Overall score
Lemon Tree Passage
38.6/100
Salamander Bay
45.0/100
Lemon Tree Passage vs Salamander Bay, NSW suburb comparison
Lemon Tree Passage for investment; Salamander Bay for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Lemon Tree PassageSalamander Bay
Crime rate
Lemon Tree Passage
58.2 / 1k
Salamander Bay
61.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Lemon Tree Passage
68
Salamander Bay
76
Population
Lemon Tree Passage
2,686
Salamander Bay
4,991
Metric leadLemon Tree Passage 5Salamander Bay 5across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesSalamander Bay
- Best for familiesSalamander Bay
- Best for beach lifestyleSalamander Bay
- Best for investmentLemon Tree Passage
- Best for best schoolsSalamander Bay
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 | Lemon Tree Passage | Salamander Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 38.6/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 61.8/100 | 53.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 58.2 / 1k | 61.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 34 | 103 |
| Walkability | 36.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 68 | 76 |
| Planning activity | 12 | 24 |
| Population | 2,686 | 4,991 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Lemon Tree Passage is a regional mid-sized suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote, and Salamander Bay is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living. Salamander Bay leans into coastal living, while Lemon Tree Passage feels more inland and suburban in character.
Lemon Tree Passage pulls ahead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, whereas Salamander Bay is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and public transport access. Lemon Tree Passage generally means more approachable housing costs, while Salamander Bay leans toward more sought-after housing.
Investors may find Lemon Tree Passage the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Salamander Bay.