Overall score
Clareville
37.9/100
Mona Vale
74.8/100
Mona Vale for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Clareville
37.9/100
Mona Vale
74.8/100
Crime rate
Clareville
15.2 / 1k
Mona Vale
27.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Clareville
26
Mona Vale
619
Population
Clareville
822
Mona Vale
10,877
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 | Clareville | Mona Vale |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 37.9/100 | 74.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 10.7/100 | 45.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 15.2 / 1k | 27.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 20 |
| Public transport stops | 25 | 137 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 26 | 619 |
| Planning activity | 9 | 54 |
| Population | 822 | 10,877 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Clareville reads as a practical metro smaller community with solid links to the wider city; Mona Vale is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone. Mona Vale leans into coastal living, while Clareville feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Clareville is stronger for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook; Mona Vale answers with housing affordability and parks and reserves.
On balance, retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Mona Vale, while Clareville remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.