A couple of quick points (a) the focus on Forest Hill (rather than all of SE23) on this site. Perhaps this thread will help redress the balance
(b) that there is a nice parade of shops on Honor Oak Rise, which I frequent a few times a month (much more pleasant than Dartmouth Road), but Brockley Rise is not a particularly nice place beyond Querce, and the reasonable tyre place close to the South Circ. Babur's OK, been going there for years but think they are trading on their reputation and priced accordingly.
The Postcode show, that was filmed as a trailor in the Brockley Jack theatre, if I recall the thread, suggested much greater community spirit in HOP
BD - And you could have it all - My empire of dirt