Are you considering Forest Hill as a location to either buy or rent?  What does it have to offer, and why do the residents love it so much?

Here are a few things you might not know about the South East London district , that is located between Dulwich and Sydenham.  The name Forest Hill came from ‘the forest with a big hill’, which was coined by a developer in the 1790s, and which referred to the remaining area of Forest Land on Sydenham Hill, which was originally part of the Great North Wood.

Horniman Museum & Gardens is a great place for a day out with the kids.  My Daughter loves it and we visit often, usually followed with a coffee and lunch at their cafe afterwards.

You can find out what locals are talking about, and what new businesses are opening on the busy local community forum.

Since the introduction of the London Overground Line in 2010, the area has seen better investment from new businesses who have recognised a growing need to cater for a changing demographic in residents.  The overground can whisk you to Canada Water (where its a quick connect to Canary Wharf via the Jubilee Line) or onwards to Highbury & Islington (so great for Arsenal fans!).

Forest Hill has two main British Rail stations. You can hop on a National Rail train to London Bridge(which takes only 14 Minutes from Forest Hill or 12 Minutes from Honor Oak Park) or onwards to Charing X.  The opposite direction travels through Croydon and Purley to Caterham.

There’s been a recent influx of very good quality coffee shops, cafes and Deli’s.  The Tea Pot, From the Forest and St Davids (recommend highly by Timeout magazine) in Forest Hill Town Centre and now the eagerly awaited Hills and Parkes in Honor Oak which sells Monmouth coffee, great fresh breads and pastries along with a fantastic array of pickles and chutneys.  I especially recommend the award winning St John and Dolly Smith Indian flavoured pickle.

There is a brilliant video rental store, For Your Eyes Only (which also usefully rents games too).  If you like epic films, and don’t mind subtitles then I really recommend Mesrine parts 1 & 2 starring the brilliant Vincent Cassell, a truly exceptional film.

Recently local campaigners won a fight to keep the disused Forest Hill baths, which had been closed to the public since 2005.  Lewisham Borough Council are now supporting  a £10 Million project to re-develop the Grade 2 listed building keeping its restored original building.  Apart from the polls, there will be a gym and a cafe, which will be great for the residents of the community.

If you are looking for a Forest Hill SE 23 Estate Agent, fishneedwater can offer sound professional advice with good value fee options.

An example of a great period 1 bedroom flat to rent in Forest Hill