Overall score
Balaklava
28.3/100
Hamley Bridge
36.1/100
Balaklava for investment and schools; Hamley Bridge for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Balaklava
28.3/100
Hamley Bridge
36.1/100
Crime rate
Balaklava
43.4 / 1k
Hamley Bridge
25.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balaklava
13
Hamley Bridge
4
Population
Balaklava
2,083
Hamley Bridge
709
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 | Balaklava | Hamley Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 28.3/100 | 36.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 49.7/100 | 39.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 43.4 / 1k | 25.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 2 | — |
| Walkability | 3.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 13 | 4 |
| Planning activity | 19 | 12 |
| Population | 2,083 | 709 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 1/10 |
Balaklava reads as a quieter smaller community with space and a country-town pace; Hamley Bridge is a leafier hillside smaller community with elevated outlooks. Hamley Bridge sits among greener hillside streets, while Balaklava keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Balaklava tends to lead on housing affordability and schools and education options, while Hamley Bridge stands out for a quieter safety profile and overall desirability.
Balaklava suits investors and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Hamley Bridge is the stronger match for retirees and families.