2025 Guide to the 10 Safest Suburbs in NSW
When choosing where to live, the safest suburbs in NSW are a top priority for families, professionals, and investors. Many of these areas benefit from strong community engagement, low local crime rates, and well-supported public safety programs.
While crime can vary significantly across the state, suburbs like Lane Cove, Mosman, and Willoughby East consistently rank among the safest, making New South Wales a compelling choice for a secure and stable lifestyle.
In this guide, we break down the top 10 safest suburbs in NSW for 2025, based on recent crime statistics, livability, and community infrastructure. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly environment, planning to invest, or simply want peace of mind, this list highlights the suburbs where safety isn’t just a feature—it’s a foundation.
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Top 10 Safest NSW Suburbs
#1. Lane Cove – Safe, Leafy, and Family-Friendly
Tucked just 10 km northwest of the CBD, Lane Cove is known for its green streets, family atmosphere, and access to bushwalks in Lane Cove National Park.
The community is tight-knit, with regular neighbourhood events and strong support from Lane Cove Council’s Community Safety Plan, which focuses on youth engagement and crime prevention through design. Public lighting upgrades and active Neighbourhood Watch programs enhance everyday security.
Crime Stats:
- Property crime: 23 incidents per 10,000 residents
- Assaults: 7 incidents per 10,000
#2. Mosman – Luxury Meets Low Crime
Mosman offers more than harbour views and prestige—it also boasts one of the lowest crime rates on the Lower North Shore. The suburb benefits from high socio-economic stability and vigilant community involvement, including CCTV-supported town centres and Mosman Council’s Community Safety Forums.
The area’s upscale atmosphere supports a peaceful, safe lifestyle.
Crime Stats:
- Property crime: 19 incidents per 10,000 residents
- Malicious damage: 4 incidents per 10,000
#3. North Sydney – Safe Urban Living Close to the CBD
Despite being a bustling commercial hub, North Sydney maintains a surprisingly low crime profile. Thanks to well-lit streets, local council initiatives on after-dark safety, and regular police patrols, residents enjoy a secure environment.
Plus, it’s packed with parks, cafes, and close proximity to quality public and private schools.
Crime Stats:
- Break and enter: 16 incidents per 10,000
- Steal from person: 3 incidents per 10,000
#4. Northern Beaches – Coastal Living with Peace of Mind
The Northern Beaches combine stunning ocean views with tight community bonds. Suburbs like Fairlight, North Balgowlah, and Avalon Beach benefit from local crime prevention units, CCTV in key commercial areas, and youth diversion programs.
This coastal region’s safety, paired with leisure options and top schools, makes it perfect for laid-back, secure living.
Crime Stats:
- Assault: 8 incidents per 10,000 residents
- Steal from motor vehicle: 12 per 10,000
#5. Willoughby East – Quiet, Green, and Safe
Willoughby East is a lesser-known gem with abundant parks and very low turnover rates, indicating resident satisfaction. It benefits from being close to Crows Nest and Chatswood without the foot traffic. Council safety audits show strong lighting infrastructure and community cohesion efforts, including public forums and outreach for elderly residents.
Crime Stats:
- Property damage: 5 per 10,000
- Break and enter: 9 per 10,000
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#6. Surry Hills – Inner-City Charm with Improved Safety
Once known for its gritty nightlife, Surry Hills has undergone a remarkable transformation. Community policing, upgraded lighting, and active business partnerships have turned it into a vibrant, walkable, and much safer place to live.
Close to Central Station and the light rail, it's ideal for young professionals and downsizers.
Crime Stats:
- Robbery: 6 incidents per 10,000
- Assault: 10 incidents per 10,000 (down 12% YoY)
#7. St Ives – Low Crime and Top Schools
With its abundance of green spaces and excellent schools, St Ives is a top pick for families. Ku-ring-gai Council implements active ranger patrols in parks and has strong partnerships with local police for community engagement. Streets are wide, traffic is calm, and the vibe is peaceful.
Crime Stats:
- Malicious damage: 3 incidents per 10,000
- Steal from dwelling: 6 per 10,000
#8. Berowra Heights – Bushland Living, Big on Safety
On the edge of Berowra Waters and the bush, this suburb is loved for its seclusion and community pride. Residents benefit from safe school zones, community patrols, and regular council engagement days. Although it’s farther from the city, its low crime and bushland charm make it a standout.
