London areas with village feel (zone 3)

[OztoLdn]

Today, we discovered Dulwich, what a gorgeous area.

We are looking for an area in zone 3 to settle (rent) but there isn’t anything in Dulwich at the moment.

Are there any similar areas?
What about Hither Green and Blackheath?
Any others?
We would like our door to door commute (to Moorgate/Mansion house) to be under 40 mins.
We need good primary and secondary state schools.
Thanks.

@OztoLdn you're near Mountsfield park, which is good. I think that area is becoming a bit more gentrified. I was there more than 20 years ago and it was fine then, but just not loads of facilities nearby.

Thanks, I’ve had mixed reviews which makes me a bit nervous but there were not many properties available before the end of June.
There are a few cafes, restaurants, pharmacies, a Sainsbury and a Tesco so that’s good enough.
Primary schools seem great.
People have just told me to be careful on the edge of Lewisham and Catford.

@OztoLdn there used to be a gun shop in Catford, lol. I'm betting that's closed a long time ago! Catford is fine, it's just down the road from hither green. Grove park/downham and Bellingham are the bits round there that were considered a bit rough back in the day. But it's really just a normal suburb.

West Norwood.

Stones throw from Dulwich, nice houses, great community and nice houses..cheaper than Dulwich.

Honor Oak

.. also to add a much improving high street, and excellent primary and secondary schools.

Honor Oak is a Lovely area. Walking distance from Dulwich.

Ally Pally is lovely, good train service to Moorgate, great shops and cafes but the catchment areas for the most sought after schools are tiny so be careful - station is a bit of a walk from the schools area too.