Overall score
Thornleigh
71.5/100
Waitara
55.1/100
Thornleigh vs Waitara, NSW suburb comparison
Thornleigh for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ThornleighWaitara
Crime rate
Thornleigh
23.6 / 1k
Waitara
66.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Thornleigh
343
Waitara
131
Population
Thornleigh
8,898
Waitara
7,837
Metric leadThornleigh 7Waitara 31 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 retireesThornleigh
- Best for familiesThornleigh
- Best for investmentThornleigh
- Best for best valueThornleigh
- Best for best schoolsThornleigh
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 | Thornleigh | Waitara |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.5/100 | 55.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 43.1/100 | 26.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 23.6 / 1k | 66.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 18 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 180 | 26 |
| Walkability | 71.0/100 | 92.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 343 | 131 |
| Planning activity | 24 | 3 |
| Population | 8,898 | 7,837 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Thornleigh reads as an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Waitara is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
On the data, Thornleigh is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Waitara answers with walkability and a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Thornleigh, while Waitara remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.