Overall score
Forest Lodge
51.1/100
Surry Hills
62.0/100
Forest Lodge vs Surry Hills, NSW suburb comparison
Forest Lodge for families and investment; Surry Hills for value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Forest LodgeSurry Hills
Crime rate
Forest Lodge
141.8 / 1k
Surry Hills
208.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Forest Lodge
149
Surry Hills
707
Population
Forest Lodge
4,965
Surry Hills
15,828
Metric leadForest Lodge 3Surry Hills 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 familiesForest Lodge
- Best for investmentForest Lodge
- Best for best valueSurry Hills
- Best for best schoolsForest Lodge
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 | Forest Lodge | Surry Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 51.1/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 7.6/100 | 5.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 141.8 / 1k | 208.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 23 | 28 |
| Parks & reserves | 9 | 15 |
| Public transport stops | 24 | 65 |
| Walkability | 79.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 149 | 707 |
| Planning activity | 22 | 99 |
| Population | 4,965 | 15,828 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Forest Lodge is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Surry Hills is a leafier hillside established suburb with elevated outlooks. Surry Hills sits among greener hillside streets, while Forest Lodge keeps a flatter suburban layout.
On the data, Forest Lodge is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Surry Hills answers with schools and education options and parks and reserves.
Choose Forest Lodge if you are weighing investors; lean toward Surry Hills for families and value-focused buyers.