Methodology
How LiveableScore works
LiveableScore measures what it actually takes to live well on a street. Not just price or prestige, but the everyday things that shape family life.
What we measure
Every address is scored across eight categories that matter most for families with children: access to schools, parks, supermarkets, public transport, national parks, cafes and high streets, childcare, and medical services.
We measure walking distance to the nearest quality option in each category, not just whether something exists in the suburb. A park two streets away scores very differently from one that requires a car trip.
How the score is calculated
Each category is weighted by its relative importance to everyday family life. School access carries the most weight. It is the single factor families most consistently say drives where they choose to live. Park access and supermarkets follow closely, reflecting daily quality of life. Less frequent needs like national parks and childcare receive lower weights.
The result is a single score out of 10, where 5.0 represents the Sydney median. Scores above 7.5 indicate strong walkability across most categories. Scores below 4.0 reflect significant car dependence for daily needs.
The forward score
The forward score estimates where a street is likely to be in 5 to 10 years, based on confirmed infrastructure projects in the catchment area. Metro stations, new schools, major rezoning, and transport upgrades all affect liveability. The forward score captures that change before it shows up in prices.
Only confirmed or under-construction projects are included. Proposed or speculative projects are excluded. The forward score is updated as project status changes.
Data sources
Walkability data is drawn from Google Maps. School quality uses government catchment data. Infrastructure projects reference Transport for NSW, NSW Planning, and Australian Government announcements. Flight path data references Airservices Australia published noise contours.
Data is updated regularly. All scores reflect conditions at the time of generation.
LiveableScore is a decision-support tool, not a substitute for professional advice. It measures access to amenities, not the character, safety record, or community quality of a neighbourhood. A lower score reflects longer walks to services, not a judgement on the area or the people who live there. Always inspect a property and speak with local experts before making decisions.