Just like that, it’s been two months since we relocated to Adelaide. A career opportunity in South Australia presented for Babes in December, and in roughly four weeks, we found ourselves packed and moved interstate into a quiet nook of Adelaide.
Sydney has been my home for the past five years. It’s a place where I built a stable circle of friends and grew accustomed to its fast-paced lifestyle. I’m incredibly grateful for everything Sydney has given me, from adoption to the Aussie life to the memories during the pandemic, hiking trails, and warm welcome from vibrant communities I belonged.
Yet, life has a way of leading us to new places, and this time, that place was Adelaide. Before the move, my knowledge of Adelaide was limited. I knew it’s Australia’s fifth-largest city and that it ran on an unusual time zone, 30 minutes behind the east coast. Having spent most of my time in Australia within the familiar bounds of Sydney, with brief visits to Melbourne and, more recently, the Gold Coast, the idea of relocating felt both unexpected and inevitable. If I were to map out this journey, it seems as though we were always meant to take this next step.
A spontaneous birthday trip in December—one that echoed the spirit of our past adventures—became the turning point. In just four days, we immersed ourselves in Adelaide’s charm, wandering through its parks, exploring the city and its coastline, strolling through Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, and even attending a Simbang Gabi mass. It wasn’t a trip designed to scout for a new home, yet by the time we left, the decision felt inevitable.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Shortly after, a road trip with Tito Jing and Tita Sheila over Christmas and New Year’s took us across Northeast New South Wales and a slice of Queensland. It was one last deep dive into the landscapes of this great state, sort of an unplanned farewell tour that made leaving Sydney feel less like an end and more like the next step in a carefully unfolding journey.
We didn’t have many connections in South Australia—just a handful of families—but those few made all the difference. Nino welcomed us in December, giving us a firsthand tour of the city and its suburbs, making Adelaide feel a little less unfamiliar. Kaster went above and beyond, doing the literal heavy lifting—viewing properties on my behalf, ensuring we found a place, and even filling our new home with furniture the moment we got approved.
At every turn, we’ve been met with kindness and generosity, and Adelaide has been no exception. We may have started with just a few friends here, but their support has been instrumental in helping us plant our feet firmly on the ground. As the weeks passed, our circle grew. We met new friends in the neighborhood, connected with Tito Danny, Ging, and Tita Nida at our Sunday mass at St. John XXIII, and got to know Tita Delsey, Babes’ colleague at her childcare job.
Little by little, our network expanded—not just in friendships but in the kind of support that makes settling into a new place easier. From sharing tips on where to find affordable furniture to gifting us fresh produce from their gardens, they have shown us the warmth of a close-knit community, reminding us that even in a new city, we are never truly alone.
With Babes on duty in December, it was the perfect window for her to tender her resignation. But for me, the decision required a bit more patience. With our office shut down for the holidays, I had to wait until early January to get permission to work remotely. Thankfully, when the time came, my managers were fully supportive, allowing me to transition to 100% remote work—just as if everything had aligned at the right moment.
And then, as if the universe was once again setting things in perfect order, Jesmine from the MFC community happened to be looking for a new home just as we were preparing to leave Marsfield. She loved the place, and the transition was seamless, just like it was six years ago when I moved into Waterloo Road right as Mona, the previous tenant, was moving out. It meant we didn’t have to go through the hassle of finding a replacement, and the unit owner Angeli didn’t even need to list her property. Everything fell into place, just as it was meant to.
Finding a property in Adelaide was no easy feat. The suburbs we had in mind had property rates almost on par with Sydney, but with significantly more space. Smaller houses came at similar prices at more prominent locations, so we figured that if we were going to choose, a slightly bigger property further away would make sense, giving us room to host friends when they pay a visit.
The real challenge, however, was securing a place while still in Sydney. Most agents required applicants to attend inspections in person before even being considered, making the process difficult. Thankfully, Kaster stepped in, representing us at viewings. Our first choice fell through, which was a setback, but we pushed forward and were eventually approved for our second and third applications.
Then came the next hurdle—furnishing our new home. At Angeli’s house, we had the convenience of a fully furnished space, but now, for the first time, we had to start from scratch. Four days after arriving in Adelaide, our packed boxes arrived, and the real work began—lifting, unpacking, assembling furniture, and turning an empty space into a home. It was exhausting, but each piece we put together felt like a small victory.
Adelaide immediately felt like a fresh start: a city with a laid-back lifestyle, wide roads, and peaceful neighborhoods waiting to be explored. Arriving in the middle of summer meant the sun didn’t set until 8:30 pm, giving me extra hours to immerse in my new neighborhood. Evening walks and weekend runs became part of my routine, and before long, I found myself venturing onto nearby hiking trails, eager to discover more.
