Forest Hill Area Guide

UK Area Guides

Forest Hill, South East London

Exceptional4.3

Living in

Forest Hill is considered by many to be an 'up and coming' part of London - but this may be a surprise to its many current residents who find it an already outstanding place to live. Property is relatively affordable here, with many Victorian semis and terraces that would fetch much larger sums if dropped into other parts of London. There's also abundant green space, good schools, and independent shops and cafes. Forest Hill also has good transport links, with its own station on the Overground, several buses, and good road links.

Ratings

Exceptional4.3

Community

Forest Hill has a community spirit. Though increasingly families are choosing to stay in the area, rather than leave when their children reach secondary school age, there's still a fair amount of turnover with a lot of young professionals and students renting here. There are numerous independent shops and cafes in this area. 

Safety

Forest Hill, as well as its surroundings, are rated as having average crime by the Met police. The 2014/2015 crime rate was notably lower than the overall London rate, while the violence against the person rate was very slightly lower. 

Parking

Parking in this area is not generally an issue. The rate of car ownership in this area is just slightly below the London rate, at almost three cars for every four households. Road links - including the South Circular - are good, though the A205 running through the neighbourhood can cause congestion.

Nightlife

There's a good selection of pubs and restaurants, and it's an arty area with a well-known art gallery and restaurant hybrid (Canvas & Cream) and other galleries and boutiques. For much else, you'll find yourself traveling - transport links for this are fairly good. 

Family Friendly

There's a range of property available in this area that includes many homes that would be suitable for families - including Victorian terraces and semis and Thirties semis. Forest Hill has good access to green and open space, with the Horniman Museum and Gardens, Blythe Hill Fields, Mayow Park, and more. Schools, especially primary schools, are good. Though families tended to move further out when their children reached secondary school age in the past, local schools are improving, and more families now stay. There are private schools in nearby Dulwich, too. The percentage of children living in this area is slightly high for London.

Pet Friendly

Much of the range of property available in Forest Hill would be suitable for pets, including a good supply of Victorian terraces and semis and Thirties semis. There's good access to green and open space in this area, with the Horniman Museum and Gardens, Blythe Hill Fields, Mayow Park, and more. 

Transport

Forest Hill is located in Zone 3 and has its own Overground station. There is also Overground service from Honor Oak Park. Trains go to Canary Wharf (via Canada Water), London Bridge, and Victoria. The area is well-served bu local buses, and road links - including the South Circular - are good, though the A205 running through the neighbourhood can cause congestion.