Lewisham is in the midst of significant regeneration, particularly in the town centre. It has a very suburban feel, but it is in Zone 2, and very well-connected - especially by train. There's a good range of property available in Lewisham, from new-build flats for young professionals working in Canary Wharf to large period homes for families - generally available for much less than a comparable property elsewhere in Zone 2. Lewisham also benefits from an array of local amenities, including green spaces, shops, and restaurants and bars.
Many families stay in the area, moving up or down the property ladder, and moving away only if they cannot afford a larger home within the area. There is a popular street market in the town centre, and part of the ongoing regeneration efforts is bringing a new public space to the area - near the intersection of the rivers Quaggy and Ravensbourne.
Lewisham is undergoing significant regeneration, which has helped with both real and perceived safety in the area. The wider area is rated as having average crime for London by the Met police, with an above-average crime hotspot surrounding the O2 Centre. The 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate in Lewisham Central were both notably higher than the London rates, however.
Parking in this area is fairly good. The rate of car ownership in this area is a bit low for London, with about one car for every two households. Road links - including the A20 and the A21 - are good, if busy.
There's a good range of pubs, bars, and restaurants in this area, and even more to choose from in nearby Greenwich - where there are also bars, museums, and theatres - which can be easily reached by bus.
There's a wide range of property available in Lewisham, including a variety of larger properties that would make suitable family homes, including the standard 3-bed Victorian terrace with a garden. Lewisham has a lot of green and open space to enjoy. It has its own park in the town centre, with a children's playground. The Waterlink Way offers seven miles for walking or cycling, through Ladywell Fields and Brookmill Park. Blackheath and Greenwich Park are also nearby. Schools in this area are generally good, with several 'outstanding' private schools, and some 'good' and 'outstanding' secondaries. There are also private schools in nearby Blackheath. The percentage of residents who are children aged 0-15 is the same as that of London - 20%.
Property in Lewisham ranges from high-rise flats to large homes with gardens, but there are plenty of homes that would be suitable for pets. Lewisham has a lot of green and open space to enjoy, including its own town centre park. The Waterlink Way offers seven miles for walking or cycling, through Ladywell Fields and Brookmill Park. Blackheath and Greenwich Park are also nearby.
Lewisham is exceptionally well-connected for the area it's in - and it is within the Zone 2 boundary, too. Lewisham is served by trains as well as the DLR. Trains from Lewisham station reach London Bridge in 10 minutes, Cannon Street in 15 minutes, Charing Cross in 20 minutes, and Victorian in 25 minutes. The DLR runs direct to Canary Wharf and Bank. There are also trains ftrom St John's and Elverston Road stations, also in Zone 2, or Hither Green, Lee, and Ladywell nearby in Zone 3. The area is also very well-served by local buses, and road links - including the A20 and the A21 - are good, if busy.