Overall score
Dover Gardens
48.6/100
Marion
59.3/100
Dover Gardens for retirees and families; Marion for value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Dover Gardens
48.6/100
Marion
59.3/100
Crime rate
Dover Gardens
27.3 / 1k
Marion
63.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Dover Gardens
45
Marion
191
Population
Dover Gardens
3,062
Marion
4,101
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 | Dover Gardens | Marion |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 48.6/100 | 59.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 41.1/100 | 59.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 27.3 / 1k | 63.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 17 | 24 |
| Walkability | 27.5/100 | 80.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 45 | 191 |
| Planning activity | 42 | 49 |
| Population | 3,062 | 4,101 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 6/10 |
Dover Gardens is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, while Marion is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Dover Gardens sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Marion is closer to the city centre.
Dover Gardens tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook, while Marion stands out for housing affordability and public transport access.
Retirees and families may find Dover Gardens the better fit, while value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Marion.