Overall score
Lake Gardens
43.4/100
Lucas
59.4/100
Lake Gardens for families and schools; Lucas for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Lake Gardens
43.4/100
Lucas
59.4/100
Crime rate
Lake Gardens
119.1 / 1k
Lucas
68.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Lake Gardens
36
Lucas
124
Population
Lake Gardens
1,801
Lucas
2,994
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 | Lake Gardens | Lucas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.4/100 | 59.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 73.6/100 | 83.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 119.1 / 1k | 68.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | — |
| Public transport stops | 7 | 7 |
| Walkability | 10.5/100 | 62.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 36 | 124 |
| Planning activity | 9 | 29 |
| Population | 1,801 | 2,994 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
Put side by side, Lake Gardens is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, and Lucas is a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace.
Lake Gardens tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and schools and education options, while Lucas stands out for housing affordability and walkability.
Lake Gardens suits families and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Lucas is the stronger match for retirees and investors.