Overall score
Chelsea Heights
69.7/100
Waterways
47.9/100
Chelsea Heights vs Waterways, VIC suburb comparison
Chelsea Heights for investment and value; Waterways for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Chelsea HeightsWaterways
Crime rate
Chelsea Heights
60.4 / 1k
Waterways
32.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Chelsea Heights
117
Waterways
20
Population
Chelsea Heights
5,393
Waterways
2,422
Metric leadChelsea Heights 8Waterways 3across 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 retireesWaterways
- Best for familiesWaterways
- Best for investmentChelsea Heights
- Best for best valueChelsea Heights
- Best for best schoolsChelsea Heights
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 | Chelsea Heights | Waterways |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.7/100 | 47.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 63.2/100 | 42.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 60.4 / 1k | 32.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 41 | 5 |
| Walkability | 98.0/100 | 9.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 117 | 20 |
| Planning activity | 39 | 15 |
| Population | 5,393 | 2,422 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Chelsea Heights is a hills mid-sized suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood, while Waterways is a settled metro smaller community that balances access with everyday calm. Chelsea Heights sits among greener hillside streets, while Waterways keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Chelsea Heights pulls ahead on housing affordability and schools and education options, whereas Waterways is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
Choose Chelsea Heights if you are weighing investors and value-focused buyers; lean toward Waterways for retirees and families.