Overall score
Nelly Bay
44.8/100
North Ward
57.1/100
Nelly Bay for retirees and families; North Ward for beach lifestyle and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Nelly Bay
44.8/100
North Ward
57.1/100
Crime rate
Nelly Bay
27.6 / 1k
North Ward
190.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Nelly Bay
139
North Ward
729
Population
Nelly Bay
1,213
North Ward
5,073
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 | Nelly Bay | North Ward |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 44.8/100 | 57.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 14.7/100 | 41.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 27.6 / 1k | 190.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 10 |
| Walkability | 72.5/100 | 88.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 139 | 729 |
| Population | 1,213 | 5,073 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 7/10 |
Nelly Bay reads as a regional smaller community with local services and a more relaxed pace; North Ward is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Where North Ward is shaped by the coast, Nelly Bay offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Nelly Bay is stronger for a quieter safety profile; North Ward answers with housing affordability and schools and education options.
Nelly Bay suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas North Ward is the stronger match for people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors.