Overall score
Paddington
66.9/100
Surry Hills
62.0/100
Paddington vs Surry Hills, NSW suburb comparison
Paddington for retirees and families; Surry Hills for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
PaddingtonSurry Hills
Crime rate
Paddington
75.8 / 1k
Surry Hills
208.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Paddington
505
Surry Hills
707
Population
Paddington
12,701
Surry Hills
15,828
Metric leadPaddington 2Surry Hills 72 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 retireesPaddington
- Best for familiesPaddington
- Best for best schoolsSurry Hills
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 | Paddington | Surry Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.9/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 4.8/100 | 5.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 75.8 / 1k | 208.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 18 | 28 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | 15 |
| Public transport stops | 46 | 65 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 505 | 707 |
| Planning activity | 150 | 99 |
| Population | 12,701 | 15,828 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Paddington is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Surry Hills is a leafier hillside established suburb with elevated outlooks. Surry Hills sits among greener hillside streets, while Paddington keeps a flatter suburban layout.
On the data, Paddington is stronger for a quieter safety profile and overall desirability; Surry Hills answers with housing affordability and schools and education options.
Retirees and families may find Paddington the better fit, while households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Surry Hills.