Overall score
Clontarf
43.7/100
North Balgowlah
53.9/100
North Balgowlah for value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Clontarf
43.7/100
North Balgowlah
53.9/100
Crime rate
Clontarf
24.2 / 1k
North Balgowlah
24.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Clontarf
46
North Balgowlah
45
Population
Clontarf
1,746
North Balgowlah
3,816
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 | Clontarf | North Balgowlah |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.7/100 | 53.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 36.3/100 | 36.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 24.2 / 1k | 24.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 11 | 48 |
| Walkability | 20.5/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 46 | 45 |
| Planning activity | 15 | 7 |
| Population | 1,746 | 3,816 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Clontarf is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by, and North Balgowlah is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
On the data, Clontarf is stronger for nearby cafés and amenities; North Balgowlah answers with parks and reserves and public transport access.
On balance, families and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer North Balgowlah, while Clontarf remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.