Overall score
Aspendale Gardens
67.5/100
Carrum
65.4/100
Aspendale Gardens for retirees and families; Carrum for beach lifestyle and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Aspendale Gardens
67.5/100
Carrum
65.4/100
Crime rate
Aspendale Gardens
22.7 / 1k
Carrum
63.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Aspendale Gardens
113
Carrum
181
Population
Aspendale Gardens
6,427
Carrum
4,239
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 | Aspendale Gardens | Carrum |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 67.5/100 | 65.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 48.0/100 | 57.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 22.7 / 1k | 63.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 17 | 39 |
| Walkability | 81.5/100 | 90.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 113 | 181 |
| Planning activity | 7 | 90 |
| Population | 6,427 | 4,239 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 7/10 |
Aspendale Gardens is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Carrum is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Carrum leans into coastal living, while Aspendale Gardens feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Aspendale Gardens is stronger for a quieter safety profile and overall desirability; Carrum answers with housing affordability and schools and education options.
Retirees and families may find Aspendale Gardens the better fit, while people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors are more likely to prefer Carrum.