From beachfront to tree-lined: Adelaide’s most prestigious streets revealed
A comprehensive survey has revealed Adelaide’s most enviable addresses. Some you’ll expect, some will surprise you. But most importantly, did yours make the list?
A quest to identify Adelaide’s most prestigious street has highlighted the long-held love of one particular suburban boulevard, but also suggested a growing change in how – and where – we want to live.
In an effort to discover the city’s most prized street, 20 of SA’s leading real estate identities – covering all areas of metropolitan Adelaide – were surveyed to find out which they felt was the most enviable address.
Participants were asked to give their top 10 streets, assigning 10 votes to the street they thought was the best, down to their 10th pick, which got one vote.
With 122 votes out of a possible 200, Unley Park’s leafy Victoria Ave was the runaway favourite, ahead of Gilberton’s Edwin Tce, Medindie’s Robe Tce and East Tce in the city.
Ouwens Casserly Real Estate agent Cynthia Sajkunovic said Victoria Ave was the jewel in the crown of Adelaide’s prestige property market.
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“Victoria Ave is a perennial favourite, but all of the streets in this list are home to high-calibre, luxurious and tightly held properties,” she said.
“The land value in these areas is incredibly high and the majority of these streets hold estate-like properties on large allotments in non-subdividable areas.
“We are seeing a lot of inquiry in these streets from interstate corporate workers looking to either relocate or return here.
“A lot of these streets are close to the city, however in the future, as more people work from home, I suspect we will see a rise in the number of prestige streets not as close to the city, but situated near another lifestyle attraction.”
Of the top 15 streets identified, four were situated in coastal areas, something James Packham of Harcourts Packham said reflected our love of prestige waterfront living.
“When I was a younger man, the good real estate in the eastern suburbs was always far more expensive than that in the west, whereas now a comparable home in the west is achieving a higher price than its counterpart in the east,” Mr Packham said.
“I think in the future we will see more coastal streets on this list, because a lot of the areas that were developed along the coast weren’t developed with character homes, they were done during the 50s and 60s.
“Now when people are buying them, they are knocking them down and developing them with really luxurious houses, so the homes they are building now, when they eventually get tested in the market, we’re going to see sales of up to $4 million and possibly beyond very consistently.
“Australia’s an island and Australians love to be near the water.”
OUR TOP STREETS AS VOTED BY 20 OF ADELAIDE’S LEADING REAL ESTATE IDENTITIES
15. Cygnet Court, Glenelg North (18 votes)
Home to some of the coast’s most enviable coastal properties, including the breathtaking three-level dream home Solstice. When it comes to prime waterfront living in the Glenelg area, with easy access to the suburb’s marina and restaurant scene, Cygnet Court certainly takes some beating.
15. Briar Ave, Medindie (18 votes)
For anyone familiar with this quiet tree-lined suburb, its inclusion on the list will probably come as no surprise. Home to a mix of character homes and modern classics on large allotments, it has what a lot of people are looking for. And that Medindie tag at the end of your postal address will never hurt your property value.
14. Church Tce, Walkerville (20 votes)
Walkerville has always been prized for its gorgeous homes on spacious allotments and, with the revitalisation of its shopping and cafe scene in recent years, will long be considered by many the place to be on Adelaide’s leafy city fringe. Ask our panel of experts and they’ll tell you, Church Tce is the icing on the cake.
13. Seaview Rd, Tennyson (23 votes)
Tennyson tends to get overshadowed by some of the surrounding waterfront suburbs, which feature cafes, restaurants, bars, shops and an abundance of prized coastal amenities. And that’s exactly what makes Seaview Rd, Tennyson so loved. It’s just that bit removed from all of this action, so that, for residents there, that activity and busyness that comes with those nearby locations take nothing away from you living your best life here.
12. Wootoona Tce, St Georges (24 votes)
Take one quick look at Wootoona Tce’s leafy tree-lined street and you’ll see why it’s so loved. It’s quiet, picturesque year round, and home to gorgeous homes on spacious allotments, with the houses set well back from the road. Throw in the fact that you’re just moments from shops and cafes and it’s not hard to see why this is such a prized address.
