Overall score
Hamilton East
39.4/100
Merewether
54.8/100
Hamilton East vs Merewether, NSW suburb comparison
Hamilton East for retirees and families; Merewether for beach lifestyle and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Hamilton EastMerewether
Crime rate
Hamilton East
228.3 / 1k
Merewether
80.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Hamilton East
22
Merewether
218
Population
Hamilton East
997
Merewether
11,788
Metric leadHamilton East 2Merewether 71 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesHamilton East
- Best for familiesHamilton East
- Best for beach lifestyleMerewether
- Best for investmentMerewether
- Best for best valueMerewether
- Best for best schoolsHamilton East
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 | Hamilton East | Merewether |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 39.4/100 | 54.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 33.6/100 | 39.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 228.3 / 1k | 80.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 10 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 12 |
| Public transport stops | 15 | 184 |
| Walkability | 22.5/100 | 73.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 22 | 218 |
| Planning activity | 9 | 86 |
| Population | 997 | 11,788 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Hamilton East reads as a well-connected metro smaller community with a familiar suburban feel; Merewether is a coastal established suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living. Where Merewether is shaped by the coast, Hamilton East offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Hamilton East pulls ahead on a calmer planning outlook, whereas Merewether is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Retirees may find Hamilton East the better fit, while families and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Merewether.