Overall score
Ashburton
71.4/100
Surrey Hills
67.2/100
Ashburton for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Ashburton
71.4/100
Surrey Hills
67.2/100
Crime rate
Ashburton
68.4 / 1k
Surrey Hills
38.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ashburton
358
Surrey Hills
301
Population
Ashburton
7,952
Surrey Hills
13,655
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 | Ashburton | Surrey Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.4/100 | 67.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 19.5/100 | 18.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 68.4 / 1k | 38.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 38 | 63 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 358 | 301 |
| Planning activity | 103 | 216 |
| Population | 7,952 | 13,655 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Ashburton reads as a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by; Surrey Hills is a hills established suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood. Surrey Hills sits among greener hillside streets, while Ashburton keeps a flatter suburban layout.
On the data, Ashburton is stronger for housing affordability and nearby cafés and amenities; Surrey Hills answers with a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Ashburton, while Surrey Hills remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.