Chelsea Heights vs Waterways, VIC suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Chelsea Heights | Waterways |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 67.5/100 | 45.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 63.2/100 | 42.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 61.2 / 1k | 32.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| 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 |
Quick verdicts
- Best for retireesWaterways
- Best for familiesWaterways
- Best for investmentChelsea Heights
- Best for best valueChelsea Heights
- Best for best schoolsChelsea Heights
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 parks and reserves, 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.