Overall score
Arncliffe
66.3/100
Bardwell Park
58.5/100
Bardwell Park for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Arncliffe
66.3/100
Bardwell Park
58.5/100
Crime rate
Arncliffe
55.7 / 1k
Bardwell Park
26.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Arncliffe
219
Bardwell Park
50
Population
Arncliffe
12,023
Bardwell Park
2,320
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 | Arncliffe | Bardwell Park |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.3/100 | 58.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 16.4/100 | 30.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 55.7 / 1k | 26.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 13 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 9 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 67 | 41 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 51.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 219 | 50 |
| Planning activity | 31 | 3 |
| Population | 12,023 | 2,320 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 10/10 |
Arncliffe is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Bardwell Park is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by. Arncliffe sits closer to the city centre, whereas Bardwell Park is in a middle-ring position.
Arncliffe pulls ahead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, whereas Bardwell Park is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Households prioritising schools may find Arncliffe the better fit, while retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Bardwell Park.