Overall score
Balgowlah
63.4/100
Freshwater
71.0/100
Balgowlah vs Freshwater, NSW suburb comparison
Freshwater for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalgowlahFreshwater
Crime rate
Balgowlah
24.1 / 1k
Freshwater
20.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balgowlah
218
Freshwater
228
Population
Balgowlah
8,068
Freshwater
9,186
Metric leadBalgowlah 2Freshwater 63 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 retireesFreshwater
- Best for familiesFreshwater
- Best for beach lifestyleFreshwater
- Best for investmentFreshwater
- Best for best valueFreshwater
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 | Freshwater |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.4/100 | 71.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 23.6/100 | 38.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 24.1 / 1k | 20.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 10 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 103 | 102 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 218 | 228 |
| Planning activity | 19 | 36 |
| Population | 8,068 | 9,186 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Balgowlah reads as an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Freshwater is a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Where Freshwater is shaped by the coast, Balgowlah offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Balgowlah tends to lead on schools and education options and public transport access, while Freshwater stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Balgowlah suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Freshwater is the stronger match for retirees and families.