Overall score
Dee Why
74.1/100
Freshwater
71.0/100
Dee Why vs Freshwater, NSW suburb comparison
Dee Why for beach lifestyle and investment; Freshwater for retirees and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Dee WhyFreshwater
Crime rate
Dee Why
26.5 / 1k
Freshwater
20.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Dee Why
491
Freshwater
228
Population
Dee Why
23,354
Freshwater
9,186
Metric leadDee Why 7Freshwater 31 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesFreshwater
- Best for beach lifestyleDee Why
- Best for investmentDee Why
- Best for best schoolsFreshwater
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 | Dee Why | Freshwater |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 74.1/100 | 71.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 39.3/100 | 38.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 26.5 / 1k | 20.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 14 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 11 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 122 | 102 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 491 | 228 |
| Planning activity | 46 | 36 |
| Population | 23,354 | 9,186 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Dee Why is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone, while Freshwater is a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm.
Dee Why tends to lead on housing affordability and schools and education options, while Freshwater stands out for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
People chasing a beach lifestyle and investors may find Dee Why the better fit, while retirees are more likely to prefer Freshwater.