Overall score
Ashfield
68.7/100
Petersham
63.3/100
Ashfield for value; Petersham for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Ashfield
68.7/100
Petersham
63.3/100
Crime rate
Ashfield
51.8 / 1k
Petersham
54.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ashfield
654
Petersham
242
Population
Ashfield
23,012
Petersham
8,200
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 | Ashfield | Petersham |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.7/100 | 63.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 11.9/100 | 9.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 51.8 / 1k | 54.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 18 | 30 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 189 | 61 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 654 | 242 |
| Planning activity | 46 | 47 |
| Population | 23,012 | 8,200 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Ashfield is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, and Petersham is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Ashfield tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Petersham stands out for a calmer planning outlook and stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Ashfield suits value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Petersham is the stronger match for families and investors.