Overall score
Opossum Bay
20.2/100
South Arm
29.5/100
South Arm for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Opossum Bay
20.2/100
South Arm
29.5/100
Crime rate
Opossum Bay
9208.3 / 1k
South Arm
3687.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Opossum Bay
17
South Arm
8
Population
Opossum Bay
383
South Arm
963
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 | Opossum Bay | South Arm |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 20.2/100 | 29.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 0.5/100 | 5.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 9208.3 / 1k | 3687.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 7 | 16 |
| Walkability | 10.5/100 | 26.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 17 | 8 |
| Population | 383 | 963 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 6/10 |
Opossum Bay reads as a well-connected metro smaller community with a familiar suburban feel; South Arm is a well-connected metro smaller community with a familiar suburban feel.
Opossum Bay pulls ahead on nearby cafés and amenities, whereas South Arm is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. On housing, Opossum Bay sits in a expensive band, compared with a well priced feel in South Arm.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer South Arm, while Opossum Bay remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.