Smiths Beach vs Sunset Strip
Sunset Strip (median $590,000) is roughly 30% cheaper to buy into than Smiths Beach ($846,000).
Buying in Smiths Beach or Sunset Strip?
Selling in Smiths Beach? The free selling guide
Smiths Beach and Sunset Strip side by side
| Measure | Smiths Beach | Sunset Strip |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $846,000 | $590,000 |
| Median unit | $240,480 | $240,480 |
| Renting | ||
| Owner occupied | 72.0% | – |
| Renter occupied | 17.0% | – |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 5 | 6 |
| Average ICSEA | 1042 | 1041 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 2 | 0 |
| Transit score | 0 | 0 |
| Bike score | 35 | 40 |
| Population | 315 | – |
| Median age | 51 | – |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 728 mm | 728 mm |
| Mean max, January | 23.8°C | 23.8°C |
Green dot: better on that measure (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk). Each suburb’s profile gives the source and period of its figures.
Which suits whom
Smiths Beach scores higher on walkability (2/100 vs 0/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Smiths Beach (1042) sits above Sunset Strip (1041).
- For buyers
- Sunset Strip is the lower entry point at $590,000 median, 30% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Rental or growth data is incomplete for one or both suburbs. Look at the full investor view on each suburb profile for a complete picture.
- For families
- Smiths Beach edges out on average school ICSEA (1042 vs 1041).
Smiths Beach vs Sunset Strip: common questions
Is Smiths Beach or Sunset Strip cheaper to buy in?
Sunset Strip has the lower median house price at $590,000, roughly 30% below Smiths Beach ($846,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Smiths Beach or Sunset Strip have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Smiths Beach scores 1042 vs 1041 in Sunset Strip. ICSEA is a school-community indicator, not a quality rating, so always check NAPLAN results and catchment boundaries for the specific address you're considering.
Which is more walkable, Smiths Beach or Sunset Strip?
Smiths Beach scores 2/100 on walkability vs 0/100. Above 70 is considered very walkable (most errands on foot), 50-69 is walkable for some errands, below 50 typically requires a car for daily life.
Keep comparing
The two suburbs
Compare Smiths Beach with
Choosing between Smiths Beach and Sunset Strip?
The free buying guide: budget, schemes, inspections and how not to overpay.