Overall score
Fairlight
51.8/100
Freshwater
71.0/100
Fairlight vs Freshwater, NSW suburb comparison
Freshwater for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
FairlightFreshwater
Crime rate
Fairlight
13.0 / 1k
Freshwater
20.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Fairlight
92
Freshwater
228
Population
Fairlight
6,141
Freshwater
9,186
Metric leadFairlight 3Freshwater 71 tiedacross 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 retireesFreshwater
- Best for familiesFreshwater
- Best for beach lifestyleFreshwater
- Best for investmentFreshwater
- Best for best valueFreshwater
- Best for best schoolsFreshwater
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 | Fairlight | Freshwater |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 51.8/100 | 71.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 14.2/100 | 38.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 13.0 / 1k | 20.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 11 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 62 | 102 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 92 | 228 |
| Planning activity | 29 | 36 |
| Population | 6,141 | 9,186 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Fairlight is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, while Freshwater is a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Freshwater leans into coastal living, while Fairlight feels more inland and suburban in character.
Fairlight tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook, while Freshwater stands out for housing affordability and parks and reserves.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Freshwater, while Fairlight remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.