Overall score
Hillcrest
45.8/100
Ocean Vista
35.3/100
Hillcrest for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Hillcrest
45.8/100
Ocean Vista
35.3/100
Crime rate
Hillcrest
2138.3 / 1k
Ocean Vista
7202.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Hillcrest
19
Ocean Vista
8
Population
Hillcrest
1,088
Ocean Vista
322
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 | Hillcrest | Ocean Vista |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.8/100 | 35.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 75.3/100 | 65.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 2138.3 / 1k | 7202.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 8 | 4 |
| Walkability | 12.0/100 | 6.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 19 | 8 |
| Population | 1,088 | 322 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 3/10 |
Hillcrest is a regional smaller community that feels self-contained without feeling remote, while Ocean Vista is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds.
Hillcrest pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Ocean Vista is the better pick for stronger socioeconomic advantage.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Hillcrest, while Ocean Vista remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.