In response to Celtic explorer, no I don't think only people need to live somewhere a long time before they care about a place, its just that your previous posts seemed to suggest that life stopped and started in the last year with the influx of coffee shops entrepreneurs, totally disregarding the possibility that many people have been working hard behind the scenes for a long time to maintain what we already have let alone improve things. And no, I don't recognise the term 'ghost town' being applicable here 5 years ago. I share your concern about crime but I don't necessarily think that gentrification is going to improve that- I see it as a negative influence to be honest as it means that people are more likely to rob or mug. Unfortunately my Forest Hill is definitely not your Forest Hill, but I hope you start to feel more comfortable around these parts as I still think crime is relatively low compared to other places. I just don't think however that Forest Hill is ever going to become East Dulwich, and to be honest, I;m pleased about that.

As Michael has said, there are quite a few interesting buildings and streetscapes in Forest Hill- we have a Christopher Wren steeple in someones private garden, a number of Arts and Crafts houses, and some really nice 1930's estates, both council and private. We also have one of the original Walter Segal self build housing estates which people come from miles around to see. Perhaps not outstanding but then thats in the eye of the beholder. I genuinely don't see iconic buildings as always a good thing unless perhaps you are right on the South Bank.