Overall score
Chatswood West
44.4/100
North Willoughby
60.7/100
Chatswood West for investment and schools; North Willoughby for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Chatswood West
44.4/100
North Willoughby
60.7/100
Crime rate
Chatswood West
105.5 / 1k
North Willoughby
13.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Chatswood West
41
North Willoughby
93
Population
Chatswood West
1,521
North Willoughby
4,161
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 | Chatswood West | North Willoughby |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 44.4/100 | 60.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 20.1/100 | 19.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 105.5 / 1k | 13.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 38 | 39 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 75.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 41 | 93 |
| Planning activity | 3 | 17 |
| Population | 1,521 | 4,161 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Chatswood West is a practical metro smaller community with solid links to the wider city, while North Willoughby is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Chatswood West pulls ahead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, whereas North Willoughby is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and public transport access.
Investors may find Chatswood West the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer North Willoughby.