I'm in the Forest Hill / Sydenham borders - 10 minutes walk to either. Sydenham is definitely worth a look, and as it is also on the Overground, still great for transport. Sydenham Road doesn't have the (increasing) charm of Forest Hill (never thought I'd use the word 'charm' about FH when we moved here 14 years ago!) but it is currently being completely overhauled (new pavements, planting, pocket parks, better traffic lights, new planting). Worth a look, and depending on where you are, close enough to FH to walk for a drink or meal. Also benefiting from the stellar efforts of SEE3, our local Portas Pilot project.