Overall score
North Balgowlah
53.9/100
North Manly
56.2/100
North Balgowlah vs North Manly, NSW suburb comparison
North Balgowlah for families and schools; North Manly for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
North BalgowlahNorth Manly
Crime rate
North Balgowlah
24.1 / 1k
North Manly
46.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
North Balgowlah
45
North Manly
48
Population
North Balgowlah
3,816
North Manly
3,396
Metric leadNorth Balgowlah 4North Manly 61 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesNorth Manly
- Best for familiesNorth Balgowlah
- Best for investmentNorth Manly
- Best for best schoolsNorth Balgowlah
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 | North Balgowlah | North Manly |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 53.9/100 | 56.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 36.3/100 | 37.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 24.1 / 1k | 46.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 9 | 14 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 48 | 44 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 45 | 48 |
| Planning activity | 7 | 15 |
| Population | 3,816 | 3,396 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
North Balgowlah reads as a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby; North Manly is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. North Balgowlah sits closer to the city centre, whereas North Manly is in a middle-ring position.
On the data, North Balgowlah is stronger for a quieter safety profile and public transport access; North Manly answers with housing affordability and parks and reserves.
North Balgowlah suits families and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas North Manly is the stronger match for retirees and investors.