Is Semaphore a good place to live in? We got to the bottom of it!

Is Semaphore a good place to live in? Considering the relatively low housing median prices, minimal rental rates, numerous education and healthcare facilities, and charming coastal lifestyle, the answer is “Yes!“

If you’re hunting for a new home in Adelaide and considering Semaphore, you can close your 20+ research tabs. We will answer all the essential questions about Semaphore’s living conditions!

Pros of Living in Semaphore

Living in Semaphore offers several pros, most notably its character homes, quaint, seaside location, outdoor activities, and the expansive, 2-km green foreshore areas.

Residents can also enjoy a variety of convenient and specialty cafes, shops, restaurants, and services just along Semaphore Rd. 

It’s also close to the Adelaide CBD, so you will enjoy plenty of employment opportunities and a seamless transportation system.

On top of that, Semaphore is well-equipped with healthcare facilities and schools, making it highly ideal for young families seeking a balanced lifestyle near the coast. If you’re a fur parent, the dog-friendly beaches are good news, too.

Cons of Living in Semaphore

The major con of living in Semaphore is that beaches can become overly crowded during summer months, which may limit personal space and quiet enjoyment.

Another drawback is the dull nightlife scene—a huge potential turn-off for those into late-night parties or bar-hopping.

Dining options can also be relatively expensive, especially the ones close to the beach. Lastly, the beach area tends to accumulate tons of seaweed, and there are also reports of snake sightings in some sections of the shoreline.

Real Estate in Semaphore

What are the average property prices in Semaphore?

According to Real Estate‘s data, the median price for homes in Semaphore is $900,000 for the period of June 2023 to May 2024. On the other hand, the median rental price for units is $410 per week for the same period.

What types of dwellings are in Semaphore?

The 2021 Census reports that Semaphore mainly consists of 65.2% separate houses; 22.9% semi-detached, row or terrace houses, townhouses; and 11.2% flats or apartments. The remaining percentage is undefined.

How do Semaphore’s real estate prices compare to other prominent areas in Adelaide?

Property Value claims that Semaphore’s median home price of $900,000 is lower than Adelaide City Center’s median price of $930,000, Prospect’s $1,100,500, Glenelg’s $1,454,000, North Adelaide’s $1,475,000, and Walkerville’s $1,865,003

However, it is slightly higher than Magill’s median price of $910,000

Education, Healthcare, and Safety in Semaphore

What prominent schools are located in Semaphore?

Prominent schools located in Semaphore include the following.

What healthcare facilities and services are available in Semaphore?

Semaphore has a wide range of healthcare facilities and services. We listed the notable ones below.

What is Semaphore’s crime rate?

As per Red Suburbs, a website compiling crime data from the South Australia Police, Semaphore’s crime rate is 72 crimes per 1,000 people, with 17.46 violent crimes and 52 property crimes per 1,000 people.

In 2023, specific crime types in Semaphore included 77 reported cases of theft, 47 cases of property damage, 44 cases of assault and related offenses, 19 cases of burglary, 4 cases of deception, and 3 cases of abduction and related offenses

All in all, the Semaphore’s crime rate is slightly higher compared to the broader averages for South Australia (68 crimes per 1,000 people). For more info, refer to the table below.

Demographic in Semaphore

What is the population size and composition of Semaphore?

The 2021 Census showed that Semaphore has a total population of 2,749 residents, with males comprising 48.7% (1,341 individuals) and females making up the remaining 51.3% (1,410 individuals).

The median age of these residents is 50 years, and they earn an average weekly income of $1,718.

How diverse is Semaphore?

Semaphore is lacking on the diversity front, as indicated by the 2021 Census findings. The top ancestries in the area are English (42.8%), Australian (30.4%), Irish (12.7%), Scottish (12.6%), and German (8.4%).

Additionally, only 29.7% of Semaphore residents have both parents born overseas.

In terms of language diversity, though, Semaphore has a variety of languages spoken at home, with English being predominant followed by Italian, Greek, Mandarin, and German. 

What are the religions in Semaphore?

As stated by the 2021 Census, the 53% majority identify as having no religion, while Catholics constitute 18.8% of the population. The latter is followed by Anglicans at 6.4%.

Furthermore, 5.9% of residents did not state their religion, and the Uniting Church accounts for 2.5%.

Lifestyle and Recreation in Semaphore

What leisure and recreational amenities are available in Semaphore?

Semaphore offers a variety of leisure and recreational amenities, primarily centered around Semaphore Foreshore. Here, residents and visitors can enjoy picnic areas, BBQ facilities, sporting courts, and playground equipment.

In addition to Semaphore Foreshore, Semaphore boasts several parks and reserves, such as Point Malcolm Reserve and Semaphore Park Reserve. These green spaces provide further opportunities for outdoor recreation, including cycling and walking trails.

Are there any community events or festivals in Semaphore?

Yes, Semaphore hosts several community events and festivals throughout the year. One notable event is the Semaphore Greek Festival (around late January), which celebrates Greek culture through food and the arts.

Another prominent event is the Semaphore Street Fair, a community fair held along Semaphore Rd in late November. It usually features market stalls and entertainment like live performances.

Then there is the Semaphore Music Festival, which showcases both local and national musicians across different Semaphore locations. This one is traditionally held over the October long weekend (the first weekend in October).

Transportation in Semaphore

What public transportation options are available in Semaphore?

Semaphore offers various public transportation options for residents and visitors, with the common modes being buses, taxis, and train services.

Buses provide direct routes from the city center and Adelaide suburban areas to Semaphore, with specific services like Bus 157 from North Terrace opposite Adelaide Railway Station, or Bus 150 to Port Adelaide.

For those who prefer train travel, Semaphore is accessible via the Outer Harbor line. Passengers can take the train to Glanville Station, followed by a short walk down Semaphore Rd or a bus ride on routes 333 or 334 to reach Semaphore.

Are there cycling paths in Semaphore?

Yes, Semaphore offers several cycling paths for residents and visitors to enjoy. The main street alone has dedicated lanes for cyclists.

Notable routes that span kilometers also pass through Semaphore. The most famous paths include the trails found in the Levels-City Bikeway, Coast Park, Outer Harbor Greenway, and River Torrens Linear Park.