Overall score
Balwyn North
71.7/100
Surrey Hills
67.2/100
Balwyn North vs Surrey Hills, VIC suburb comparison
Balwyn North for families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Balwyn NorthSurrey Hills
Crime rate
Balwyn North
33.1 / 1k
Surrey Hills
38.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balwyn North
706
Surrey Hills
301
Population
Balwyn North
21,302
Surrey Hills
13,655
Metric leadBalwyn North 7Surrey Hills 22 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 familiesBalwyn North
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 | Balwyn North | Surrey Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.7/100 | 67.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 14.5/100 | 18.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 33.1 / 1k | 38.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 11 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 108 | 63 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 706 | 301 |
| Planning activity | 158 | 216 |
| Population | 21,302 | 13,655 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Balwyn North reads as a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by; Surrey Hills is a hills established suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood. Surrey Hills sits among greener hillside streets, while Balwyn North keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Balwyn North pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves, whereas Surrey Hills is the better pick for housing affordability and schools and education options.
On balance, families are more likely to prefer Balwyn North, while Surrey Hills remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.