Sydenham is a well-connected suburb with a good range of local amenities to suit families as well as working professionals. There is a wide variety of housing available here, from spacious period flats to grand Victorian houses, and there is also abundant green space and a selection of good schools. Three rail stations serve the area, which is on the Overground as well as rail services, and there are plentiful local buses. Despite this, Sydenham remains a good-value location, especially compared to neighbouring areas like Dulwich.
Sydenham is known for having a strong sense of community, as well as opportunities to move up and down the property ladder as children come and go, so it has a lot of staying power for residents.
Sydenham and its surroundings have an average crime rating from the Met police. The 2014/2015 crime rate in Sydenham was somewhat lower than the overall London crime rate, while the violence against the person rate was about the same.
Parking isn't especially an issue in this part of London. The rate of car ownership is just below the London rate, at about three cars for every four households. Road links - including to the South Circular - are fairly good, if often busy.
Sydenham isn't especially a nightlife destination. However, there's a modest range of pubs and restaurants in the area, even a nightclub or two, and even more in neighbouring Crystal Palace. Transport links are fairly good, for those who are searching for more evening and late night entertainment.
Sydenham is a very good place to look for a relatively affordable family home, offering a wide range of choice that includes larger Victorian homes as well as modernist homes, terraces and semis. There is a lot of green and open space in the area, with Sydenham Wells Park, Mayor Park, Alexandra Recreation Ground, Dulwich Wood, Sydenham Hill Wood, and Crystal Palace Park offering acres of greenery and leisure options. Schools are generally good, with many state primary and secondary schools rated 'good' or better by Ofsted, and there is a choice of private schools as well. About 1 in 5 residents is a child aged 0-15.
There's a wide range of property available in Sydenham, including many larger period houses and conversions, many of which would make suitable homes for pets. Dog owners will find no shortage of places to walk, with Sydenham Wells Park, Mayor Park, Alexandra Recreation Ground, Dulwich Wood, Sydenham Hill Wood, and Crystal Palace Park all in the area.
Sydenham does not have a Tube station, but does have three rail stations. Sydenham station (Zone 3) is on the Overground, as well has having rail services to London Bridge. Sydenham Hill (Zone 3) has rail services to Victoria, and to St Pancras via Blacfriars. Lower Sydenham (Zone 4) has trains to Charing Cross and to Cannon Street via London Bridge. The area is well-served by local buses, and road links (including to the South Circular) are fairly good, if often busy.