Overall score
Abbey
38.6/100
Broadwater
37.1/100
Abbey for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Abbey
38.6/100
Broadwater
37.1/100
Crime rate
Abbey
5423.8 / 1k
Broadwater
1660.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Abbey
27
Broadwater
12
Population
Abbey
1,321
Broadwater
4,269
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Abbey | Broadwater |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 38.6/100 | 37.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 31.5/100 | 17.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 5423.8 / 1k | 1660.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 12 | 39 |
| Walkability | 22.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 27 | 12 |
| Population | 1,321 | 4,269 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 4/10 |
Abbey is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm, while Broadwater is a more rural mid-sized suburb that rewards people who want room to breathe. Abbey leans into coastal living, while Broadwater feels more inland and suburban in character.
Abbey pulls ahead on housing affordability and nearby cafés and amenities, whereas Broadwater is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
On balance, retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Abbey, while Broadwater remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.