Overall score
Breakwater
40.5/100
Charlemont
47.7/100
Breakwater for investment and schools; Charlemont for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Breakwater
40.5/100
Charlemont
47.7/100
Crime rate
Breakwater
204.5 / 1k
Charlemont
51.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Breakwater
45
Charlemont
46
Population
Breakwater
1,060
Charlemont
2,612
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 | Breakwater | Charlemont |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 40.5/100 | 47.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 65.6/100 | 62.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 204.5 / 1k | 51.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 14 | 15 |
| Walkability | 25.0/100 | 22.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 45 | 46 |
| Planning activity | 35 | 18 |
| Population | 1,060 | 2,612 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 8/10 |
Breakwater is an energetic metro smaller community where cafés and local life overlap, while Charlemont is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Breakwater tends to lead on housing affordability and schools and education options, while Charlemont stands out for a quieter safety profile and public transport access. On housing, Breakwater sits in a affordable band, compared with a well priced feel in Charlemont.
Investors and households prioritising schools may find Breakwater the better fit, while retirees are more likely to prefer Charlemont.