Overall score
Bar Beach
40.3/100
Hamilton South
42.6/100
Bar Beach vs Hamilton South, NSW suburb comparison
Bar Beach for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Bar BeachHamilton South
Crime rate
Bar Beach
217.7 / 1k
Hamilton South
228.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bar Beach
77
Hamilton South
34
Population
Bar Beach
1,292
Hamilton South
4,057
Metric leadBar Beach 6Hamilton South 5across 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 | Bar Beach | Hamilton South |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 40.3/100 | 42.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 27.1/100 | 23.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 217.7 / 1k | 228.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 9 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 20 | 43 |
| Walkability | 34.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 77 | 34 |
| Planning activity | 3 | 19 |
| Population | 1,292 | 4,057 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Bar Beach reads as a coastal smaller community shaped by beach life and outdoor living; Hamilton South is a well-connected metro mid-sized suburb with a familiar suburban feel. Where Bar Beach is shaped by the coast, Hamilton South offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Bar Beach pulls ahead on housing affordability and walkability, whereas Hamilton South is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
On balance, retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Bar Beach, while Hamilton South remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.