Explore 15 Best Suburbs in Adelaide

Are you moving to Adelaide to study and worried about where you should live? Let us give you a moment to breathe and know that Adelaide will make you all smile ear to ear. Whether you're a student seeking the perfect balance of academics and lifestyle or a professional looking for a peaceful retreat, Adelaide offers the best. In this blog, we will reveal the 15 best suburbs in Adelaide, each with its unique charm, landmarks, and character. 

15 Best Suburbs in Adelaide

Adelaide's top suburbs aren't just places to live; they are lively communities, each with its unbeatable environment. From the beachside bliss of Semaphore to the suburban elegance of Crafers, let's find out the best suburbs in Adelaide to stay in with us.

1. North Adelaide

Population: Approx 6000
Cost of Living: Per person AU$1,300 - AU$1,500 

Nearby Universities: Aquinas College & Kathleen Lumley College Inc.

Nearest Landmark: Adelaide Zoo & Adelaide Oval stadium

Student Accommodation: Y Suites on Waymouth

North Adelaide is one of the best suburbs in Adelaide since it offers a fantastic hilltop view, diverse culture, hundreds of dining options, and endless floors to dance on. This popular suburb in Australia attracts people from its Victorian homes to its River Torrens. Students who are fond of nature and want to live near Adelaide CBD should go for it!

Do not worry about the challenges of finding accommodation in Australia since we have got you all covered throughout the blog. 

2. Henley Beach

Population: Approx 6200
Cost of Living: Per person AU$1,200 - AU$1,400

Nearby Universities: University of South Australia & Flinders University

Nearest Landmark: Adelaide Central Market & Adelaide Botanic Garden

Student Accommodation: Scape Adelaide Central 

Just a short drive away from the city centre, Henley Beach is a nice suburb in Adelaide known for its wide variety of green spaces as well as seaside living. Well, you might be surprised to hear this, but many people consider Adelaide's top suburb an amazing place for short stays. Henley Beach can easily be every student’s favourite as it has everything to eat, shop, and explore! What else can be a student's favourite? Enjoy exclusive student discounts on food and travel essentials to make your stay in Adelaide even more enjoyable.

3. Aldgate 

Population: Approx 3400
Cost of Living: Per person AU$1,500 - AU$1,700 

Nearby Universities: The University of Adelaide 

Nearest Landmark: Aldgate Pump 

Student Accommodation: Dwell East End Adelaide 

Aldgate proves itself as the best suburb in Adelaide when it comes to offering a community-led village lifestyle. All you can expect it to be is aesthetically pleasing and leafy, with a moderate temperature throughout the year. Students will surely love the type of cafes and bars and the size of houses they cover. If you want to explore the best bars in Adelaide and do not know where to start, then you can read our blog on 10 best bars in Adelaide.

If you are looking for something like this, then surely move to Aldgate, one of the best suburbs to stay in Adelaide. 

4. Kensington 

Population: Approx 1700
Cost of Living: Per person AU$1,000 - AU$1,100

Nearby Universities: University of South Australia & Bible College of South Australia 

Nearest Landmark: Mary MacKillop Precinct & Beehive Corner

Student Accommodation: Scape Waymouth

Kensington is a small but one of the best suburbs in Adelaide, which has a very small crowd but a lot to offer. The connectivity of Kensington to various places in Adelaide will be surprising to you; all credit goes to its easy bus services. You will mostly see professionals living here since it is a peaceful and very quiet suburb. It is a good suburb to live in Adelaide as it will provide you with a relaxing place after getting back home from all the chaos!  

5. Prospect 

Population: Approx 22,000
Cost of Living: Per person AU$1,200 - AU$1,600

Nearby Universities: Eynesbury College & Stanley College

Nearest Landmark: Morialta Conservation Park & Air Raid Shelter

Student Accommodation: Leabrook 5068 

Prospect can be a fun and good suburb in Adelaide to live in if you agree with the phrase “the more, the merrier''. Do not focus much on the population, though, but more on the quality of life. It is 5 km away from the city centre. The most amazing thing about this best suburb in Adelaide is that you will find a good number of cafes or restaurants on the street here. People here have parties around the tree-lined streets. Better be prepared for a gooooood time here!

6. Glenelg

Population: Approx 20,000
Cost of Living: Per person AU$ 700 - AU$1,000

Nearby Universities: The University of Adelaide College

Nearest Landmark: Glenelg Town Hall & Glenelg Oval Stadium

Student Accommodation: The Switch Adelaide Central

Glenelg is a laid-back but one of the best suburbs in Adelaide. It is all about a charming seaside atmosphere, a good-level food scene, spectacular sunsets, and an active outdoor lifestyle. You never have to worry about transportation when living in one of Adelaide's top suburbs since the trams here provide excellent connectivity. If you are still in a dilemma, then let us tell you this suburb has a socio-economic score of 10.  

7. Semaphore

Population: Approx 3000
Cost of Living: Per person AU$ 500 - AU$1,000

Nearby Universities: Torrens University Australia

Nearest Landmark: La La Vintage & Rundle Mall

Student Accommodation: Y Suites City Gardens

Where beachside bliss meets vintage charm, Semaphore is the 20-minute vacation from Adelaide centre you never knew you needed. Explore the sparkling waters and stroll along Semaphore Road's boutique-lined promenade. It's the perfect and nice suburb in Adelaide for students seeking a relaxed lifestyle. From cosy cottages with character to low-maintenance modern homes, this suburb offers a coastal retreat with a quirky twist.

