Overall score
Edithvale
66.5/100
Waterways
47.9/100
Edithvale for beach lifestyle and investment; Waterways for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Edithvale
66.5/100
Waterways
47.9/100
Crime rate
Edithvale
31.7 / 1k
Waterways
32.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Edithvale
179
Waterways
20
Population
Edithvale
6,276
Waterways
2,422
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 | Edithvale | Waterways |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.5/100 | 47.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.2/100 | 42.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 31.7 / 1k | 32.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 48 | 5 |
| Walkability | 92.0/100 | 9.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 179 | 20 |
| Planning activity | 117 | 15 |
| Population | 6,276 | 2,422 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Edithvale reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; Waterways is a settled metro smaller community that balances access with everyday calm. Where Edithvale is shaped by the coast, Waterways offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Edithvale is stronger for housing affordability and public transport access; Waterways answers with a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
Edithvale suits people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors more clearly, whereas Waterways is the stronger match for households prioritising schools.