Overall score
Balgowlah Heights
60.9/100
Seaforth
72.3/100
Balgowlah Heights vs Seaforth, NSW suburb comparison
Seaforth for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Balgowlah HeightsSeaforth
Crime rate
Balgowlah Heights
24.0 / 1k
Seaforth
21.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balgowlah Heights
98
Seaforth
326
Population
Balgowlah Heights
3,546
Seaforth
7,384
Metric leadBalgowlah Heights 1Seaforth 91 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Seaforth |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 60.9/100 | 72.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 36.3/100 | 52.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 24.0 / 1k | 21.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 53 | 112 |
| Walkability | 76.0/100 | 94.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 98 | 326 |
| Planning activity | 25 | 29 |
| Population | 3,546 | 7,384 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Balgowlah Heights is a hillside mid-sized suburb with greener streets and a quieter pace, and Seaforth is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Balgowlah Heights sits among greener hillside streets, while Seaforth keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Balgowlah Heights tends to lead on a calmer planning outlook, while Seaforth stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Seaforth, while Balgowlah Heights remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.