Hillcrest
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Hillcrest, SA 5086.
About Hillcrest
Welcome to Hillcrest
Hillcrest sits in Adelaide's inner north-east, roughly seven kilometres from the CBD, tucked between the established streets of Windsor Gardens and Northgate and within easy reach of the newer Lightsview development. It's a compact, established residential pocket that trades on convenience — close enough to the city for a quick commute, but with the settled, tree-lined feel of a suburb that was largely built out decades ago.
With a population of 3,659 and a median age of 35, Hillcrest attracts a mix of young families, professionals and long-term residents who value its central location and relatively easy access to the Parade shopping strips and Adelaide's northern suburbs alike. It's not a flashy suburb, but that's part of its appeal — it's a solid, no-fuss place to put down roots.
Housing & architecture
Hillcrest's housing stock reflects its mid-century development history, with a strong showing of brick bungalows and post-war family homes on generous blocks, alongside some newer infill housing. Current listings show houses make up around 75% of the market, with land sites at 17% and apartments or units the remaining 8%, indicating this is very much a house-and-land suburb rather than a high-density one.
The streetscapes are quiet and largely residential, with established gardens and mature street trees giving the area a settled character. Buyers drawn to Hillcrest are typically after a standalone home rather than unit living, and the suburb's layout supports that preference well.
The property market
Hillcrest has recorded strong recent growth, with house prices up 19.8% to a median of $906,000. That's a significant jump for a suburb of its size and reflects broader demand for well-located inner-north-eastern Adelaide properties as buyers look beyond the immediate CBD fringe for value.
Renters can expect to pay a median of $650 a week, positioning Hillcrest as a solid option for landlords and tenants alike given its proximity to the city and surrounding amenity. With house sites dominating the current listing mix, buyers chasing land or a knock-down-rebuild opportunity will find more competition than those open to considering the smaller apartment and unit segment.
Getting around
Hillcrest's inner-north-eastern position means the CBD is a manageable drive or bus trip away, with bus routes connecting residents through neighbouring Windsor Gardens and Northgate to the city and to Klemzig, which offers access to the O-Bahn busway network for a fast run into town. Major roads including Hampstead Road and North East Road border or run near the suburb, making car travel straightforward for those commuting further afield or heading to Adelaide Airport.
The suburb's central-north position also makes it a handy base for reaching both the city and Adelaide's northern growth corridor, without residents needing to rely on a single transport option.
Schools & families
Families in Hillcrest have Hillcrest Primary School right within the suburb, a drawcard for those wanting a local option within walking distance for younger children. The surrounding area, including Oakden, Greenacres and Lightsview, offers additional schooling choices for older children, and the suburb's family-friendly median age of 35 suggests it remains a popular choice for households at that stage of life.
The combination of a local primary school, quiet residential streets and proximity to larger shopping and service hubs in neighbouring suburbs makes Hillcrest a practical, rather than flashy, choice for family life.
Lifestyle & dining
Hillcrest itself is modest in terms of cafes and retail, but its location means residents are never far from more established dining and shopping precincts. Northgate and Windsor Gardens offer local shops and takeaway options, while the growing Lightsview development nearby has brought newer cafes, parks and a more contemporary village feel to the immediate area.
For a bigger night out or a proper shopping trip, the suburb's central position means both the CBD and the major retail centres of Adelaide's north-east are within easy striking distance, giving residents the best of a quiet home base without feeling cut off from city life.
Market snapshot
Hillcrest property market
Median sale price
$906k
House · 3 bed
Median rent
$650
per week
Gross rental yield
3.7%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$808k
Median
$906k
Premium
$1.16m
Days on market
57
Auction clearance
44%
Sold this year
36
Median sold price trend · House 3 bed
Compound growth +12.0% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · House
Property types on market
Share of current listings in Hillcrest by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Hillcrest, SA 5086.
Population
3,659
residents (2021)
Median age
35
years
Household income
$1,599
median, per week
Median rent
$319
per week
Median mortgage
$1,602
per month
Mortgage / income
23%
comfortable
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Education
Schools in Hillcrest
Government school catchment
Recent results
Recently sold in Hillcrest
$1.10m
32A Ramsay Avenue
Sold ~July 2026
$975k
33 Education Way
Sold ~July 2026
$899k
10 Balmoral Street
Sold ~June 2026
$799k
23A Norseman Avenue
Sold ~June 2026
Sold prices as published on the original listing; some may reflect the last advertised price. Dates are approximate.
Explore the area
Properties & amenities in Hillcrest
Compare the area
Price map around Hillcrest
Every listing for sale near Hillcrest, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
Loading price map…
Nearby suburbs
Quick switch to nearby areas
Common questions
Hillcrest suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in Hillcrest?
The median house price in Hillcrest, SA is $906k for a 3-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have risen about 19.8%.
How much is rent in Hillcrest?
The median weekly rent in Hillcrest is around $650 per week.
Is Hillcrest a good place to live?
Hillcrest is a suburb of Adelaide in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield local government area. Hillcrest is an established residential suburb in SA, with a population of around 3,659 and 1 school in the area.
What is the population of Hillcrest?
Hillcrest has a population of 3,659 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 35.
What schools are in Hillcrest?
There is 1 school in or near Hillcrest, including Hillcrest Primary School.
How long do homes take to sell in Hillcrest?
Properties in Hillcrest take around 57 days to sell on average, with an auction clearance rate of about 44%.
How much do you need to buy in Hillcrest?
Entry-level properties in Hillcrest start around $808k, while premium homes reach $1.16m.
What suburbs are near Hillcrest?
Suburbs near Hillcrest include Oakden, Lightsview, Greenacres, Northgate and Windsor Gardens.
Available now
Properties in Hillcrest
Prime Development Opportunity in the Heart of Hillcrest!
Tree lined tranquillity for the growing family
Open the Door to Family Flexibility
Premium Turnkey Home & Land Package - Titled, Approved & Shovel Ready
