Hi there - I started out living in Chelsea, then Fulham, then Finsbury Park, then Stoke Newington, and have finally started a family in Forest Hill! We live off Woolstone road, towards the Perry Vale end. Having lived in very much posher bits of London we too were a bit nervous about moving to what is essentially a very average bit of south London. But it has worked out great. THe train connections into town have considerably improved with the arrival of the Overground, our neighbours have become great friends, and we love the local parks and the Horniman. I think crime rates are generally low, although there have been some burglaries apparently, and we do have an alarm (but would probably have one anywhere we lived in London).

The downsides: shopping in Forest Hill is very limited, the schools in this bit of Forest Hill arent the best and the property prices are not going up, ie. this is not a "des res" area (we have lost money on our purchase in 2008). But our house is extendable, we have a fantastic garden, and I think we got good value for money. The houses on the other side of the station (ie anywhere hilly) go for about #100k more, so Perry Vale is certainly affordable. Hope that helps!