11. Dutton Tce, Medindie (26 votes)
The second of a few Medindie inclusions to the list, this gorgeous wide street offers everything you’d want in a near-city address. Plus, there’s an abundance of street parking. Not that it matters for most of these homes, but it’s nice to be able to tell the family to just grab a street park out front when they arrive for the Christmas lunch. And if you’ve got someone in the family that lives on this street, you can be certain Christmas will be at their place.
10. Statenborough St, Leabrook (27 votes)
Quiet. Leafy. Tree-lined. Eastern suburbs location. What more is there to say really? Leabrook’s always been a popular suburb serviced by some fabulous amenities, and Statenborough really is the pinnacle. It’s also home to one of the state’s most prized luxury retirement villages – On Statenborough. So move in now and you’ll never have to leave it.
9. Palmer Place, North Adelaide (30 votes)
With one of the state’s top selling properties set in this street – the Anglican Church’s historic Bishop’s Court – an inclusion on this list was almost always a certainty. Home to a range of stunning properties on generally quite massive allotments, this street offers a sense of tranquillity you don’t find in every street in North Adelaide. Walk into either the city or North Adelaide’s cafes – both are easy from this address. Plus, it offers enviable views of the city, which add serious dollars to your sale price.
9. Esplanade, Somerton Park (30 votes)
When it comes to waterfront streets, Somerton Park’s Esplanade would rank high on many’s list of most prestigious streets. While some properties along Adelaide’s coastline remain ‘shacky’ this stretch of waterfront is dressed to impress. Plus, being just that bit removed from Henley and Glenelg’s many attractions, and the subsequent hordes of people they attract, it’s a more tranquil stretch of coast. And the view isn’t half bad either …
8. Stanley St, North Adelaide (31 votes)
North Adelaide is home to some stunning homes, and Stanley St has more than its fair share. Packed with history and overflowing with charm, these homes have a commanding street presence and feature a level of craftsmanship that will ensure they are still there to delight in another 100 years. It’s a street prized for its consistency, and when it consistently offers what many top-end buyers are looking for – big character homes on big blocks – that makes it a winner.
7. Alexandra Ave, Rose Park (37 votes)
One of the city fringe’s most prized residential streets, this avenue is home to a real mix of character and modern stunners on a tree-lined boulevard. With a large central island and home to popular Rose Park Primary School, this street is a hit with both young families and old money. Speed humps mean it’s largely avoided as a general thoroughfare and it offers easy access to Dulwich’s shops and cafes, The Parade at Norwood, Kensington Rd’s attractions, Burnside Village and the city.
6. Springfield Ave, Springfield (40 votes)
Bart Simpson and Millhouse got it right when they sang “Springfield, Springfield, it’s a hell of a town.” They may have been singing about the fictional US city, but it’s still apt here. And Springfield Ave, Springfield’s a hell of a street. Quiet, tree-lined and home to some of the state’s most prestigious homes on massive allotments, a property here will set you back a pretty penny indeed. Not that you’d mind paying it.
5. Northgate St, Unley Park (47 votes)
Unley Park properties are always in high demand, and when you look at the calibre of the homes along this prized street, and some of the impressive sale prices achieved here, it’s no surprise to find it’s so favoured by agents. Again, it offers that magic combination of big allotments, stunning architecture, wide tree-lined street with a canopy that frames the boulevard, and proximity to some of the state’s most popular shops, cafes and bars.
What the expert said:
“The street has an amazing sense of prestige and grandeur, as it is home to some of the state’s finest and largest private estates with an array of impressive character circa-1900 mansions set on beautiful parklike grounds that are tightly held by the same family for generations.”
– John Williams, Williams Real Estate
5. Marlborough St, College Park (47 votes)
College Park has been home to some of Australia’s greatest minds – politicians, doctors, scientists, artists – and it’s really not hard to see why Marlborough St has been their go-to address since almost the founding of our state. Marlborough St’s wide streetscape offers a sense of peace and tranquillity you don’t usually find this close to the city, and the fact that it’s walking distance from some of the state’s most exclusive colleges makes this an obvious choice for many wealthy families.
