Overall score
Caves Beach
50.9/100
Nords Wharf
30.8/100
Caves Beach vs Nords Wharf, NSW suburb comparison
Caves Beach for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Caves BeachNords Wharf
Crime rate
Caves Beach
56.0 / 1k
Nords Wharf
55.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Caves Beach
93
Nords Wharf
21
Population
Caves Beach
4,016
Nords Wharf
895
Metric leadCaves Beach 7Nords Wharf 21 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 retireesCaves Beach
- Best for familiesCaves Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleCaves Beach
- Best for investmentCaves Beach
- Best for best valueCaves Beach
- Best for best schoolsCaves Beach
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 | Caves Beach | Nords Wharf |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 50.9/100 | 30.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 49.0/100 | 38.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 56.0 / 1k | 55.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 59 | 25 |
| Walkability | 80.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 93 | 21 |
| Planning activity | 18 | 12 |
| Population | 4,016 | 895 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Caves Beach is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, and Nords Wharf is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience. Caves Beach leans into coastal living, while Nords Wharf feels more inland and suburban in character.
Caves Beach pulls ahead on housing affordability and schools and education options, whereas Nords Wharf is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Caves Beach, while Nords Wharf remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.