Overall score
Avondale Heights
72.0/100
Essendon West
47.8/100
Avondale Heights vs Essendon West, VIC suburb comparison
Avondale Heights for investment and value; Essendon West for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Avondale HeightsEssendon West
Crime rate
Avondale Heights
39.2 / 1k
Essendon West
40.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Avondale Heights
308
Essendon West
82
Population
Avondale Heights
12,388
Essendon West
1,559
Metric leadAvondale Heights 8Essendon West 3across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesEssendon West
- Best for familiesEssendon West
- Best for investmentAvondale Heights
- Best for best valueAvondale Heights
- Best for best schoolsEssendon West
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Avondale Heights | Essendon West |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 72.0/100 | 47.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 54.6/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 39.2 / 1k | 40.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 21 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 42 | 8 |
| Walkability | 96.0/100 | 14.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 308 | 82 |
| Planning activity | 121 | 25 |
| Population | 12,388 | 1,559 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Avondale Heights is a hillside established suburb with greener streets and a quieter pace, while Essendon West is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by. Avondale Heights sits among greener hillside streets, while Essendon West keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Avondale Heights tends to lead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, while Essendon West stands out for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
Avondale Heights suits investors and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Essendon West is the stronger match for retirees and families.