Overall score
Blackwood
64.6/100
Hawthorndene
52.3/100
Hawthorndene for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Blackwood
64.6/100
Hawthorndene
52.3/100
Crime rate
Blackwood
20.0 / 1k
Hawthorndene
9.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Blackwood
223
Hawthorndene
51
Population
Blackwood
4,266
Hawthorndene
3,389
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 | Blackwood | Hawthorndene |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 64.6/100 | 52.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 47.6/100 | 61.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 20.0 / 1k | 9.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 34 | 26 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 223 | 51 |
| Planning activity | 41 | 35 |
| Population | 4,266 | 3,389 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Blackwood reads as a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby; Hawthorndene is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Blackwood tends to lead on public transport access and walkability, while Hawthorndene stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Hawthorndene, while Blackwood remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.