Overall score
Lakemba
59.2/100
Narwee
52.4/100
Narwee for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Lakemba
59.2/100
Narwee
52.4/100
Crime rate
Lakemba
42.7 / 1k
Narwee
42.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Lakemba
212
Narwee
85
Population
Lakemba
17,092
Narwee
5,411
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 | Lakemba | Narwee |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 59.2/100 | 52.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 17.5/100 | 25.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 42.7 / 1k | 42.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 16 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 11 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 130 | 65 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 38.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 212 | 85 |
| Planning activity | 27 | 11 |
| Population | 17,092 | 5,411 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 5/10 |
Put side by side, Lakemba is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Narwee is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Lakemba tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and schools and education options, while Narwee stands out for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook. On housing, Lakemba sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Narwee.
Choose Lakemba if you are weighing households prioritising schools; lean toward Narwee for retirees and investors.