Overall score
Drumcondra
49.2/100
Hamlyn Heights
63.8/100
Drumcondra for retirees and beach lifestyle; Hamlyn Heights for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Drumcondra
49.2/100
Hamlyn Heights
63.8/100
Crime rate
Drumcondra
62.9 / 1k
Hamlyn Heights
33.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Drumcondra
38
Hamlyn Heights
182
Population
Drumcondra
571
Hamlyn Heights
6,518
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 | Drumcondra | Hamlyn Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 49.2/100 | 63.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.6/100 | 71.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 62.9 / 1k | 33.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 4 | 33 |
| Walkability | 6.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 38 | 182 |
| Planning activity | 16 | 58 |
| Population | 571 | 6,518 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 6/10 |
Drumcondra reads as a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Hamlyn Heights is a leafier hillside mid-sized suburb with elevated outlooks. Drumcondra leans into coastal living, while Hamlyn Heights feels more inland and suburban in character.
Drumcondra tends to lead on housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook, while Hamlyn Heights stands out for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options. Drumcondra generally means more sought-after housing, while Hamlyn Heights leans toward more mid-market housing value.
Drumcondra suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Hamlyn Heights is the stronger match for investors and value-focused buyers.