Overall score
Boambee East
52.4/100
Sawtell
56.0/100
Boambee East vs Sawtell, NSW suburb comparison
Boambee East for investment and value; Sawtell for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Boambee EastSawtell
Crime rate
Boambee East
75.8 / 1k
Sawtell
75.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Boambee East
23
Sawtell
121
Population
Boambee East
5,304
Sawtell
3,788
Metric leadBoambee East 6Sawtell 41 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesSawtell
- Best for familiesSawtell
- Best for beach lifestyleSawtell
- Best for investmentBoambee East
- Best for best valueBoambee East
- Best for best schoolsBoambee East
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 | Boambee East | Sawtell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 52.4/100 | 56.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 81.2/100 | 63.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 75.8 / 1k | 75.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 60 | 60 |
| Walkability | 55.0/100 | 54.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 23 | 121 |
| Planning activity | 15 | 24 |
| Population | 5,304 | 3,788 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Boambee East reads as a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace; Sawtell is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Where Sawtell is shaped by the coast, Boambee East offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Boambee East is stronger for housing affordability and walkability; Sawtell answers with parks and reserves and nearby cafés and amenities. Boambee East generally means more approachable housing costs, while Sawtell leans toward more sought-after housing.
Investors and value-focused buyers may find Boambee East the better fit, while retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Sawtell.