Adelaide: Australia’s most liveable city and third in the world

Innovation in industry. Internationally renowned produce. World-class universities. Wide open spaces. Hills and beaches. Room to breathe. What’s not to like?

Over the past year, global giants including Google, Amazon and MIT have arrived in our state to discover what South Australians have known for decades – Adelaide is one of the best cities in the world. And now the secret is out. Adelaide is Australia’s most liveable city. In fact, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index for 2021, Adelaide is the third most liveable city in the world.

Recording 94 points out of a possible 100, Adelaide scored just .2 points less than second-placed Osaka (94.2) and two points less than the No.1 ranked city of Auckland (96).

The index – which ranked 140 cities worldwide based on five categories: stability, healthcare, education, culture and environment and infrastructure – awarded Adelaide a perfect score for the categories of healthcare and education, as well as a 96.4 for infrastructure, a 95 for stability and an 83.8 for culture and environment.

It is Adelaide’s highest ranking since placing fifth on the index in 2015, and represents a substantial gain from its seventh place ranking in 2019.

Adelaide has been named the third most liveable city in the world. Picture: SATC

So what makes Adelaide so special? The state’s growing international reputation for innovation and technology has enticed some of the world’s largest organisations to set up their Australian base in Adelaide. As well as Google, Amazon and MIT, professional services companies Deloitte and PwC, IT services and consulting multinational Accenture and The Australian Space Agency have opened the doors to new offices in Adelaide, embracing the jobs and industries of the future.

Then there is the investment in infrastructure. For those who haven’t been to Adelaide recently, the CBD’s transformation will delight. From the redeveloped Riverbank Precinct to BioMed City, Lot Fourteen to Tonsley, there is an energy about Adelaide that cannot be ignored. Cast your eyes upwards and you’ll see not just a changed but a changing skyline, with cranes busily at work building the infrastructure of tomorrow.

Adelaide’s recently revamped railway station. Picture: SATC

Home to some of Australia’s highest-ranked universities, Adelaide is now enjoying its reputation as a university city, comparable to that of Boston in the US. Students from around the country – and the world – come to receive world-class education. Outside of university, the city offers active social environments with myriad laneways, beaches and range of outdoor adventures that enhance both the mind and the learning experiences.

South Australia has become an epicentre for the health community, with SAMRHI, SAMRHI II and the ever-expanding health precinct in the heart of the CBD. Every day, researchers are helping to develop world-leading research with global implications. Breakthrough research has brought some of the greatest medical minds to Adelaide over the past decade, and the momentum has continued to put the city on the global health map.

This recognition has carried through to the defence industry.South Australia has become the country’s Defence State, with thousands of jobs and billion of dollars in investment driving the employment and lifestyle opportunities on offer.

The Lane Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills. Picture: SATC

With unrivalled sandy beaches, pristine coastline and hills all within 20 minutes of the CBD, Adelaide offers a connection and accessibility to the outdoors unmatched anywhere else in Australia., with vast Outback wonders and diverse wildlife within easy reach. World-class vineyards and food experiences can be accessed all year round, not to mention the vibrant festival and thriving arts scene that has long been a South Australian calling card.

And let’s face it, when you are not only the most-liveable city in Australia but also the most affordable, why would you want to be anywhere else?

On the home front, recent data shows Adelaide’s median price has grown 19.1 per cent over the past 12 months to $529,326, making it the third-cheapest capital city in Australia.

Since early 2020, it has also built a strong reputation as a safe, resilient city, with the closure of its international borders contributing to its high global index rating.

Bordered by parklands from east to west, north to south, the natural beauty of Adelaide’s outer surrounds perfectly complements the bustle of industry within. It’s a city where you can do business and breathe.