Is moving to Adelaide an option?
Pros and cons of moving to Adelaide – Quick Jump
Well it was not the case for the family more than 20 over years ago when we were planning our move to Australia.
In fact Adelaide did not factor into any conversation when colleagues, friends and families became aware of our Australia migration move. We did not raise it and neither did they.
Sydney, Melbourne and Perth did.
Doesn’t seem like a good start to plug my home city but lets see where this goes.
Migrating, relocating, work, study, change of pace……..
This post hopefully will help those contemplating the next stage in their lives for themselves or their families.
It could be migrating to Australia for good. A desire to work and live in Australia for a period of time or undertake a course of study in Australia. Maybe even starting a new business or buying into one.
It may also resonate with those already in Australia but contemplating relocation for various reasons. Change of scenery, quality of life, fresh start or a possible company posting. Or had no plans until this post triggered a thought.
Whatever it is and if you not already in Australia, put in your papers quick. You can always decide the final move and pick your city later.
Australia is a wonderful and a “lucky” country. It has been a migrant destination for decades. It’s a first World country with first World infrastructure. Has universal health care, excellent educational institutions and a welfare safety net. More importantly critical mass for a robust, diverse and expanding economy.
A country gifted with an abundance of natural resources, lots of space to share, both of which translates into opportunities.
Our Backstory
Let’s go back a couple of steps.
Prior to our eventual move to Australia, we had not picked any Australian city as our new home destination. Though in the shortlist at the back of our minds we had Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Particularly the first 2 cities. Perth was a fallback of sorts.
We did 2 holidays cum reconnaissance trips to all 3 cities to ground our decision. Sydney Harbour and surrounds were brilliant and scenic. The suburbs however were patchy unless you went up North. Melbourne was sedate but big like Sydney. We came from a big city and moving to another was going to be much of the same to our minds.
The Perth move
We eventually picked Perth. Much smaller but had well planned and laid out suburbs. Streets and infrastructure were clean and well maintained. It is also a helluva rich state.
Perth came across as quieter and appeared ideal for a young family. It was not dated. More youthful would be a more apt description.
Perth probably has the best suburb layout in the world. And I have been to a fair amount of cities.
Land was acquired, house built, school picked and we were all set or at least we thought.
Work however brought me to Adelaide within days of arriving in Perth. The family followed 6 months later from Perth. It was supposed to be temporary maybe two to three years and back to Perth.
The surprise and the 20 minute city
Well it was to me when I found out shortly where my family was leaning to.
Within 2 months of moving, it became apparent that the Falcon family preferred Adelaide to Perth. They had spent 6 months in Perth so the comparison was somewhat on a fair basis.
Though Adelaide like Perth is a linear city, for various reasons everything in Perth was further even when taking into account the Perth sprawl. Travel to the Perth Airport or the CBD always involved a freeway.
To be fair Perth outgrew Adelaide in terms of population in the 1980s. It now stands at 2m people while Adelaide is at 1.3M. So explains the Perth sprawl.
The tag “Adelaide, the 20 minute city” started to take hold and it is no exaggeration even today, 20 over years later. Adelaide’s CBD, suburbs and into Adelaide Hills is a seamless continuation, convenient and appealing. A bike ride from house to office is very doable and enjoyable.
Two Universities and Royal Adelaide Hospital in its spanking new building in the city. The Airport is 6 kms away and State’s top schools on the city outskirts. Plus all the amenities from the Central Market to Food Courts all within walking distance. So it was convenient for families and all.
Adelaide had one other plus and a significant one. The Adelaide Hills close by has a distinct and highly appealing eco-system – climate, terrain and vegetation. No other city in Asia Pacific is as fortuitous in terms of close proximity.
Access, convenience and the 2 eco-systems became appealing factors.
Let’s get into the pluses and minuses on a move to Adelaide.
The pluses for moving to Adelaide
- More affordable in terms of property purchase and rentals. Larger space and blocks compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
- Everything you need is within close proximity including schools, universities, airport, amenities and facilities.
- A family, pedestrian and cycle friendly city and safer.
- Excellent for overseas students. The 2 main universities are in the city centre and all within walking and riding distance of amenities including accommodation in nearby suburbs.
- Relaxed lifestyle and better work -life balance.
- Liberal, bohemian, cultured and festive – as in this linked post.
- Voted the 3rd most liveable city in the World after Auckland and Osaka for 2021. Thats a big call by a well known reputable entity, the Economist Intelligence Unit.
The cons of moving to Adelaide
- Job opportunities compared to Sydney and Melbourne are much lesser. In terms of numbers, range and at the higher end. Most of the head offices and operation centres of major companies are in the 2 cities
- Just outside the international travel routes unlike Sydney and Melbourne
- Lacks critical mass for some sectors and industries
- Too quiet for some
Interpreting the pluses and cons
If you are a fresh graduate or someone with limited work experience Adelaide is a challenge. Especially in the commercial sector such as Banking, Finance and big business where opportunities are much better in the 2 big cities.
It’s more or less a rite of passage for new graduates from across Australia to head to the Sydney and Melbourne for their first entry levels jobs and to pick up experience. So that should give you context.
Head to Adelaide if you have sufficient experience in sectors where your qualifications and skillsets are in demand and appeal. Opportunities are there in the service, health, mining and in the theatres and arts sectors.
The defence technology and high tech electronic systems sectors are significant and leads the nation. Remember we build submarines and warships here. Manufacturing however saw a decline especially in the automative sector.
Academics, doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, engineers, surveyors and regulated professionals are in demand.
Those who operate independently such as those in the creative sectors like architects, designers, graphic artists and consultants will find the cost of set-up cost more affordable. They can also work remotely and meet demands Australia wide.
Have faith
If you are patient, prepared to put your foot in the door and take up an initial position that maybe a step or two down, you will eventually find an opening that fits your skillset, experience and remuneration expectation. It did for me.
Just to be clear, if you are reasonably competent, disciplined and with experience, you will find an opening. I do meet or come across new migrants to the city and pleasantly surprised how fast they secured their jobs in the public and private sector. The entire Australian migration system for skilled migrants is based on demand and to sustain the economy. The sector based vetting system for skills competency shows how targeted it is.
What next?
Do your research. Secure certainty in terms of income earning opportunities. If you think that you can achieve this in Adelaide and want a quality of life for the whole family, moving to Adelaide is an option.
If not head to Sydney and Melbourne first, get a level of grounding and you still can relocate once you have established yourself career wise and if Adelaide still appeals to you.
Here is the link to the State Government website on moving to South Australia.
Good Luck.
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.