Moving to Adelaide

Newly arrived expats to Adelaide will find a city that’s negotiated a moderate midpoint between its colonial roots and its progressive nature. Adelaide has historically held a stigma as being a removed outpost in Southern Australia; but while it can be somewhat behind in terms of the style and the energy that define the bigger commercial centres, its sense of space, and its uncluttered urban geography make for a refreshing and wholesome way of life that expats tend to enjoy.

Think of it as a big country town, the perfect antidote for the stress that plagues city dwellers.

Adelaide's prominent history, large parklands, wide streets, old buildings and pleasant suburban housing adds a nostalgic element to its natural beauty. Still, the economy hasn't aged well, and despite some well established large industries, the city has a reputation of paying poor wages to locals and maintaining high unemployment rates.

Though the job market in Adelaide can sound discouraging, the government is eager to attract foreign talent to jobs that are abandoned by Australians migrating to the nation’s larger cities. Incentives such as subsidised housing, high wages for expats, and a low cost of living continue to make Adelaide a popular destination.

Adelaide expat life is further enhanced by pleasant warm weather, very little traffic and accessible public transportation. Contrary to the idea of an old city with a struggling economy, the nightlife and entertainment in Adelaide remains edgy and hip.

The city estimates it needs as many as 5000 new expats every year to keep the economy afloat; making Adelaide one of the few cities in the world that goes out of its way to draw foreigners to a destination with such a high quality of life.