Darley vs Long Forest, VIC suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Darley | Long Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.4/100 | 49.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 91.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 67.2 / 1k | 32.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | — |
| Public transport stops | 27 | — |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 19 | 2 |
| Planning activity | 38 | 4 |
| Population | 9,190 | 343 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 7/10 |
Quick verdicts
- Best for investmentLong Forest
- Best for best valueLong Forest
- Best for best schoolsDarley
Comparison summary
Darley is a well-connected metro established suburb with a familiar suburban feel, while Long Forest is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds. Darley sits further out with more breathing room, whereas Long Forest is within day-trip reach of the capital.
Darley pulls ahead on walkability and nearby cafés and amenities, whereas Long Forest is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose Darley if you are weighing households prioritising schools; lean toward Long Forest for investors and value-focused buyers.