I live half-way between Forest Hill and Sydenham and use both regularly. While Sydenham Road isn't beautiful, it does have a lot of useful shops and more interesting shops are beginning to open up. Now the current refurbishment work is nearly complete, the high street is beginning to look much better. New planting and trees are being added soon. There is a monthly food fair in the newly laid pocket park at Venner Road and the new pocket park at Queensthorpe Road should also attract some new ventures.

Bear in mind that almost none of the very attractive businesses in Forest Hill were there two - three years ago. Everyone said we would never have nice shops on Dartmouth Road because it's too difficult to park, and there was no passing trade. Everyone said we wouldn't get nice shops on London Road because of the traffic and competition from Sainsburys. But they were wrong! When we moved to Forest Hill (over ten years ago) there was nothing much in FH that we liked, except the exceptional family house we now own.

If you have a look on the forums for Sydenham, Penge, etc, you'll get an idea of the things that are planned for those areas, as well as what currently exists.

Good luck!