Overall score
Charlestown
60.6/100
Highfields
50.1/100
Charlestown for retirees and investment; Highfields for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Charlestown
60.6/100
Highfields
50.1/100
Crime rate
Charlestown
66.2 / 1k
Highfields
86.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Charlestown
217
Highfields
26
Population
Charlestown
13,601
Highfields
936
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 | Charlestown | Highfields |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 60.6/100 | 50.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 71.8/100 | 58.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 66.2 / 1k | 86.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 12 | 6 |
| Weather (desirability) | 60.5/100 | 60.5/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | — |
| Public transport stops | 225 | 20 |
| Walkability | 88.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 217 | 26 |
| Planning activity | 84 | 8 |
| Green cover | 16.7% | 2.9% |
| Population | 13,601 | 936 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Charlestown reads as a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby; Highfields is a sought-after metro smaller community where housing reflects strong local demand. Charlestown sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Highfields is further out with more breathing room.
Charlestown pulls ahead on housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and schools and education options, whereas Highfields is the better pick for a calmer planning outlook and stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Charlestown suits families, value-focused buyers, and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Highfields is the stronger match for retirees.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.