Overall score
Novar Gardens
57.9/100
West Beach
62.7/100
Novar Gardens for investment and schools; West Beach for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Novar Gardens
57.9/100
West Beach
62.7/100
Crime rate
Novar Gardens
65.6 / 1k
West Beach
38.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Novar Gardens
102
West Beach
436
Population
Novar Gardens
2,508
West Beach
5,175
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 | Novar Gardens | West Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 57.9/100 | 62.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 32.9/100 | 38.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 65.6 / 1k | 38.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 15 | 48 |
| Walkability | 68.5/100 | 67.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 102 | 436 |
| Planning activity | 23 | 61 |
| Population | 2,508 | 5,175 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Put side by side, Novar Gardens is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, and West Beach is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. West Beach leans into coastal living, while Novar Gardens feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Novar Gardens is stronger for walkability and a calmer planning outlook; West Beach answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose Novar Gardens if you are weighing households prioritising schools; lean toward West Beach for retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle.