Overall score
Mordialloc
74.9/100
Waterways
47.9/100
Mordialloc for beach lifestyle and investment; Waterways for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Mordialloc
74.9/100
Waterways
47.9/100
Crime rate
Mordialloc
74.4 / 1k
Waterways
32.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Mordialloc
295
Waterways
20
Population
Mordialloc
8,886
Waterways
2,422
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 | Mordialloc | Waterways |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 74.9/100 | 47.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 49.2/100 | 42.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 74.4 / 1k | 32.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 12 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 57 | 5 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 9.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 295 | 20 |
| Planning activity | 154 | 15 |
| Population | 8,886 | 2,422 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Mordialloc is a coastal established suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living, while Waterways is a settled metro smaller community that balances access with everyday calm. Where Mordialloc is shaped by the coast, Waterways offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Mordialloc tends to lead on housing affordability and schools and education options, while Waterways stands out for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
Mordialloc suits families and people chasing a beach lifestyle more clearly, whereas Waterways is the stronger match for retirees.