Overall score
Lake Gardens
43.4/100
Newington
52.4/100
Newington for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Lake Gardens
43.4/100
Newington
52.4/100
Crime rate
Lake Gardens
119.1 / 1k
Newington
53.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Lake Gardens
36
Newington
85
Population
Lake Gardens
1,801
Newington
1,844
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 | Newington |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.4/100 | 52.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 73.6/100 | 71.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 119.1 / 1k | 53.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 7 | 10 |
| Walkability | 10.5/100 | 15.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 36 | 85 |
| Planning activity | 9 | 43 |
| Population | 1,801 | 1,844 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Lake Gardens reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; Newington is a regional smaller community that feels self-contained without feeling remote.
Lake Gardens pulls ahead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, whereas Newington is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options. On housing, Lake Gardens sits in a well priced band, compared with a expensive feel in Newington.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Newington, while Lake Gardens remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.