Overall score
Orchard Hills
48.0/100
South Penrith
63.5/100
Orchard Hills for investment and value; South Penrith for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Orchard Hills
48.0/100
South Penrith
63.5/100
Crime rate
Orchard Hills
43.4 / 1k
South Penrith
154.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Orchard Hills
3
South Penrith
305
Population
Orchard Hills
1,798
South Penrith
12,005
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 | Orchard Hills | South Penrith |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 48.0/100 | 63.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 53.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 43.4 / 1k | 154.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 12 |
| Public transport stops | 47 | 135 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 67.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 3 | 305 |
| Planning activity | 61 | 11 |
| Population | 1,798 | 12,005 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 5/10 |
Put side by side, Orchard Hills is a hills smaller community where tree cover and calm define the mood, and South Penrith is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Orchard Hills sits among greener hillside streets, while South Penrith keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Orchard Hills pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas South Penrith is the better pick for parks and reserves and public transport access. On housing, Orchard Hills sits in a well priced band, compared with a expensive feel in South Penrith.
Choose Orchard Hills if you are weighing investors and value-focused buyers; lean toward South Penrith for retirees and families.