Overall score
Padstow
71.5/100
Riverwood
55.9/100
Padstow for retirees and families; Riverwood for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Padstow
71.5/100
Riverwood
55.9/100
Crime rate
Padstow
33.9 / 1k
Riverwood
71.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Padstow
337
Riverwood
234
Population
Padstow
14,017
Riverwood
12,793
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 | Riverwood |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.5/100 | 55.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 48.2/100 | 24.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 33.9 / 1k | 71.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 12 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 15 | 14 |
| Public transport stops | 142 | 158 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 337 | 234 |
| Planning activity | 20 | 8 |
| Population | 14,017 | 12,793 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 3/10 |
Put side by side, Padstow is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Riverwood is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
On the data, Padstow is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Riverwood answers with public transport access and a calmer planning outlook. On housing, Padstow sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Riverwood.
Padstow suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Riverwood is the stronger match for households prioritising schools.