Overall score
Newtown
68.2/100
Surry Hills
62.0/100
Newtown vs Surry Hills, NSW suburb comparison
Newtown for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
NewtownSurry Hills
Crime rate
Newtown
117.5 / 1k
Surry Hills
208.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Newtown
545
Surry Hills
707
Population
Newtown
14,690
Surry Hills
15,828
Metric leadNewtown 5Surry Hills 42 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Newtown | Surry Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.2/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 13.1/100 | 5.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 117.5 / 1k | 208.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 25 | 28 |
| Parks & reserves | 18 | 15 |
| Public transport stops | 59 | 65 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 545 | 707 |
| Planning activity | 91 | 97 |
| Population | 14,690 | 15,828 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Newtown is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Surry Hills is a leafier hillside established suburb with elevated outlooks. Surry Hills sits among greener hillside streets, while Newtown keeps a flatter suburban layout.
On the data, Newtown is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Surry Hills answers with public transport access and nearby cafés and amenities.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Newtown, while Surry Hills remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.