphere, and spacious greeny areas.
Which is the safest suburb in Adelaide?
North Adelaide is considered as the safest suburb in Adelaide, with a low number of emergency service call-outs. Rosslyn Park, Norwood, and Adelaide CBD are also the safe suburbs in Adelaide, with low crime rates.
What are the best suburbs in Adelaide for families?
The best suburbs in Adelaide for families are Glenelg, Norwood, Prospect, North Brighton, Semaphore, Highbury, Black Forest, and Crafers. These suburbs offer a mix of natural and urban living, tranquil environment, lively atmosphere, excellent education institutions, and family-friendly amenities and activities.
