Overall score
Ashby Heights
31.5/100
Maclean
49.5/100
Ashby Heights for retirees; Maclean for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Ashby Heights
31.5/100
Maclean
49.5/100
Crime rate
Ashby Heights
51.8 / 1k
Maclean
53.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ashby Heights
0
Maclean
31
Population
Ashby Heights
292
Maclean
2,778
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 | Ashby Heights | Maclean |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 31.5/100 | 49.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 74.6/100 | 69.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 51.8 / 1k | 53.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 11 | 37 |
| Walkability | 16.5/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 31 |
| Planning activity | 2 | 22 |
| Population | 292 | 2,778 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 1/10 |
Put side by side, Ashby Heights is a hills smaller community where tree cover and calm define the mood, and Maclean is a regional mid-sized suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote. Ashby Heights sits among greener hillside streets, while Maclean keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Ashby Heights tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Maclean stands out for public transport access and walkability.
Ashby Heights suits retirees more clearly, whereas Maclean is the stronger match for investors and value-focused buyers.