Overall score
Charlestown
68.2/100
Garden Suburb
48.0/100
Charlestown vs Garden Suburb, NSW suburb comparison
Charlestown for value; Garden Suburb for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CharlestownGarden Suburb
Crime rate
Charlestown
66.2 / 1k
Garden Suburb
86.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Charlestown
209
Garden Suburb
24
Population
Charlestown
13,601
Garden Suburb
1,959
Metric leadCharlestown 9Garden Suburb 2across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesGarden Suburb
- Best for familiesGarden Suburb
- Best for best valueCharlestown
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 | Charlestown | Garden Suburb |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.2/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 59.1/100 | 57.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 66.2 / 1k | 86.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 12 | 11 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 225 | 28 |
| Walkability | 88.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 209 | 24 |
| Planning activity | 75 | 7 |
| Population | 13,601 | 1,959 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Charlestown is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Garden Suburb is a well-connected metro smaller community with a familiar suburban feel. Charlestown sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Garden Suburb is further out with more breathing room.
Charlestown pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Garden Suburb is the better pick for a calmer planning outlook and stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Choose Charlestown if you are weighing families and value-focused buyers; lean toward Garden Suburb for retirees.