Overall score
Fern Tree
43.3/100
Mount Nelson
50.7/100
Fern Tree for retirees and investment; Mount Nelson for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Fern Tree
43.3/100
Mount Nelson
50.7/100
Crime rate
Fern Tree
6435.9 / 1k
Mount Nelson
1714.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Fern Tree
25
Mount Nelson
90
Population
Fern Tree
763
Mount Nelson
2,749
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 | Fern Tree | Mount Nelson |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.3/100 | 50.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 43.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 6435.9 / 1k | 1714.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 16 | 36 |
| Walkability | 26.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 25 | 90 |
| Population | 763 | 2,749 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Fern Tree reads as a practical metro smaller community with solid links to the wider city; Mount Nelson is a hills mid-sized suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood. Mount Nelson sits among greener hillside streets, while Fern Tree keeps a flatter suburban layout.
On the data, Fern Tree is stronger for housing affordability and stronger socioeconomic advantage; Mount Nelson answers with a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
Fern Tree suits retirees and investors more clearly, whereas Mount Nelson is the stronger match for families and households prioritising schools.