Overall score
Gilston
34.2/100
Highland Park
55.6/100
Gilston for retirees; Highland Park for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Gilston
34.2/100
Highland Park
55.6/100
Crime rate
Gilston
35.4 / 1k
Highland Park
35.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Gilston
10
Highland Park
56
Population
Gilston
2,669
Highland Park
6,576
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 | Gilston | Highland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 34.2/100 | 55.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 35.4 / 1k | 35.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 7 | 12 |
| Walkability | 10.5/100 | 70.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 10 | 56 |
| Population | 2,669 | 6,576 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 6/10 |
Gilston reads as a practical metro mid-sized suburb with solid links to the wider city; Highland Park is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Gilston sits further out with more breathing room, whereas Highland Park is in a middle-ring position.
Gilston pulls ahead on stronger socioeconomic advantage, whereas Highland Park is the better pick for parks and reserves and public transport access.
Choose Gilston if you are weighing retirees; lean toward Highland Park for value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools.