Overall score
Balgowlah
63.4/100
North Manly
56.2/100
Balgowlah vs North Manly, NSW suburb comparison
Balgowlah for families and schools; North Manly for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalgowlahNorth Manly
Crime rate
Balgowlah
24.1 / 1k
North Manly
46.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balgowlah
218
North Manly
48
Population
Balgowlah
8,068
North Manly
3,396
Metric leadBalgowlah 6North Manly 41 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 retireesNorth Manly
- Best for familiesBalgowlah
- Best for investmentNorth Manly
- Best for best valueNorth Manly
- Best for best schoolsBalgowlah
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 | North Manly |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.4/100 | 56.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 23.6/100 | 37.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 24.1 / 1k | 46.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 10 | 14 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 103 | 44 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 218 | 48 |
| Planning activity | 19 | 15 |
| Population | 8,068 | 3,396 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Balgowlah is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, and North Manly is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Balgowlah sits closer to the city centre, whereas North Manly is in a middle-ring position.
Balgowlah tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, while North Manly stands out for housing affordability and parks and reserves.
Choose Balgowlah if you are weighing families and households prioritising schools; lean toward North Manly for investors.