Long Forest vs Merrimu, VIC suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Long Forest | Merrimu |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 49.7/100 | 44.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 91.7/100 | 54.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 32.1 / 1k | 50.4 / 1k |
| Walkability | 0.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 2 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 4 | 11 |
| Population | 343 | 397 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Quick verdicts
- Best for investmentLong Forest
- Best for best valueLong Forest
Comparison summary
Long Forest reads as a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds; Merrimu is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds. Long Forest sits within day-trip reach of the capital, whereas Merrimu is more regionally self-contained.
On the data, Long Forest is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Merrimu answers with a larger local community.
On balance, investors and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Long Forest, while Merrimu remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.