Overall score
Balwyn
66.3/100
Surrey Hills
67.2/100
Balwyn vs Surrey Hills, VIC suburb comparison
Surrey Hills for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalwynSurrey Hills
Crime rate
Balwyn
55.4 / 1k
Surrey Hills
38.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balwyn
394
Surrey Hills
301
Population
Balwyn
13,495
Surrey Hills
13,655
Metric leadBalwyn 3Surrey Hills 53 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 retireesSurrey Hills
- Best for familiesSurrey Hills
- Best for investmentSurrey Hills
- Best for best valueSurrey Hills
- Best for best schoolsSurrey Hills
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 | Surrey Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.3/100 | 67.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 7.7/100 | 18.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 55.4 / 1k | 38.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 14 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 47 | 63 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 394 | 301 |
| Planning activity | 119 | 216 |
| Population | 13,495 | 13,655 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Balwyn is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, and Surrey Hills is a hills established suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood. Surrey Hills sits among greener hillside streets, while Balwyn keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Balwyn pulls ahead on schools and education options and nearby cafés and amenities, whereas Surrey Hills is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Surrey Hills, while Balwyn remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.