Overall score
Newtown
73.6/100
South Geelong
49.8/100
Newtown for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Newtown
73.6/100
South Geelong
49.8/100
Crime rate
Newtown
—
South Geelong
354.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Newtown
721
South Geelong
312
Population
Newtown
10,445
South Geelong
1,014
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 | Newtown | South Geelong |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 73.6/100 | 49.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 28.4/100 | 50.5/100 |
| Crime rate | — | 354.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 10 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 13 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 51 | 14 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 721 | 312 |
| Planning activity | 210 | 39 |
| Population | 10,445 | 1,014 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Newtown is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, while South Geelong is a well-serviced metro smaller community with plenty happening nearby.
Newtown tends to lead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, while South Geelong stands out for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook. On housing, Newtown sits in a expensive band, compared with a well priced feel in South Geelong.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Newtown, while South Geelong remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.