Overall score
Cardiff
68.7/100
Lakelands
33.2/100
Cardiff for investment and value; Lakelands for retirees and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Cardiff
68.7/100
Lakelands
33.2/100
Crime rate
Cardiff
64.6 / 1k
Lakelands
37.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cardiff
371
Lakelands
205
Population
Cardiff
6,318
Lakelands
1,445
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 | Cardiff | Lakelands |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.7/100 | 33.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 72.6/100 | 22.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 64.6 / 1k | 37.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | — |
| Public transport stops | 129 | 16 |
| Walkability | 92.0/100 | 26.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 371 | 205 |
| Planning activity | 41 | 2 |
| Population | 6,318 | 1,445 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Cardiff is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, and Lakelands is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by.
On the data, Cardiff is stronger for housing affordability and public transport access; Lakelands answers with a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
Families and investors may find Cardiff the better fit, while retirees are more likely to prefer Lakelands.