South Australia is one of the most arid states of Australia and is the fourth largest in terms of surface area. It has a population of over 1.5 million but houses only 8% of the Australian population. Most of these live in Adelaide. Around 20% of the population of South Australia is expats, mainly British and other Europeans, and in recent years there has been an increase in the number of expats from Africa. Many people make the move for the climate, with warm summers and mild winters.

The cost of living in South Australia is considered to be far lower than in other states, with Adelaide reported to be one of the most affordable cities on the continent. Property prices are lower than in other states and educational standards are good, with private schools in the state costing considerably less than those in other states.

South Australia – Employment

As with all Australian states, there are a number of schemes to encourage expats to move and seek work in Australia. The state government has a website which offers advice for those who are looking for work in the area. The website has links to a number of employment websites which list job vacancies and advice on prospects in the area. There is a lot of encouragement for those who have specific skills and trades as there is a shortage of skilled workers in some fields. The local government also runs courses to help newcomers to the area to find work.

One of the largest employers in the region is the tourist industry and there are opportunities for those who have experience in this field. However, many of these jobs are seasonal or for unskilled workers so there can often be a great deal of competition. Much of the region is rural and there are many farms and small holdings, so those that are looking for land for their own business should find something to suit.

There is also a need for qualified and experienced teaching staff and health care professionals. The South Australia government has a service that will check if your qualifications are recognised in the country.

South Australia – Property

Most people who move to South Australia will head for the main city of Adelaide. This is the largest urban area in the region and there are many different districts for expats to choose from. The city centre is filled with commercial areas and accommodation in this part of the city is mainly apartments. Property prices are higher in this area than the regional average due to the demand. In contrast the North Adelaide area has become a very trendy area, with a cafe culture and speciality retail outlets. Properties in the area are a mix of apartments and family homes and prices are higher than the regional average.

The district of Glenelg is popular with those who work in the city due to the excellent transport links. It is a coastal district and attracts many tourists each year and property prices are higher the closer you are to the coast. The Norwood district is located in the eastern part of Adelaide and is popular with families due to the quiet residential areas and good schools. Port Adelaide is one of the oldest districts and has many older style family homes. There has also been regeneration in some parts of the district and former commercial buildings have been converted into modern apartments.

Those who prefer to be out of a city might consider Kangaroo Island. There are a number of small towns there that are popular with families and the town of Kingscote was the first place in South Australia settled by Europeans. The second biggest town on the island is Penneshaw which has a small population but has a ferry terminal which makes it easy to get to the mainland. Other towns include Parndana, but many of the inhabitants of the island live in rural areas. All the towns have basic facilities but those who are looking for lots of shops and businesses will be disappointed. There are schools and medical facilities on the island and property prices are very low compared to the rest of the region.