Overall score
Padstow Heights
45.7/100
Riverwood
55.9/100
Padstow Heights vs Riverwood, NSW suburb comparison
Padstow Heights for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Padstow HeightsRiverwood
Crime rate
Padstow Heights
33.8 / 1k
Riverwood
71.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Padstow Heights
34
Riverwood
234
Population
Padstow Heights
3,594
Riverwood
12,793
Metric leadPadstow Heights 4Riverwood 7across 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 retireesPadstow Heights
- Best for familiesPadstow Heights
- Best for best schoolsPadstow Heights
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 | Padstow Heights | Riverwood |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.7/100 | 55.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 34.1/100 | 24.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 33.8 / 1k | 71.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 14 |
| Public transport stops | 34 | 158 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 34 | 234 |
| Planning activity | 7 | 8 |
| Population | 3,594 | 12,793 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 3/10 |
Comparison summary
Padstow Heights is a leafier hillside mid-sized suburb with elevated outlooks, while Riverwood is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Padstow Heights sits among greener hillside streets, while Riverwood keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Padstow Heights pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Riverwood is the better pick for parks and reserves and public transport access. On housing, Padstow Heights sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Riverwood.
Padstow Heights suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Riverwood is the stronger match for value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools.