We're planning to move to Forest Hill and we have seen a couple of properties that are on the Forest Hill/Catford border. It will therefore be quicker for us to travel to work in the City from Catford but I'm unsure how safe Catford is especially when travelling home alone late at night. I would be interested in people's views especially of those who use the Catford stations as it would really help in our decision making.

Thank you

CF

For what it's worth, I've always found the roads that span FH and Catford to be nicely residential and safe. You've got no worries beyond the caution that you'd want to apply walking anywhere in London late at night.

Have you thought about looking at Honor Oak Park and Crofton Park?

I prefer to use Forest Hill railway station. It should improve when the ELL starts to run soon.

I live between FH and Catford and recently changed roles so travel from Catford everyday into farringdon which is a dream journey. Always a seat no hassle and 30 minutes door to door. I walk home along either STandstead road or Catford Hill and it's very safe. THe streets are well lit and there are regular buses running too. As the traffic is always heavy in the evenings going into Catford you will find you have an audience of bored drivers so nothing will happen.

Which roads are you looking at? I am on Marler Road would be happy for company on the walk home in the winter months as the hubby sometimes frets, but I never take alleys or short cuts!

Avoid the underpass at the station as it'salways full of weirdos unless loads of commuters are crossing at the same time.

Also coming home after a few drinks I always go to Forest Hill as I know the taxi firm and they don't keep you waiting.

I use the Catford -City Thameslink line but get off at Crofton Park in the evening, getting a bus the few stops if it is late at night. The trains on that line go from Victoria after 2143 at night which usually suits me but is something to bear ni mind. The London Bridge - Honor Oak Park line is generally very busy but there is safety in numbers - lots of people alight at HOP.
Most of the streets are residential and I generally feel quite safe, although it is wise to stay alert as is the case anywhere in London (difficult after a few drinks I know)

Good luck

Thank you all for your advice it's been very helpful. Mangohead, if we do end up moving nearby then I'd appreciate company too on the way home in the winter months.

Looking forward to eventually moving to the area.