Overall score
Lake Gardens
43.4/100
Wendouree
70.3/100
Lake Gardens for retirees and families; Wendouree for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Lake Gardens
43.4/100
Wendouree
70.3/100
Crime rate
Lake Gardens
119.1 / 1k
Wendouree
207.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Lake Gardens
36
Wendouree
633
Population
Lake Gardens
1,801
Wendouree
10,376
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 | Wendouree |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.4/100 | 70.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 73.6/100 | 78.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 119.1 / 1k | 207.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 17 |
| Public transport stops | 7 | 95 |
| Walkability | 10.5/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 36 | 633 |
| Planning activity | 9 | 104 |
| Population | 1,801 | 10,376 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 1/10 |
Put side by side, Lake Gardens is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, and Wendouree is a regional established suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace.
On the data, Lake Gardens is stronger for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options; Wendouree answers with housing affordability and parks and reserves. Lake Gardens generally means more mid-market housing value, while Wendouree leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Lake Gardens suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Wendouree is the stronger match for investors and value-focused buyers.