Overall score
Ardeer
46.4/100
Sunshine West
67.4/100
Ardeer vs Sunshine West, VIC suburb comparison
Ardeer for schools; Sunshine West for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ArdeerSunshine West
Crime rate
Ardeer
106.3 / 1k
Sunshine West
72.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ardeer
38
Sunshine West
196
Population
Ardeer
3,170
Sunshine West
18,552
Metric leadArdeer 2Sunshine West 81 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesSunshine West
- Best for investmentSunshine West
- Best for best valueSunshine West
- Best for best schoolsArdeer
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Ardeer | Sunshine West |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.4/100 | 67.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 61.2/100 | 46.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 106.3 / 1k | 72.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 25 |
| Public transport stops | 13 | 91 |
| Walkability | 19.5/100 | 98.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 38 | 196 |
| Planning activity | 20 | 44 |
| Population | 3,170 | 18,552 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Ardeer is a practical metro mid-sized suburb with approachable housing and suburban calm, while Sunshine West is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
On the data, Ardeer is stronger for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook; Sunshine West answers with a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
Choose Ardeer if you are weighing families and households prioritising schools; lean toward Sunshine West for retirees and investors.