Crime Stats:
- Property crime: 7 per 10,000
- Motor vehicle theft: 2 per 10,000
#9. West Pennant Hills – High Safety and Spacious Living
Popular among retirees and large families, West Pennant Hills features wide roads, playgrounds, and leafy surrounds. It’s near Castle Hill and Castle Towers Shopping Centre but is much quieter. The local council has invested in community events, improved street lighting, and CCTV in parks.
Crime Stats:
- Assault (non-domestic): 5 incidents per 10,000
- Break and enter: 6 per 10,000
#10. Fairlight – Northern Beaches Safety with Style
Fairlight strikes the perfect balance between beachside ease and urban convenience. It’s next door to Manly but far less crowded. Recent safety upgrades include increased patrols along the beach path and better lighting in laneways, ensuring the area remains a top pick for professionals and downsizers.
Crime Stats:
- Steal from motor vehicle: 5 per 10,000
- Assault: 6 per 10,000
Sources:
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research,
NSW Government
Honourable Mentions: Other Safe NSW Suburbs to Consider
There are plenty of other quiet, safe, and community-driven suburbs across NSW worth exploring. These areas may not have made the primary list, but they continue to rank well in public safety, green spaces, access to amenities, and resident satisfaction.
Here are a few more suburbs that deserve a closer look:
- Hunters Hill - Hunters Hill offers a peaceful, prestigious vibe with heritage charm and expanded street surveillance in 2025.
- Ku-ring-gai - Ku-ring-gai suburbs like Turramurra and Gordon are family favourites thanks to top schools, bushland surrounds, and low crime supported by active rangers and safe streets.
- Canada Bay - Canada Bay blends waterside living with urban convenience, boosted by the 2024 “Safe Streets” program and better local lighting.
- North Strathfield - A rising pick for couples and investors, North Strathfield has become safer thanks to better lighting and upgraded infrastructure near the station.
- Box Hill & Rouse Hill - In Sydney’s growing north-west, Box Hill and Rouse Hill offer new estates, green streets, and boosted safety through CCTV and strong community policing.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the safest suburb in NSW?
Lane Cove is often ranked among the safest suburbs in NSW thanks to low crime, excellent primary schools, and a strong sense of community. With access to a train station, leafy streets, and great cycling paths, it’s ideal for families focused on quality of life.
What are the riskiest suburbs in Sydney?
Some parts of the western suburbs, especially those near major urban centres, have historically shown higher crime rates. These areas tend to be more affordable, but buyers should weigh cost of living and safety carefully when exploring adjacent suburbs.
How to know if a suburb is safe?
Check local crime stats, visit the area during peak hours, and speak with locals to get a feel for its strong sense of community. Also look at lighting, public spaces, and access to amenities like train stations and parks, which affect both safety and property prices.
What is the best area to live in NSW?
That depends on lifestyle, but areas combining natural beauty, good schools, and low crime—like parts of the Northern Beaches and North Shore—often top the list. These suburbs balance higher housing costs with strong demand in the property market and excellent quality of life.
Where is the highest crime rate in NSW?
According to 2025 BOCSAR data, parts of the largest city, Sydney, including Kings Cross and some urban centres, still report higher crime levels. These locations often attract nightlife crowds and transient populations, which can impact safety during peak hours.
What is the best suburb in NSW?
The best suburb depends on your needs—families might prefer St Ives for its primary schools and safety, while professionals may lean toward Fairlight for its views and cycling paths. Consider proximity to a train station, median house price, and your desired quality of life.
What are the available home loans for first-time buyers in NSW?
First-time buyers in NSW can access a range of home loans including fixed-rate, variable-rate, low-deposit, and first home buyer-specific options like those with government incentives. Many also qualify for stamp duty concessions or grants that can ease housing costs and improve entry into the property market.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, choosing one of the safest suburbs in NSW is a smart move—but having the right financial solution is just as important. Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or investing, a well-structured home loan can help you take full advantage of what these safe and thriving areas have to offer.
Our expert NSW mortgage brokers based in Newcastle are here to guide you with honest advice, lender comparisons, and tailored loan strategies. Book your free consultation today at
Mortgage Brokers Newcastle or call
02 4920 6468 to get started.
