Overall score
Caroline Springs
71.4/100
Hillside
72.3/100
Caroline Springs vs Hillside, VIC suburb comparison
Caroline Springs for investment; Hillside for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Caroline SpringsHillside
Crime rate
Caroline Springs
53.4 / 1k
Hillside
—
Nearby amenities
Caroline Springs
270
Hillside
323
Population
Caroline Springs
24,488
Hillside
17,331
Metric leadCaroline Springs 5Hillside 41 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesHillside
- Best for familiesHillside
- Best for investmentCaroline Springs
- Best for best valueHillside
- Best for best schoolsHillside
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 | Caroline Springs | Hillside |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.4/100 | 72.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 70.7/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 53.4 / 1k | — |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 23 | 19 |
| Public transport stops | 87 | 52 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 90.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 270 | 323 |
| Planning activity | 35 | 12 |
| Population | 24,488 | 17,331 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Caroline Springs is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, and Hillside is a leafier hillside established suburb with elevated outlooks. Hillside sits among greener hillside streets, while Caroline Springs keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Caroline Springs pulls ahead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, whereas Hillside is the better pick for housing affordability and nearby cafés and amenities.
Choose Caroline Springs if you are weighing investors; lean toward Hillside for retirees and families.