Overall score
Ashwood
57.3/100
Oakleigh East
56.7/100
Oakleigh East for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Ashwood
57.3/100
Oakleigh East
56.7/100
Crime rate
Ashwood
85.9 / 1k
Oakleigh East
45.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ashwood
130
Oakleigh East
103
Population
Ashwood
7,154
Oakleigh East
6,804
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 | Ashwood | Oakleigh East |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 57.3/100 | 56.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 22.4/100 | 31.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 85.9 / 1k | 45.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 30 | 29 |
| Walkability | 82.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 130 | 103 |
| Planning activity | 76 | 85 |
| Population | 7,154 | 6,804 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Put side by side, Ashwood is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Oakleigh East is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Ashwood tends to lead on schools and education options and public transport access, while Oakleigh East stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Retirees may find Ashwood the better fit, while investors and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Oakleigh East.