Overall score
Belrose
58.7/100
Forestville
74.3/100
Belrose for schools; Forestville for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Belrose
58.7/100
Forestville
74.3/100
Crime rate
Belrose
20.2 / 1k
Forestville
15.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Belrose
159
Forestville
309
Population
Belrose
8,726
Forestville
8,659
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 | Belrose | Forestville |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 58.7/100 | 74.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 44.2/100 | 41.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 20.2 / 1k | 15.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 16 | 16 |
| Public transport stops | 127 | 75 |
| Walkability | 57.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 159 | 309 |
| Planning activity | 21 | 27 |
| Population | 8,726 | 8,659 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Belrose is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Forestville is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Belrose pulls ahead on housing affordability and schools and education options, whereas Forestville is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and walkability.
Choose Belrose if you are weighing households prioritising schools; lean toward Forestville for retirees and families.