Best Subarbs in Adelaide

Only too happy to help. I live in Adelaide. I don't know your location but judging from the post you're not from Australia I think.

It's not a big city in population terms (about 1 m.) and its topography is linear (north-south). The metropolitan area (we use the term "Adelaide" in a familiar manner, not a technical one and we use it to cover all of the metro area).

The metropolitan area has a coastline its entire length. If you are looking for what we would call a "beachside suburb" then you have much to choose from. You've indicated Glenelg, yes, nice suburb.

Others on the beach which are good are

Glenelg North (use the tram)
West Beach (bus)
Brighton (train or bus)
Seacliff (bus)
Seacliff Park (bus)
Henley Beach (bus)
Grange (bus and a train but don't rely on the train)
Largs (bus and train)

There are more.

A useful website is http://www.realestate.com.au (click on SA). Prices vary so I won't try to pronounce on that.

Public transportation into the city varies. From Glenelg you have the Bay Tram as we call it http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/guides/glenelg2.html
It's old, it rattles, it's noisy, we love it

Some useful websites:

http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/index.html

http://www.sacentral.com.au/site/page.cfm

April is cool and changeable. It can be showery and we even have some constant rain so bring appropriate clothing.

The State itself is bigger than the British Isles but our population is only about 1.75 million. SA Central has lots of info.

Any other questions please ask.

First of all I want to thank you for your quick and lengthy response!!

No, I am not from Australia. I am an American living here in Germany for two years now. My husband is a German. Germany is a great place to visit but it is a COMPLETELY different culture! Was a good experience, but am very excited to be going to Australia. Hopefully we can make it our "permanent" home!

The information that you sent was very helpful. We will certainly check out those areas once we are there next week.

I am familiar with the websites that you sent me, but sometimes you get more info or "first hand" info from hearing it directly from someone living there.

I only have one other question, for now! Here in Germany Mopeds are very popular and our son, who is 18, has one. Do they drive them in Australia? Are they popular? How old do you have to be to get a license?

That is it for now. Again, thanks a bunch for the info. When I do have more questions I will be sure to ask!

Have a nice night!!

You're welcome. Re the mopeds. No, they're not popular here. Depending on what sort of motor vehicle licence your son has he may be able to obtain a licence here quite easily. The age for a driver's licence is 16.

http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/index.asp <--- that has the info you need

One more thing that I forgot to ask....

Here in Germany, whether you buy or rent a house, it is completely naked except for the walls. You have to buy:

Wardrobes (closets)
Light Fixtures
Kitchen which includes fridge, dishwasher and oven.

This was a major surprise for me coming from America where everything is available.

Will we have to "bring" out kitchen and everything else with us or are these things provided?

Thanks again for your help!

Depends if you rent or buy. If you rent then you can get completely unfurnished (light fittings, floor coverings, window fittings/curtains/blinds etc) are generally there. Check for built-in wardrobes - some have them, some not.

With an unfurnished house you will probably find no fridge but there will be an oven at minimum. Some will include a dishwasher. You need to ask the real estate agent for details.

A semi-furnished will probably have in addition to the above, a fridge.

A fully furnished - everything.

If you buy then there will be all the fittings (light, windows, floor coverings etc) could be a built-in dishwasher but no fridge or washing machines.

Things such as more than the basic fittings tend to be negotiable when you are buying. The vendor may wish to sell some extras with the house, but again the agent will advise.

Just to say that i agree with good fielder's choice of suburbs ( or, at least

Glenelg, and Seacliff are excellent, but very expensive. HOwever, if you look around you'll be able to find something cheap. I had an apartment in Seacliff last year that cost me AU $ 80 a week, but it was a bit run down. THe neigbouring suburbs, like Brighton and Hallet cove are also nice , but don't move around Christie's Beach and Noarlunga, unless you don't mind it a bit rough. A rule of thumb is : take the train from adelaide to Noarlunga (http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/routes/timetables/Noarlunga_Wttable.pdf) . Everything from Hove to Marino Rock is by the Sea , charming and a good suburb , Lonsdale to Noarlunga centre are rough, poor and slightly more dangerous at night , bt does possess some charm.

Seacliff has a train that takes you to the city