Overall score
Cheltenham
72.1/100
Heatherton
61.9/100
Cheltenham for families and schools; Heatherton for retirees and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Cheltenham
72.1/100
Heatherton
61.9/100
Crime rate
Cheltenham
88.0 / 1k
Heatherton
57.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cheltenham
584
Heatherton
133
Population
Cheltenham
23,992
Heatherton
2,826
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 | Cheltenham | Heatherton |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 72.1/100 | 61.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 32.3/100 | 54.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 88.0 / 1k | 57.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 22 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 148 | 30 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 63.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 584 | 133 |
| Planning activity | 242 | 28 |
| Population | 23,992 | 2,826 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Cheltenham reads as a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby; Heatherton is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Cheltenham tends to lead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, while Heatherton stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Cheltenham suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Heatherton is the stronger match for retirees and value-focused buyers.