What the expert said:
“It exemplifies Adelaide living at its best. It’s a beautiful tree-lined street with stunning turn-of-the-century architecture on massive allotments with superb proximity to the Adelaide CBD.”
– Phil Harris, Harris Real Estate
4. Esplanade, Henley Beach (48 votes)
While not necessarily the quietest street on our list, it seems proximity to a hot waterfront area, cafes and bars trumps peace and tranquillity. And when you look at the quality of the homes here and the breathtaking views you get, it’s no surprise so many people are prepared to overlook the hustle to get the sort of lifestyle they’ve been dreaming of for years. Some of the state’s top waterfront sales have come along this stretch of coast, and there’s nothing to suggest its popularity will take a dive any time soon.
What the expert said:
“It’s a gorgeous esplanade and there are very few cities in the world where you can buy absolute beachfront properties, for less than $5 million and within a 20-minute drive of the CBD.”
– Chrissy Esau, LJ Hooker Kensington/Unley
4. East Tce, Adelaide (48 votes)
This street is kind of a hidden gem in the CBD. Set in a quiet corner of the city square and overlooking Adelaide’s picturesque parklands, East Tce is home so some of the state’s most gorgeous residences, with many of them on allotments so big it’s hard to believe you’re just a short walk from Rundle St. With strict rules in place protecting the identity and status of the street, East Tce will continue to be a haven for Adelaide’s rich and famous for generations to come.
What the expert said:
“It’s home to some significant mansions with history and pedigree all within walking distance to the attractions of eastern Adelaide such as the Fringe, polo, Hutt St cafes, and the Botanic Gardens.”
– James Packham, Harcourts Packham
3. Robe Tce, Medindie (58 points)
For many readers who have driven past this street morning and night on their commute in and out of, or around, the city, this is as good as it gets. Being set near a major traffic corridor would usually take the shine off a street, but in this case the homes are so big and grand that those that live here don’t even care. Truth be told, they’re built so well that when you’re inside, you feel like you’re in the country. A brilliant mix of character charmers and more contemporary masterpieces, Robe Tce has always commanded top dollar. The recent sale of mansion Elysian at 9 Robe Tce for in excess of $10 million is testament to its prowess.
What the expert said:
“A true reflection of Adelaide character homes, it’s famed for the grandeur of its properties, many of which have substantial historical significance.”
– Lachlan Turner, Turner Real Estate
2. Edwin Tce, Gilberton (65 points)
Home to the iconic mansion Ivanhoe – the state record holder for many years – Edwin Tce offers the same level of luxury and quality as you will find on Robe Tce, but in a quieter location. And with more consistency in house style too. Set in a quiet pocket of the city’s fringe, you’ll find a wide, tree-lined street here, and, as seems to be the common denominator in the majority of streets on this list – huge allotments.
What the expert said:
“It’s a prestigious location, a boulevard that is home to many of Adelaide’s grandest homes. To be able to find character mansions situated on parklike grounds within walking distance of the city centre – we’re very lucky to have that.”
– Marina Ormsby, Fox Real Estate
1. Victoria Ave, Unley Park (122 points)
I don’t think there’d be too many out there that didn’t see this one coming. Unley Park’s Victoria Ave has almost always been considered Adelaide’s most prestigious street – as can be seen from the fact it received almost twice as many votes as it’s closest rival. From its tree-lined road with a canopy that seems to shut the rest of the world out, people are prepared to pay big bucks to live in this boulevard of dreams. Sure it clogs with traffic around peak hour, but it’s home to some of the state’s grandest homes and is close to some in-demand shopping and dining precincts. All of this makes homes here worth almost their weight in gold.
What the expert said:
“Victoria Ave provides classic consistency with the high calibre of luxury, modern residences on a tree-lined boulevard like no other in Adelaide. It is synonymous with class.”
– Cynthia Sajkunovic, Ouwens Casserly Real Estate
Originally published as From beachfront to tree-lined: Adelaide’s most prestigious streets revealed
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