Declan Palmer

Toorak Gardens, South Australia, is a prestigious inner eastern suburb of Adelaide, known for its wide, tree-lined streets, heritage homes, and an atmosphere of old-world charm. I was born there, and while I don’t live there now, it still holds a special place in my history. The suburb is one of the most desirable (and expensive) places to live in Adelaide, with grand character homes, manicured gardens, and a quiet, safe environment that attracts wealthy professionals, retirees, and established families.

Affluent Living and High Costs
Toorak Gardens isn’t just a place where anyone can settle—it’s a suburb where money speaks. The real estate market is notoriously pricey, with large sandstone villas, Federation-style mansions, and modern architectural homes selling for millions. Rent isn’t much cheaper, as even modest properties command high prices due to the suburb’s exclusivity. If you want to live here, you either need to have old money, a high-paying career, or some serious luck in the property market. This exclusivity has created an interesting dynamic: it’s a beautiful, quiet place to walk through, but it’s not somewhere most people can realistically afford to move to.

Lifestyle and Amenities
Despite its exclusivity, Toorak Gardens isn’t a flashy or loud suburb—it’s all about understated luxury. The streets are peaceful, with perfectly maintained gardens, and you won’t find huge shopping strips or nightlife here. Instead, residents enjoy the finer things: cafés with premium coffee, boutique shopping at nearby Burnside Village, and easy access to high-end services. The suburb is also home to Ferguson Square, a small but well-kept park where locals walk their dogs or enjoy a quiet afternoon.

Safety and Atmosphere
One of the biggest draws of Toorak Gardens is its safety. Crime rates are extremely low, and the neighborhood feels secure at all hours. It’s the kind of place where people go for evening strolls, nodding politely to their neighbors, and where kids can ride their bikes without worry. This sense of security, combined with its aesthetic appeal, is why the suburb is so highly regarded.

Final Thoughts
Toorak Gardens is an undeniably beautiful suburb, but it’s also one of Adelaide’s most elite. For those who can afford it, it offers a refined, peaceful lifestyle, but for most people, it’s more of a dream location than a realistic option. While I was born there, I know that living in Toorak Gardens isn’t something that just happens—you either inherit it or work extremely hard to make it possible.

Torrensville is a vibrant suburb located approximately 2 kilometers west of Adelaide's city center. Known for its rich multicultural heritage, particularly its significant Greek and Italian communities, the area offers a diverse cultural experience.


Lifestyle and Amenities

The suburb boasts a variety of amenities, including shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants. Henley Beach Road serves as a central hub, featuring an excellent range of shops and eateries.
The Brickworks Marketplace, located at the corner of South Road and Ashwin Parade, provides residents with a range of retail options.

Dining Scene

Torrensville's dining scene is diverse, reflecting its multicultural population. Notable establishments include Parwana Afghan Kitchen, which has attracted celebrities such as Nigella Lawson, and the British Raj Restaurant, known for its Indian cuisine and frequented by international cricket teams.

Community and Safety

Residents describe Torrensville as a friendly and relatively safe area. While there are pockets of public housing, the suburb does not have a reputation for being unsafe.
The community is tight-knit, with a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to environmentally-conscious individuals and families.

Transportation and Accessibility

Its proximity to both the city and the beach makes Torrensville a convenient location for residents. However, some have noted noise from planes, trains, and helicopters as potential drawbacks.


Real Estate

The suburb features a mix of beautiful old houses, newer developments, and charming cottages. While property prices can be slightly higher, many believe the area's amenities and charm justify the cost.


Entertainment and Culture

Torrensville is home to the historic Thebarton Theatre, a popular entertainment venue that has hosted numerous memorable events.


Conclusion

Overall, Torrensville offers a blend of cultural diversity, convenient amenities, and a strong sense of community, making it an attractive suburb for a variety of residents.