Moving to South East London

[Lalaluna]

Hi everyone!

I was wondering if I could ask for some advice on an area to live in South East London. I will be moving from Leeds for a job at Lewisham hospital. I dont know London very well but Im really excited about the prospect of moving down! However when I went for my interview I wasn't sure if Lewisham itself was the right fit for me and although nice enough area I really couldnt see myself living there...
I was wondering if anyone couls suggest an area around Lewisham which may fit me better?

I am a 29 year old female, single and would like to live somewhere with a buzz/where there's a lot to do - pubs/restaurants/comedy/live music but where you can also get to central London quite easily.. so preferrebly near a train/tube.

I had heard Bromley was nice and also went for a look around there, it seemed really nice but possibly more of a family/settled down vibe?

Thank you so much
L X

Peckham or Camberwell would suit you better - on the overground to Lewisham.

Peckham might be a good fit for you?

Herne Hill, Blackheath, Sydenham, even Woolwich

Crystal Palace too

Greenwich has everything you are after.

I agree with Brockley, Honor Oak or Forest Hill

I would vote Sydenham, Forest Hill or Brockley. Lower Sydenham is less nice but on the direct train to Lewisham (and Ladywell which from memory is the closest station to the hospital).

Ah fab OP

We lived in Ladywell and had a lovely time there

I really like Lewisham xxxxx

You could walk to work from Brockley. It has a couple of little restaurants and bars, it's not full on lively but it feels safe! You can also easily get into central London and places like Peckham where there's more going on. I might have made the exact same move myself many years ago - congratulations, I hope you have a great time!

Clapham would be perfect for you. Easy to get to work in Lewisham and has plenty to do, lots of people your age.

Deptford Bridge area - close to Deptford, Greenwich, Brockley, Peckham.

SE London is really fun - you will have a great time. Lewisham is well connected so you have lots of option. Agree not Lewisham itself.

Blackheath bars and open space.

Try St. John‘s or Lewisham but left side of it, close to Hilly Fields. Ladywell. Brockley.

As other poster has said you’ve got to factor in budget.! Look on openrent or rightmove and you’ll see what I mean. For the money London flats in zone 2 or 3 are expensive on a single salary - if that’s your situation. V different to Leeds.

Greenwich

On the dlr/main train line plus has a bus directly to the hospital

Is very buzzy and lots to do for young people

I live at the top of the park in Blackheath and it's gorgeous but a bit more family

Definitely not Bromley - boring family area with no buzz

Greenwich would fit the bill.

Bromley is nice enough but is in the outer suburbs and not what you are looking for.

What's your budget?

Thank you everyone!! I'm thinking of going for Greenwich and doesn't look too bad a commute to Lewsiham but do you think the busses/train will be crazy busy? I'll be travelling in rush hour unfortunately as start work at 9am

Thanks x

Agree that OP might find Clapham fun, but it wouldn't be "easy" to get to Lewisham (a tube and a train or a bus and a train), especially if OP works any unsociable hours.

I'd vote for Blackheath, Greenwich or Peckham/Camberwell. I'm a little bit further out from Lewisham (Eltham) and it's too quiet for me. Dying to move to Peckham.

Greenwich, definitely, but it's pricey. Blackheath is nice, can concur with pp. A lot of the borough is built up, urban and busy!

Another vote for Greenwich. You should be fine commuting down to Lewisham as it’s going the opposite way most people commute on the DLR. Depending on if you’re keen on bikes it would be an easy cycle, though I’m not familiar with cycle lanes etc personally.

Greenwich is urban enough to feel London, but suburban enough to not feel frenetic. I walk around there a lot at night, including through the park before closing and it never feels unsafe.

Peckham, Brockley, Greenwich, Nunhead

You really need to look around an area carefully though for what you like and can afford - there's Peckham (trendy, arty, edgy) and there's Peckham (park, nappy valley) and there's Peckham (large estates). Same for every neighbourhood mentioned, really! Camberwell, for example, can be great on one road and frankly depressing on another.