Overall score
Killarney Heights
58.2/100
North Balgowlah
53.9/100
Killarney Heights vs North Balgowlah, NSW suburb comparison
Killarney Heights for retirees and investment; North Balgowlah for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Killarney HeightsNorth Balgowlah
Crime rate
Killarney Heights
15.4 / 1k
North Balgowlah
24.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Killarney Heights
94
North Balgowlah
45
Population
Killarney Heights
4,502
North Balgowlah
3,816
Metric leadKillarney Heights 7North Balgowlah 31 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesKillarney Heights
- Best for investmentKillarney Heights
- Best for best valueKillarney Heights
- Best for best schoolsNorth Balgowlah
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 | Killarney Heights | North Balgowlah |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 58.2/100 | 53.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 41.3/100 | 36.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 15.4 / 1k | 24.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 31 | 48 |
| Walkability | 44.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 94 | 45 |
| Planning activity | 11 | 7 |
| Population | 4,502 | 3,816 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Killarney Heights is a leafier hillside mid-sized suburb with elevated outlooks, and North Balgowlah is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby. Killarney Heights sits among greener hillside streets, while North Balgowlah keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Killarney Heights pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas North Balgowlah is the better pick for public transport access and a calmer planning outlook.
Killarney Heights suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas North Balgowlah is the stronger match for households prioritising schools.