The 16 Best Suburbs to Live in Adelaide

In South Australia's capital, several neighbourhoods blend the best of modern living: stunning landscapes, abundant amenities, and convenient proximity to the city centre. Some sit along the coast, catering to those who savour the relaxed beach ambience. Meanwhile, others embrace a bustling, urban inner-city lifestyle, complete with a profusion of dining and entertainment options.  

Whatever you need, we've rounded up the best suburbs to live in Adelaide epitomising the essence of a busy and vibrant lifestyle. Discover the diverse experiences each has to offer as we guide you through the most liveable areas of this charming city. 

Fulham Gardens 

Tucked between the River Torrens and the coast, Fulham Gardens is a tranquil, leafy suburb of Adelaide that often goes unnoticed, yet it is truly a hidden gem. With its stunning blue-chip homes, residents enjoy a lifestyle enhanced by proximity to over 20 parks, the serene linear park along the Torrens, and the cosmopolitan allure of Henley and Grange beaches, all just a short drive or stroll away.

The suburb features impeccably maintained roads, lush gardens, and a peaceful, safe atmosphere. Well-serviced by excellent public transport, shopping centres, great schools, and family-friendly eateries, Fulham Gardens stands out as a highly liveable community close to beach and city life.

Unley

The enviable inner-city neighbourhood of Unley combines suburban charm with everyday urban convenience. Cherished by families, empty nesters and professionals, its picture-perfect streets showcase some of the city’s best-preserved Victorian bungalows.

Life here centres around King William and Unley Roads with myriad cafes, restaurants, premium gyms and one-off boutiques selling everything from designer threads to artisan homewares. With the CBD only minutes away, Unley is perfect for those seeking a vibrant lifestyle, with entertainment, bars and premium dining at your fingertips.

Aldgate

Beautifully positioned in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, Aldgate has become an alluring magnet for newcomers drawn to its irresistible blend of charm, rich history and community-led lifestyle. Only 20 kilometres southeast of Adelaide, it offers the perfect balance—proximity to urban conveniences while enveloped in the serenity of this burgeoning suburb.

With its small-town charm, Aldgate boasts local sporting teams and clubs and engaging community events that bring a sense of togetherness. Surrounded by lush nature, this suburb is a haven for those seeking the perfect blend of tranquillity and accessibility, making it an ever more coveted corner.

Henley Beach

Punctuated by green open spaces and the sandy shoreline, the adored coastal suburb of Henley Beach offers seaside living at its finest. It’s just 10km from the city centre yet feels as though it is a world away. Crystal clear, calm waters entice swimmers, kite surfers and stand-up paddle boarders, while a flourishing foodie scene ensures plenty of choice to refuel over brunch, lunch and late-night bites.

Henley Beach has become a popular pick for families and empty nesters looking to lap up the holiday lifestyle. It booms come summertime, but locals enjoy the quiet time in winter too, when Henley Beach feels a little more secluded and tranquil.  

Norwood

Norwood's winning combination of location, lifestyle, charming community spirit, and ample amenities make it a highly sought-after suburb for individuals and families, seeking a dynamic and fulfilling place to call home in Adelaide.

It's close to the city centre but has all the values and strong-minded community engagement of a small town. There are excellent educational institutions, accessible public transport, beautiful streets packed with historical charm, and a good reputation for safety and security.

A wealth of diverse dining and entertainment options can be enjoyed along The Parade, as well as pristine green spaces like James Coke Park, perfect for picnics and playing soccer with your children after school. 

Walkerville

Walkerville is one of the best suburbs to make a move to this year, due to its blend of heritage charm, modern conveniences, and vibrant community atmosphere. With its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and well-maintained parks, Walkerville exudes a welcoming essence of suburban tranquillity. Residents enjoy easy access to boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants and a plethora of cultural experiences.

Families in particular are drawn to Walkerville for its excellent schools and recreational facilities, while professionals will find its proximity to the CBD and public transport access a beautiful convenience. 

A strong sense of community is evident in Walkerville, with active participation in local events, community initiatives and neighbourhood gatherings. 

Seaton

Seaton is a real up-and-comer and one of the most liveable suburbs in Adelaide. Just 10 km from the city centre, it offers a perfect blend of convenience and coastal charm. Residents enjoy proximity to stunning beaches like Grange and Henley, along with ample parks and green spaces for outdoor activities. The suburb boasts excellent public transport links, making commuting effortless. Local amenities, including shopping centres and schools, cater to all needs.

The refurbished Seaton Hotel is a standout, likely to become your new watering hole, where locals gather to enjoy great food and drinks. With its friendly community vibe, Seaton embodies a desirable lifestyle for families and individuals alike.

