Overall score
Darley
45.8/100
Long Forest
50.1/100
Darley vs Long Forest, VIC suburb comparison
Darley for schools; Long Forest for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
DarleyLong Forest
Crime rate
Darley
61.0 / 1k
Long Forest
29.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Darley
19
Long Forest
2
Population
Darley
9,190
Long Forest
343
Metric leadDarley 3Long Forest 5across 8 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for familiesLong Forest
- Best for investmentLong Forest
- Best for best valueLong Forest
- Best for best schoolsDarley
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Darley | Long Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.8/100 | 50.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 91.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 61.0 / 1k | 29.0 / 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 |
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 retirees and families.