Forest hill in SELondon for a family

[dazednconfused21]

After trying to find something in North London - we have realized that everything is now out of budget and have switched our search to SE London. Lots of people have mentioned Forest Hill to us and it seems to have lots of pluses - a museum, nice cafes, library, leisure centre etc. The only downside is that we've only lived in North London and are feeling a bit lost south of the river. Would anyone here have any suggested whether Forest Hill is a nice area for a family with two DC? We've also had a look at Honor Oak - though seems to have fewer facilities, Crystal Palace is a bit of an awkward route to work. Did consider asking on the local facebook group but it's very outing and thought against it. I know that Forest hill was the place to move for couple a few years ago - but would you still recommend it? Any help/suggestions would be wonderful - thank you

@dazednconfused21 if you do buy in the area around Eliot Bank we'll be neighbours! So, yes, I clearly do think it's nice We've fit a fantastic community centred around the school!

I've also got children at both primary and secondary, so have direct experience of the so-called 'iffy' secondaries

We left ladywell seven years ago. Wish we hadn't. We actually lived on one of the streets mentioned by @haggis81 . Ladywell has a lovely community feel to it, great transport, parks, cafes and primary schools. I agree though that if you have girls you're ok for secondary school but boys Secondary options are more limited tbh

Aww I spent a hot hot summer very pregnant under the trees in the horniman, and talking to the alpaca baby there. Fond memories!! Those hills! Honor Oak, the dulwich tavern, Lordship Lane. Is Donde the tapas place still there? We went there like every week. Heaven! Kings College was a fab hospital to have a baby in, used to hop into London in 20 mins or something crazy for lunch with husband and then we moved away once babe was a few weeks old 😭 Aw definitely recommend it!

I would think carefully about secondaries and catchments etc.

Does everyone just move for secondaries if they have boys?

No. I've got boys. Oldest in y11, second in y7. Then two more still at primary. No intention of moving!

We’re considering moving, but secondary schools are only one of a number of factors including needing more space than we can afford round here and wanting easier access to places outside London that are not Kent. We wouldn’t move just because of the secondaries. Why do you wish you didn’t leave @Neighneigh?

All of the areas mentioned so far are great

Also want to prompt you to look at Hither green as so quick to get into Charing Cross (19 minutes) to go and do things

Definitely look at Blackheath, Greenwich, Blackheath Standard, Westcombe park too