Overall score
Drumcondra
49.2/100
Herne Hill
59.1/100
Drumcondra vs Herne Hill, VIC suburb comparison
Drumcondra for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
DrumcondraHerne Hill
Crime rate
Drumcondra
62.9 / 1k
Herne Hill
35.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Drumcondra
38
Herne Hill
137
Population
Drumcondra
571
Herne Hill
3,507
Metric leadDrumcondra 3Herne Hill 8across 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 retireesDrumcondra
- Best for beach lifestyleDrumcondra
- Best for best valueDrumcondra
- Best for best schoolsDrumcondra
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 | Drumcondra | Herne Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 49.2/100 | 59.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.6/100 | 54.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 62.9 / 1k | 35.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 4 | 17 |
| Walkability | 6.0/100 | 60.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 38 | 137 |
| Planning activity | 16 | 26 |
| Population | 571 | 3,507 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Drumcondra is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm, while Herne Hill is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Drumcondra leans into coastal living, while Herne Hill feels more inland and suburban in character.
Drumcondra tends to lead on housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook, while Herne Hill stands out for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options. Drumcondra generally means more sought-after housing, while Herne Hill leans toward more mid-market housing value.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Drumcondra, while Herne Hill remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.