Overall score
Blacksmiths
42.9/100
Caves Beach
50.9/100
Blacksmiths vs Caves Beach, NSW suburb comparison
Blacksmiths for investment; Caves Beach for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BlacksmithsCaves Beach
Crime rate
Blacksmiths
55.9 / 1k
Caves Beach
56.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Blacksmiths
64
Caves Beach
93
Population
Blacksmiths
1,881
Caves Beach
4,016
Metric leadBlacksmiths 3Caves Beach 61 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesCaves Beach
- Best for familiesCaves Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleCaves Beach
- Best for investmentBlacksmiths
- Best for best schoolsCaves Beach
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 | Blacksmiths | Caves Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 42.9/100 | 50.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 55.3/100 | 49.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 55.9 / 1k | 56.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | — |
| Public transport stops | 47 | 59 |
| Walkability | 34.0/100 | 80.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 64 | 93 |
| Planning activity | 14 | 18 |
| Population | 1,881 | 4,016 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Blacksmiths is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm, and Caves Beach is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone.
Blacksmiths pulls ahead on housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook, whereas Caves Beach is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options. On housing, Blacksmiths sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Caves Beach.
Choose Blacksmiths if you are weighing investors; lean toward Caves Beach for retirees and families.