Can anyone tell me about life in Australia / Adelaide?

[pancakepatter]

We are considering a job opportunity for DH that would take us to Adelaide, and I feel completely clueless about what that might be like - can anyone give any insight? On one hand I feel really up for what seems like it could be a big adventure; on the other hand I'm apprehensive because it's such a big unknown.

We're in our 30s with two young kids. We home educate and I'm a SAHP. Currently we live in SW London and really value the community feel of the area - our group of friends can do a lot of dropping in and out of each others' homes etc which we love.

Is that part of Australia like bits of America where everyone drives everywhere; or would walking and cycling easily enough be part of our lives? How likely is it for us to encounter a dangerous spider or snake? (I have two Australian friends and they both have horrific stories of coming across deadly spiders; one in her car while she was driving; one appeared on the piano she was playing in the middle of a church service). What's the cost of living like?

Aagh, I dunno exactly what I'm asking, really. I'd just love to hear from any other British people who've lived in Australia about how it felt to them.

I am from Adelaide and live here but lived a few years in London and interstate as well.

How car dependent you are really depends on suburb. I live in a suburb just outside the parklands surrounding the city. My husband and I both walk to work in the city (takes under 45 minutes) and usually bus it home. We live a twenty minute walk from two different shopping centres, two large doctors' practices, library, a number of cafes, restaurants and pubs. We are also less than ten minute walk from two different bus routes. However, it would be very different in the outer suburbs. We generally use the car for one big shop a week, visiting family and kids' activities.

Culturally it certainly isn't London. But we do have mad March with the Festival, Fringe and free Writers' Week which is a lot of fun. However, if I had the funds and baby sitting I could see something most weeks. Although, not all of it high quality if I was going that frequently.

We couldn't live the lifestyle we do in Sydney or Melbourne without a lot longer commute or worker longer hours.

I know a number of Brits who have moved here and loved it but could be a skewed sample.

Ooohhhh. I grew up in Adelaide. Beautiful city, good beaches, good food, cheaper than Melbourne and Sydney. Loads of Brits. Great place to bring up a family, I moved away when I was 25 and moved to Melbourne but Adelaide has a special place in my heart.
You may love it, it does get very hot but also very cold, the houses aren’t set up for winter in Australia.