Overall score
Dee Why
74.1/100
Wheeler Heights
54.7/100
Dee Why vs Wheeler Heights, NSW suburb comparison
Dee Why for beach lifestyle and value; Wheeler Heights for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Dee WhyWheeler Heights
Crime rate
Dee Why
26.5 / 1k
Wheeler Heights
16.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Dee Why
491
Wheeler Heights
42
Population
Dee Why
23,354
Wheeler Heights
3,232
Metric leadDee Why 8Wheeler Heights 3across 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 retireesWheeler Heights
- Best for beach lifestyleDee Why
- Best for investmentWheeler Heights
- Best for best valueDee Why
- Best for best schoolsWheeler Heights
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 | Wheeler Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 74.1/100 | 54.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 39.3/100 | 36.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 26.5 / 1k | 16.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 14 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 11 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 122 | 27 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 47.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 491 | 42 |
| Planning activity | 46 | 7 |
| Population | 23,354 | 3,232 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Dee Why is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone, while Wheeler Heights is a leafier hillside mid-sized suburb with elevated outlooks. Where Dee Why is shaped by the coast, Wheeler Heights offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Dee Why pulls ahead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, whereas Wheeler Heights is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
People chasing a beach lifestyle and value-focused buyers may find Dee Why the better fit, while retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Wheeler Heights.