8. Bowden

Population: Approx 1800
Cost of Living: Per person AU$ 800 - AU$1,200

Nearby Universities: Adelaide School Law

Nearest Landmark: Plant 4 Bowden & Adelaide Central Market

Student Accommodation: Yugo Adelaide City

Adelaide's top suburb, Bowden, is a perfect spot for young professionals with its artsy vibe. It offers many modern living options, including chic apartments and stylish homes, attracting those students who want to live in groups. Weekly night markets and the central Plant 4 Bowden provide an amazing atmosphere. The commute to the CBD is effortless, which makes it one of the best suburbs to stay in Adelaide. 

9. North Brighton

Population: Approx 2600
Cost of Living: Per person AU$ 900 - AU$1,250

Nearby Universities: Marden Senior College

Nearest Landmark: Somerton Park 

Student Accommodation: Capital Student Stays

Twenty-five minutes away from the Adelaide centre, North Brighton is a coastal haven. This popular suburb in Adelaide is home to the prestigious Brighton Secondary School and lush parklands. Houses on generous blocks are a stone's throw from friendly local shops, and the beach here is famous for refreshing summer dips. Discover the seaside serenity and top-notch education that make North Brighton the best suburb in Adelaide near the city.
These top 10 suburbs in Adelaide offer diverse living experiences. If you're considering a move to Australia for study or work, check out our blog on 10 things you need to know before studying in Australia for essential insights. Now, let's explore the remaining 5 suburbs on our list. Before we dive in, ensure you're well-prepared with our guide for a smooth transition to the Australian lifestyle.

10. Black Forest 

Population: Approx 2000
Cost of Living: Per person AU$ 850 - AU$1,350

Nearby Universities: Tabor College

Nearest Landmark: South Australian Museum 

Student Accommodation: UniLodge Metro Adelaide

Black Forest enchants students with its quaint charm, tree-lined streets, and welcoming community. Despite its petite size, this popular suburb in Adelaide beckons families and young couples with small Tudor-style homes as well as Victorian-style bungalows. Black Forest is a splendid suburb surrounded by top-notch schools with easy tram access.

11. Belair

Population: Approx 4700
Cost of Living: Per person AU$900 - AU$1,400

Nearby Universities: Australia Lutheran College 

Nearest Landmark: Windy Point Lookout

Student Accommodation: Thebarton 5031

Belair is one of the best suburbs in Adelaide, recognized for its lifestyle and climate. With a cost of living of AU$ 900, Belair offers an elevated living experience just 10 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD. If you want to plan your monthly expenses well, then you can read our blog on cost of living in Adelaide. Discover a harmonious balance of community spirit, scenic landscapes, and proximity to the city, making Belair Adelaide’s top suburb.

12. Crafers

Population: Approx 3300
Cost of Living: Per person AU$ 500 - AU$1,000

Nearby Universities: Australian Catholic University

Nearest Landmark: Adelaide Botanic Garden

Student Accommodation: Campbelltown 5074

Where million-dollar charm meets top-tier living, Crafers comes 12th on our list of the best suburbs in Adelaide. With a socio-economic score of 10, Crafers is Adelaide’s top suburb known for its community. This suburb is your gateway to picturesque landscapes, with Mount Lofty as a neighbour. Discover the perfect place with a pinch of prestige, warmth, and proximity to nature.

13. Highbury

Population: Approx 6000
Cost of Living: Per person AU$ 600 - AU$ 900

Nearby Universities: CQUniversity

Nearest Landmark: Anstey Hill Recreation Park

Student Accommodation: Mile End 5031

Highbury stands tall as a suburb in Adelaide and a unique one on its own. Dominated by detached houses at a solid 97%, this suburb is one of the best suburbs in Adelaide for students or professionals. With a robust socio-economic rank of nine, Highbury strikes the perfect balance between community charm and suburban allure. Explore this tucked-away gem where you can not just party but also do yoga while feeling the breeze on your face.

14. Norwood

Population: Approx 5900
Cost of Living: Per person AU$ 600 - AU$1,100

Nearby Universities: University of Adelaide

Nearest Landmark: Adelaide Gaol

Student Accommodation: Hilton 5033

Norwood is a good suburb to live in Adelaide as it is tucked close to the heart of Adelaide. Norwood is a suburb where city sophistication meets suburban charm. You can get into happy dining as well as shopping time here and become part of a welcoming, student-friendly community. Norwood is not just a suburb; it's a lifestyle where city convenience seamlessly mixes with the warmth of a close-knit neighbourhood. 

15. Eden Hill

Population: Approx 3700
Cost of Living: Per person AU$ 650 - AU$1,250

Nearby Universities: University of South Australia

Nearest Landmark: North Terrace 

Student Accommodation: Scape Waymouth

Embrace 'country living in the city' at Eden Hill. It is one of the best suburbs in Adelaide, where city views coexist with serenity. Existing close to hospitals and universities, this suburb is not just a home; it's a wise investment with great rental income potential. Welcoming neighbours and a picturesque setting make it your very own secret hills hideaway. Move-in, relish the peace, and enjoy the perfect blend of urban convenience and countryside charm at Eden Hill.

Whether you're drawn to the seaside vibes of Glenelg, the artistic energy of Bowden, or the peaceful charm of Belair, there's a suburb for every taste and lifestyle. Adelaide's suburbs invite you to explore, settle in, and enjoy the unique flavours of this dynamic city. Welcome to the best of Adelaide's suburban living!