Friends who moved from South Australia to Sydney once told me that what they missed most were the wonderful people they left behind. So far, my own experiences have reflected that sentiment. Though I don’t encounter many people during my walks, those I do meet are kind and courteous, affirming the warm first impressions.
We settled in a neighborhood that’s both convenient and self-sufficient. Drakes supermarket, the post office, a barber shop, and a few takeaway diners are just around the corner, while a Westfield mall sits only two kilometers away, offering even more grocery and specialty shopping options. There’s little need to go into the city for everyday essentials, although the earlier closing hours of shops compared to Sydney is something I’m still adjusting to.
A short distance from home, on the way to Westfield, is John XXIII church we now attend. The community is mostly composed of elderly congregants, many of whom serve the parish. Wanting to contribute in my own way, I quickly signed up as a lector, another small but meaningful step in becoming Adelaide’s very own.
Adelaide suburban houses feature spacious yards, sandstone cottages, red-brick homes, verandas, and modern designs, creating a blend of heritage and contemporary look. Many homes reflect a blend of old and new—classic sandstone cottages with decorative ironwork stand alongside modern brick houses with sleek designs. From the air, I observe a significant percentage of them have chimneys, making me wonder if it’s a council requirement or an ideal setup for South Australia’s Mediterranean climate in the south with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
As I walk through the neighborhood, there’s hardly a soul in sight. The wide streets feel almost deserted, except for the occasional car rolling by. The only movement comes from the automatic sprinklers, rhythmically watering the neatly manicured lawns. Many houses have sprawling front yards, some with rose gardens or fruit trees, while others showcase the timeless appeal of red-brick exteriors and verandas with intricate woodwork.
On the flip side, Adelaide’s public transport feels less developed compared to Sydney, with buses running less frequently—sometimes even unpredictably. Since I rarely take public transport, it’s not a huge concern for me, but it’s something I might need to get used to. The bright yellow buses are clean and often nearly empty, which makes for a quiet ride.
With a smaller network of public bus routes, the system is simple—passengers just tap on, and fares are charged at a fixed rate depending on peak or off-peak hours. It’s different from what I’m used to, but maybe that’s just part of settling in.
I’m also getting used to crossing at the middle islands instead of pedestrian crossings, which aren’t always available on Adelaide’s quieter roads. Cars seem to have no trouble finding parking spaces here, unlike in Sydney, where it’s a constant struggle. However, friends have mentioned that road rage and undisciplined drivers still pose a challenge on the roads, which I’m slowly adjusting to as well.
South Australia’s dry summer felt like a stark contrast to Sydney’s generous supply of rain. There was one week when temperatures soared into the low 40s, but the low humidity made the heat feel more bearable than the mercury might suggest. Rain, however, is a rare luxury here. Since our arrival in late January, we’ve only had one true downpour, making us appreciate every drop even more.
Adelaide offers a slower, more relaxed pace of life, with quiet neighborhoods, wide streets, and a sense of community that feels like a welcome contrast to Sydney’s bustling, fast-paced city environment. The streets in Adelaide are far less crowded, and there’s a peacefulness that invites long walks, leisurely runs, and quiet evenings. In contrast, Sydney’s energy is ever-present—its vibrant urban life is full of constant movement, noise, and an unrelenting drive to keep up with the fast pace.
Culturally, Adelaide feels more laid-back, with a strong sense of local community. People are friendly, often greeting each other on the streets, and the atmosphere is less hectic. Sydney, on the other hand, has a more diverse and multicultural vibe, with its high energy and constant hustle making it feel more like a global hub. While both cities have their own charm, Adelaide’s quieter, more intimate environment offers a distinct change from the lively, always-on nature of Sydney.
It’s no wonder that a female friend of mine mentioned she’s planning to make a move with her family. But even before we relocated, I heard a few other friends considering an interstate move, though the main hurdle seemed to be their child’s university options and career prospects. These factors have kept them from taking the plunge, despite the appeal of starting fresh somewhere new.
Adapting to life in Adelaide has been a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. While we are still getting used to the slower pace, less frequent rainfall, and different public transport system, I’ve found comfort in the quiet neighborhoods, welcoming community, and easy access to essentials. I surely miss the quiet leafy Marsfield neighborhood, but Adelaide offers a refreshing opportunity where I can take my time to explore and settle in. The absence of Sydney’s fast-paced energy has given me a chance to breathe, but I do miss the constant buzz of city life.
Looking ahead, I’m cautiously optimistic about this next chapter in Adelaide. While it’s still early days, the city is starting to feel like home, and I’m open to the changes that come with it. As we continue to settle in, build connections, and explore our new surroundings, I’m hopeful about what the future holds. Whether it’s adjusting to the local pace, discovering new trails, or contributing to the community, there’s still a lot to learn. The move was a calculated step, and I’m curious to see how things evolve, embracing whatever new experiences and opportunities arise.