Overall score
Padstow
71.5/100
Padstow Heights
45.7/100
Padstow for investment and value; Padstow Heights for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Padstow
71.5/100
Padstow Heights
45.7/100
Crime rate
Padstow
33.9 / 1k
Padstow Heights
33.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Padstow
337
Padstow Heights
34
Population
Padstow
14,017
Padstow Heights
3,594
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 | Padstow | Padstow Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.5/100 | 45.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 48.2/100 | 34.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 33.9 / 1k | 33.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 12 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 15 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 142 | 34 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 337 | 34 |
| Planning activity | 20 | 7 |
| Population | 14,017 | 3,594 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Padstow is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Padstow Heights is a leafier hillside mid-sized suburb with elevated outlooks. Padstow Heights sits among greener hillside streets, while Padstow keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Padstow tends to lead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, while Padstow Heights stands out for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, families and investors are more likely to prefer Padstow, while Padstow Heights remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.