North Adelaide

The hilltop neighbourhood of North Adelaide sits on the fringe of the CBD, giving young professionals unrivalled access to culture, endless dining options and entertainment, and sports fans who will love the proximity to Adelaide Oval.

Dotted with charming Victorian homes and terraces, it has a refined atmosphere with the River Torrens on its doorstep. North Adelaide locals are spoilt for choice when it comes to cafés, restaurants, bars and pubs and can keep active at Next Gen Health & Lifestyle Club.

Moana 

Nestled along a picturesque coastline, Moana embodies the epitome of coastal living, making it a coveted place to call home, even when factoring its distance to Adelaide. With its pristine sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, Moana offers residents an unparalleled opportunity to embrace a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle. Whether it's catching the perfect wave, taking strolls along the shore, or simply basking in the breathtaking ocean views, there's no shortage of ways to unwind and connect with nature.

Beyond its natural beauty, Moana boasts a close-knit community atmosphere where neighbours become friends, coming together to celebrate local events and foster a sense of belonging.

Convenience is also at the forefront, with essential amenities like schools, shops, and healthcare facilities all within easy reach.

For those craving the perfect blend of coastal charm, community spirit, and modern convenience, Moana emerges as a beacon of coastal paradise - and one of the prime suburbs to live outside of Adelaide. 

Prospect

Lined with Edwardian and Victorian homes, pretty Prospect is coveted by growing families looking for excellent amenities, proximity to the CBD and a community atmosphere. With Prospect Road at its heart, the suburb has everything you need, from stylish wine bars and charming cafes to independent boutiques and gourmet grocery stores, while also being close to excellent schools, parks and reserves. It’s a suburb loved by families, young professionals and those who have called Prospect home their whole lives.  

Kensington

The leafy, pocket-sized suburb of Kensington is renowned for its village-like feel and attracts a mix of young professionals and families vying for a spot at the local high school. Along The Parade locals get to enjoy a strip of shops, cafés and pubs, while Kensington Park means there’s plenty of opportunity to keep active. It’s just three kilometres from the city centre with easy bus connections, making this the perfect spot for those seeking a vibrant inner-city lifestyle with a little extra space. 

Glenelg

Laid-back Glenelg couples a pristine coastline with a booming food scene and an active outdoor lifestyle, making it one of the best suburbs to live in Adelaide. It attracts locals and travellers year-round for its spectacular sunsets, seaside charm and bountiful array of things to do and see, and has become highly sought out by young independents looking to put down roots. The tram runs along the commercial strip of Jetty Road straight into central Adelaide, making for an easy commute for CBD workers. 

Semaphore

Those looking to make the most of the year-round holiday vibe should head for Semaphore. This beachside suburb sits just 20 minutes from Adelaide’s city centre and lays claim to sparkling waters, a bustling foreshore and popular cafés, pubs and boutiques lining Semaphore Road. Older couples and families are moving this way for a relaxed way of life and a fantastic sense of community. Semaphore offers a good mix of housing from low-maintenance residences to stunning character cottages directly by the sea. 

Bowden

With its artsy vibe and eclectic dining scene, Bowden is fast becoming one of the most sought-after suburbs in Adelaide to live in. It’s attracting progressive young professionals looking to enter the market, with a good mix of new apartment buildings as well as home and land packages. The youthful atmosphere and sense of community are palpable at the weekly night markets. Bowden has its own train station and tram line ensuring an effortless commute to the CBD. 

At its epicentre, there’s Plant 4 Bowden, an industrial warehouse now home to eateries, artisan stores and a weekly roster of markets and events. Bowden locals can enjoy an eclectic lifestyle, from live music at The Gov or the Wheaty to a tipple or craft beer at Oddio.

North Brighton

Prized for its superb beachside location and just 25 minutes from the CBD, residents enjoy the good life in North Brighton. The suburb boasts excellent education facilities – including one of the best schools in the state, Brighton Secondary School – lush parklands and fantastic community centres, making it popular among families.

Many of the houses sit on generously sized blocks and are within walking distance of local shops, and the beach is a dream to keep cool on those hot summer days, or for a morning walk. 

Black Forest

Black Forest conveniently lies in the inner city with beautiful tree-lined streets, friendly locals and easy access to the CBD. Small in size, it has a close-knit community and excellent schools nearby, making it popular amongst families and young couples. The homes are brimming with character and cement the neighbourhood’s enduring charm; a coveted combination of bungalows, Victorian and Tudor-style architecture.

Black Forest is well serviced by public transport, making it easy to access the city, surrounding suburbs and Glenelg from the tramline close by.  

Doing your research on the best suburbs to live in Adelaide and looking for more helpful property advice? Check out our explainer on what you should look out for when buying a house. Then, have a read of our guide on what to look for in a suburb before buying there.