Overall score
East Maitland
64.4/100
South Maitland
34.0/100
East Maitland for investment and value; South Maitland for families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
East Maitland
64.4/100
South Maitland
34.0/100
Crime rate
East Maitland
106.7 / 1k
South Maitland
95.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
East Maitland
447
South Maitland
27
Population
East Maitland
11,860
South Maitland
432
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 | East Maitland | South Maitland |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 64.4/100 | 34.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 75.3/100 | 76.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 106.7 / 1k | 95.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | — |
| Public transport stops | 275 | 14 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 21.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 447 | 27 |
| Planning activity | 79 | 6 |
| Population | 11,860 | 432 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 1/10 |
East Maitland reads as a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby; South Maitland is a settled metro smaller community that keeps everyday living grounded and accessible. East Maitland sits in a middle-ring position, whereas South Maitland is further out with more breathing room.
East Maitland pulls ahead on public transport access and walkability, whereas South Maitland is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. East Maitland generally means more sought-after housing, while South Maitland leans toward more approachable housing costs.
On balance, investors and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer East Maitland, while South Maitland remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.