Overall score
Glen Forrest
44.5/100
Hovea
43.5/100
Glen Forrest for schools; Hovea for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Glen Forrest
44.5/100
Hovea
43.5/100
Crime rate
Glen Forrest
3482.4 / 1k
Hovea
13596.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Glen Forrest
34
Hovea
19
Population
Glen Forrest
2,789
Hovea
713
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 | Glen Forrest | Hovea |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 44.5/100 | 43.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 34.5/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 3482.4 / 1k | 13596.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | — |
| Public transport stops | 35 | 12 |
| Walkability | 34.0/100 | 18.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 34 | 19 |
| Population | 2,789 | 713 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Glen Forrest is a well-connected metro mid-sized suburb with a familiar suburban feel, and Hovea is a settled metro smaller community that balances access with everyday calm.
Glen Forrest pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, whereas Hovea is the better pick for housing affordability and stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Glen Forrest suits families and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Hovea is the stronger match for retirees and investors.