Overall score
Barden Ridge
52.5/100
Heathcote
60.5/100
Barden Ridge for retirees and families; Heathcote for value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Barden Ridge
52.5/100
Heathcote
60.5/100
Crime rate
Barden Ridge
20.7 / 1k
Heathcote
21.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Barden Ridge
113
Heathcote
93
Population
Barden Ridge
4,129
Heathcote
6,148
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Barden Ridge | Heathcote |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 52.5/100 | 60.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 50.4/100 | 56.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 20.7 / 1k | 21.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 54 | 108 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 61.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 113 | 93 |
| Planning activity | 11 | 21 |
| Population | 4,129 | 6,148 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Put side by side, Barden Ridge is a hills mid-sized suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood, and Heathcote is a hillside mid-sized suburb with greener streets and a quieter pace. Barden Ridge sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Heathcote is within day-trip reach of the capital.
Barden Ridge tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and nearby cafés and amenities, while Heathcote stands out for housing affordability and schools and education options.
Retirees and investors may find Barden Ridge the better fit, while value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Heathcote.