Overall score
Bittern
59.7/100
Hastings
64.9/100
Bittern for retirees; Hastings for beach lifestyle and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Bittern
59.7/100
Hastings
64.9/100
Crime rate
Bittern
41.9 / 1k
Hastings
163.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bittern
42
Hastings
287
Population
Bittern
4,276
Hastings
10,369
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 | Bittern | Hastings |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 59.7/100 | 64.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 83.5/100 | 89.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 41.9 / 1k | 163.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 20 |
| Public transport stops | 13 | 35 |
| Walkability | 61.5/100 | 73.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 42 | 287 |
| Planning activity | 52 | 123 |
| Population | 4,276 | 10,369 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 2/10 |
Bittern reads as a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Hastings is a coastal established suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living.
On the data, Bittern is stronger for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook; Hastings answers with housing affordability and schools and education options. On housing, Bittern sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Hastings.
Retirees may find Bittern the better fit, while people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors are more likely to prefer Hastings.