jessicag5

While Salisbury often has been regarded as a typically stereotyped Northern suburb due to media and also the once prominent "housing trust house" stigma, Salisbury has grown so much since then, and continues to develop into such a vibrant place to live. And mind you, the "bogan" population do not simply exist in the northern suburbs, despite urban folklore.

With amenities so accessible, as well as access to a plethora of parks, sports facilities, clubs and groups, Salisbury is truly thriving. Within 25 minutes on the Adelaide Metro, you can arrive in the city, be it for work or to take advantage of the many things our capital has on offer. Parabanks Shopping Centre serves as the major shopping centre to Salisbury's CBS and is currently undergoing an 18 million dollar upgrade, including 20 more stores, such as Priceline, Radio Rentals etc. There is a nearby complex of various restaurants and shops in John Street and in the Cinema Complex including the recently opened Mobara Japanese Restaurant. Additionally St Jay's Recreational Centre is also receiving an update as well as several playgrounds, walking trails and roads within the area. Nearby Hollywood Plaza is another shopping centre nearby though it could use another major department store. What it does lack, however, is made up for at Elizabeth Shopping Centre 15 minutes away.

There are some very good schools in Salisbury area, including those in the public sector, just last year one of Salisbury High School student received an ATAR of 99%. Notable private schools are St Augustine Parish School, Bethany Christian School, Tyndale Christian School with Endeavour College and (the two best schools in the Northern area) Kings Baptist and Pedare Christian School a short commute away. Many of these schools offer extra support programs for new migrants. Some also host their own childcares and out of school hour facilities. Of course there are these facilities readily available in another parts of the suburb as well. The Salisbury Youth Council and Twelve25 Youth Enterprise support young people in the community to work, study or volunteer in their area. There are also 200 sporting clubs to chose from. There are cultural programs for migrants, support for the elderly etc. In the past few years, we have had some big events occurring throughout Salisbury that have drawn the crowds, such as The Salisbury Christmas Pageant and Fair, Australia Day Picnic, International Women's Day Breakfast, (The Fringe) Secret Garden Concert with Thirsty Merc and a plethora of other events including night time children's movies outdoors on the town green etc.

Housing here is quite affordable to buy; but not so much to rent. Like most of SA, the rental market is climbing and with it's proximity to Adelaide, I do believe at some point Salisbury will become quite expensive. You can get a nice house for under $300,000 here, something that is harder to do closer to the city, but it's the stigma that keeps the price low. Of course like all places, Salisbury has it's flaws, but there's so much good here as well. A wonderful community atmosphere, easily as inviting as many of the suburbs I have been to in the hills, like Hahndorf or Birdwood. Sure it does still have a stigma. Parking can sometimes prove problematic and we don't have a Kmart close by (there's one up at Tea Tree Plaza though.) We're still a community with a small-town atmosphere, where most people will say hello to you and where there are so many opportunities.