Overall score
Balgowlah Heights
60.9/100
Manly
71.3/100
Balgowlah Heights vs Manly, NSW suburb comparison
Balgowlah Heights for investment; Manly for beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Balgowlah HeightsManly
Crime rate
Balgowlah Heights
24.0 / 1k
Manly
76.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balgowlah Heights
98
Manly
782
Population
Balgowlah Heights
3,546
Manly
16,296
Metric leadBalgowlah Heights 4Manly 61 tiedacross 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 beach lifestyleManly
- Best for investmentBalgowlah Heights
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 | Balgowlah Heights | Manly |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 60.9/100 | 71.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 36.3/100 | 21.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 24.0 / 1k | 76.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 12 |
| Public transport stops | 53 | 128 |
| Walkability | 76.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 98 | 782 |
| Planning activity | 25 | 71 |
| Population | 3,546 | 16,296 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Balgowlah Heights reads as a hillside mid-sized suburb with greener streets and a quieter pace; Manly is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone. Where Manly is shaped by the coast, Balgowlah Heights offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Balgowlah Heights tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Manly stands out for parks and reserves and public transport access.
Investors may find Balgowlah Heights the better fit, while families and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Manly.