Overall score
Forster
43.1/100
Hawks Nest
32.3/100
Forster vs Hawks Nest, NSW suburb comparison
Forster for investment and value; Hawks Nest for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ForsterHawks Nest
Crime rate
Forster
86.9 / 1k
Hawks Nest
—
Nearby amenities
Forster
46
Hawks Nest
0
Population
Forster
14,187
Hawks Nest
1,413
Metric leadForster 6Hawks Nest 21 tiedacross 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesHawks Nest
- Best for familiesHawks Nest
- Best for beach lifestyleHawks Nest
- Best for investmentForster
- Best for best valueForster
- Best for best schoolsForster
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 | Forster | Hawks Nest |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.1/100 | 32.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 39.8/100 | 10.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 86.9 / 1k | — |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 18 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 412 | 33 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 46 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 92 | 16 |
| Population | 14,187 | 1,413 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Forster is a regional established suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote, and Hawks Nest is a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone. Hawks Nest leans into coastal living, while Forster feels more inland and suburban in character.
Forster tends to lead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, while Hawks Nest stands out for a calmer planning outlook and stronger socioeconomic advantage. On housing, Forster sits in a affordable band, compared with a well priced feel in Hawks Nest.
Forster suits investors and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Hawks Nest is the stronger match for retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle.