Overall score
Mermaid Waters
56.2/100
Miami
65.2/100
Miami for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Mermaid Waters
56.2/100
Miami
65.2/100
Crime rate
Mermaid Waters
77.8 / 1k
Miami
55.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Mermaid Waters
300
Miami
573
Population
Mermaid Waters
13,088
Miami
7,445
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 | Mermaid Waters | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 56.2/100 | 65.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 31.4/100 | 48.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 77.8 / 1k | 55.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 61 | 38 |
| Public transport stops | 50 | 18 |
| Walkability | 80.0/100 | 97.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 300 | 573 |
| Population | 13,088 | 7,445 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Mermaid Waters is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Miami is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Miami leans into coastal living, while Mermaid Waters feels more inland and suburban in character.
Mermaid Waters pulls ahead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, whereas Miami is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Miami, while Mermaid Waters remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.