Overall score
Kareela
59.5/100
Sylvania Waters
52.7/100
Kareela vs Sylvania Waters, NSW suburb comparison
Kareela for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
KareelaSylvania Waters
Crime rate
Kareela
70.0 / 1k
Sylvania Waters
33.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Kareela
80
Sylvania Waters
95
Population
Kareela
3,572
Sylvania Waters
3,200
Metric leadKareela 8Sylvania Waters 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)
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 | Kareela | Sylvania Waters |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 59.5/100 | 52.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 42.3/100 | 33.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 70.0 / 1k | 33.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 12 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 47 | 41 |
| Walkability | 55.0/100 | 49.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 80 | 95 |
| Planning activity | 10 | 15 |
| Population | 3,572 | 3,200 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Kareela is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Sylvania Waters is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Kareela tends to lead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, while Sylvania Waters stands out for a quieter safety profile and nearby cafés and amenities.
On balance, families and investors are more likely to prefer Kareela, while Sylvania Waters remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.