Hi all

We are thinking of moving to Forest Hill (Devonshire Road) from West London. Would really value some info on the area: schools, pubs, Devonshire road itself (eg if the traffic / parking is a big problems / noise from railway line?). Also where is the nearest green space?

Any advice much appreciated!

its worth checking out a couple of current threads below:

http://www.se23.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5442

http://www.se23.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5248

Lived in DR , rail side for 23 years up to 2 years ago.

Rail noise never bothered me but has always lived close to railway lines. Much much better than living near major road.

Pering can be a problem depending where abouts you are moving to. I used to be close to the junction with Ewelme Rd and I found could usually park at bottom for EW.

I believe since new railway service introduced parking has become harder. There is a long post about this


Cannot help with schools but again long posts about them

DR has its own nature reserve but only open alternative Sundays. Hornimans best close local green space or One Tree Hill if you are at HOP end.

I have a few friends and family on Devonshire Road. Parking isn't a problem other than during the day at either end by the stations. Nearest green space would be the Horniman gardens or One Tree Hill depending on which end of Devonshire Road you'd be in. Schools are excellent - you'd probably be in the catchment for Fairlawn or Stillness, again depending on which end of Devonshire. Good luck!

Can't comment on the parking issue but plenty of green spaces (it's why I live here!} One Tree Hill for fantastic views, Horniman Gardens, Sydenham Woods, Blythe Hill (again great views) Dulwich Park and Crystal Palace Park are very close too. Agree Stillness an Fairlawn schools have very good reputation. Pubs try Dartmouth Arms and All in One. Enjoy discovering the area.

The nearest green space to Devonshire Road is Devonshire Road Nature Reserve which is regularly open to visitors and has a dynamic 'friends' group.

Noise from the railway on this road is variable. I have never lived there but have visited friends on the road. At each end of the road the railway is relatively close to houses and with frequent trains it may not be the place to live if you are a light sleeper. However, the road rapidly diverges from the railway reducing the noise and the other side of the street get limited noise from the railway.

If you have only lived in the West of London then you will find the South East (or at least some of it) is a pleasant surprise and good value for money compared to much of London.

We moved to Forest Hill from West London (Notting Hill-Where I'd lived all my life) earlier this year and we LOVE it! There's loads of green space great walks, good transport and great neighbourly feel that make me so relieved that we chose this area over others in the same price range.
All in all I'd recommend coming to SE23.