A satellite city was planned for northern metropolitan fringe of Adelaide, and the South Australian Housing Trust initiated a housing development program in the area, with a purchase of 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) of rural land between the established townships of Salisbury and Smithfield.

[2] Initially it was proposed that the Civic Administration of the New Town would be shared between the Salisbury and Munno Para 'East' District Councils.

Automotive manufacturer Holden established a manufacturing plant in the area, becoming a major employer along with the Department of Defence with its Long Range Weapons Establishment, later the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, and RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Elizabeth had large areas of open space, with the most prominent being Fremont Park, on Main North Road.

Elizabeth also had a strong music scene, providing a home for Jimmy Barnes,[11][12][13] John Swan,[14] Bernard "Doc" Neeson and Glenn Shorrock,[15] among other musicians.