OK yes HOP is very nice but please don't diss us south of the A205ers!

When we originally moved to this area many moons ago we did look at HOP and almost bought there but our sale fell through. Gutted at the time, later on realised it had worked out for the best as we got a much bigger flat (extra bedroom and bigger living space) for our money going south of Stanstead Road.

It really depends on what your priorities are. If you want to be within a stone's throw of the train station and like having the shops and cafes on your doorstep, and are willing/able to pay more for that, then HOP is for you.

The reason this area works for us is:

Central location - 15 minutes walk to either Forest Hill or Catford, and 10 mins walk to Honor Oak - or if I am feeling lazy it's just a few minutes on the bus which is at the end of my road. At the other end of my road the bus goes down to Sydenham.

Honor Oak pub and Railway Telegraph pub a short stagger home. Blythe Hill Tavern also a very well loved local.

Shops - plenty of small newsagent types, Co-op on Stanstead Road is a good small supermarket.

My kids have a short walk to their lovely school without going near to any busy roads.

St George's church on Vancouver Road has lots of community events eg summer fairs, a nursery, scouts, brownies etc and Van Dough pizzas every week!
Forest Hill Methodist Church also has playgroups, and regular community events (storytelling, exhibitions, Girl Guides, etc)

Mayow Park is not far with lovely new cafe, and community garden. Blythe Hill park just a short walk too.

Big Victorian houses with plenty of room for loft conversions and side return extensions and decent sized gardens (I know a few people who have built outbuildings at the end of their garden)

Friendly area - I know loads of my neighbours, in my previous place we had a Big Lunch in our street, Fermor Road has a Big Lunch every year.

Anyway - you'll probably do what we did and write down a big list of priorities, and work out which things you definitely want and which you are willing to compromise on. Hope this helps!