Overall score
Cambridge Gardens
45.1/100
Penrith
69.0/100
Penrith for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Cambridge Gardens
45.1/100
Penrith
69.0/100
Crime rate
Cambridge Gardens
68.7 / 1k
Penrith
154.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cambridge Gardens
51
Penrith
1,109
Population
Cambridge Gardens
2,030
Penrith
17,966
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 | Cambridge Gardens | Penrith |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.1/100 | 69.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 53.7/100 | 25.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 68.7 / 1k | 154.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 23 |
| Public transport stops | 25 | 280 |
| Walkability | 63.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 51 | 1,109 |
| Planning activity | 2 | 60 |
| Population | 2,030 | 17,966 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 3/10 |
Cambridge Gardens reads as a leafier hillside smaller community with elevated outlooks; Penrith is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby. Cambridge Gardens sits among greener hillside streets, while Penrith keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Cambridge Gardens tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Penrith stands out for public transport access and walkability. Cambridge Gardens generally means more sought-after housing, while Penrith leans toward more approachable housing costs.
On balance, families and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Penrith, while Cambridge Gardens remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.