Hi,

I'm considering moving to Forest Hill (around Kemble, Colfe and Cranston road).
I would appreciate any views on the area, community, safety etc.

Thanks

Hi, we have lived in Forest Hill for over 20 years and think its a great area, people of varied ages, talents and occupations and good schools and open spaces for the children/dogs. Along with transport links. Give the area a good look, some roads much better/less busy than others.

I live in Hurstbourne Road (further east). I like the area and think it is safe. I think you will find that Cranston Road is a busy road with a lot of through traffic.

thank you both

We live on Siddons road, very close to those 3 roads. Been here since 2007, have 3 young kids, busy lives and the area really works for us. Nice neighbourhood, little to none of the sundry irritations urban life sometimes presents, up the hill from FH centre so fresh air away from the south circ. Recommended

Hi,

I live just further south than the roads that you've mentioned (otherside of Woolstone Road) and it's a great area. Friends live on Colfe Road and they love it there, never had any problems at all.

I was pleased to read your post BMSE23!

We have literally just purchased a place on Colfe Road - very much looking forward to living in FH.

Jason

I am on Kilmorie road and like this part of FH. The advantage is that you are between Catford and Forest Hill train stations which gives more options. The lovely Mayow Park is not too far. It's a friendly area, I have noticed a definite increase in the number of families moving to this area.

thank you all for the posts - much appreciated
still considering this area but also looking at HOP - fingers crossed we find something nice

Welcome to the area. Amongst the best streets are Lowther Hill, Duncombe Hill, Brockley View and Brockley Rise as (in the right side of the roads) they all back on to Brockley Hill Park - a private residents only park which is wonderful. Properties don't come up that often but there are a couple on the market at the moment.

Just be aware that property in HOP can be more expensive!

Because it's nicer...

Well that is a matter of opinion!

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!

Good effort, Jane2 but I think Hoona was just doing some post pub trolling

10.15pm - that's a little early to be back from the pub though, don't those HOPers know how to party?

Seriously though sunszajn, both areas are nice, lots of my friends live in HOP. Hope this has helped!

This post was last modified: 27-09-2014 06:58 PM by Jane2.

Looks like 11.15 to me, Jane2 !

Thank you
You have all been very helpful.
We did quite a few viewings today so let's see...

I can vouch for Kilmorie Road being a great area. About 12 mins walk to FH, HOP, or Catford stations. Also on the doorstep are three great primary schools, the FH tavern, Le Querce, Babour, two very good GP surgeries, and all the many other things listed above........ Very friendly also and a lot of people seem to be improving their houses & gardens in the area. Definaey continuing to be on the up.......