Overall score
Fairlight
51.8/100
North Balgowlah
53.9/100
Fairlight vs North Balgowlah, NSW suburb comparison
Fairlight for retirees; North Balgowlah for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
FairlightNorth Balgowlah
Crime rate
Fairlight
13.0 / 1k
North Balgowlah
24.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Fairlight
92
North Balgowlah
45
Population
Fairlight
6,141
North Balgowlah
3,816
Metric leadFairlight 6North Balgowlah 41 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 retireesFairlight
- Best for familiesNorth Balgowlah
- Best for best valueNorth Balgowlah
- Best for best schoolsNorth Balgowlah
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 | North Balgowlah |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 51.8/100 | 53.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 14.2/100 | 36.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 13.0 / 1k | 24.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 11 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 62 | 48 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 92 | 45 |
| Planning activity | 29 | 7 |
| Population | 6,141 | 3,816 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Fairlight reads as a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by; North Balgowlah is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby. Fairlight sits in a middle-ring position, whereas North Balgowlah is closer to the city centre.
Fairlight tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, while North Balgowlah stands out for housing affordability and parks and reserves.
Choose Fairlight if you are weighing retirees; lean toward North Balgowlah for families and value-focused buyers.