Overall score
Fern Bay
37.0/100
Heatherbrae
34.9/100
Fern Bay vs Heatherbrae, NSW suburb comparison
Fern Bay for retirees and families; Heatherbrae for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Fern BayHeatherbrae
Crime rate
Fern Bay
55.2 / 1k
Heatherbrae
105.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Fern Bay
53
Heatherbrae
61
Population
Fern Bay
4,046
Heatherbrae
654
Metric leadFern Bay 7Heatherbrae 21 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Fern Bay | Heatherbrae |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 37.0/100 | 34.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 68.1/100 | 62.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 55.2 / 1k | 105.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | — |
| Public transport stops | 33 | 27 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 53 | 61 |
| Planning activity | 16 | 25 |
| Population | 4,046 | 654 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 1/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Fern Bay is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, and Heatherbrae is a well-serviced metro smaller community with plenty happening nearby. Fern Bay leans into coastal living, while Heatherbrae feels more inland and suburban in character.
Fern Bay pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Heatherbrae is the better pick for walkability and nearby cafés and amenities. On housing, Fern Bay sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Heatherbrae.
Choose Fern Bay if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Heatherbrae for investors.