Overall score
Freshwater
71.0/100
Narraweena
57.2/100
Freshwater vs Narraweena, NSW suburb comparison
Freshwater for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
FreshwaterNarraweena
Crime rate
Freshwater
20.8 / 1k
Narraweena
26.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Freshwater
228
Narraweena
84
Population
Freshwater
9,186
Narraweena
6,971
Metric leadFreshwater 8Narraweena 21 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 retireesFreshwater
- Best for familiesFreshwater
- Best for beach lifestyleFreshwater
- Best for best valueFreshwater
- Best for best schoolsFreshwater
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 | Freshwater | Narraweena |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.0/100 | 57.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 38.1/100 | 37.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 20.8 / 1k | 26.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 10 | 14 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 102 | 71 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 228 | 84 |
| Planning activity | 36 | 20 |
| Population | 9,186 | 6,971 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Freshwater reads as a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Narraweena is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby. Where Freshwater is shaped by the coast, Narraweena offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Freshwater pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Narraweena is the better pick for a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Freshwater, while Narraweena remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.