Forest Hill: A bustling, scenic and pleasant place to live

People seeking flats to rent in Forest Hill will find that the area can provide them with one of London's most scenic spots, one of many reasons why it has become a popular place to live.

The South London district is part of the borough of Lewisham and is well-regarded among locals for the colour and greenery of the area, bringing a uniquely pleasant atmosphere to the busy urban community.

Located on one of the capital's highest hills, the area was sparsely populated until the middle of the 19th century, when the creation of the Forest Hill railway station on the London and Croydon line kick-started its development as a thriving suburb.

Dartmouth Place became Forest Hill's first shopping centre during the Victorian era, with the rapid evolution of local amenities leading to it becoming a popular retreat for wealthy Londoners.

Today, Forest Hill offers an attractive mix of local amenities and shops, with 169 businesses - mostly of the small, independent variety - operating from the town centre, which is designated as a conservation district.

People visiting or living in the area will be able to experience impressive views across London and Kent from the top of Canonbie, Horniman Gardens or One Tree Hill, while taking in the many historical buildings that dot the vicinity.

These include the Grade II-listed Forest Hill Library, a local treasure that has been standing since 1901 and regularly displays exhibitions dedicated to regional history, as well as the Forest Hill Pools and the former Capitol cinema, now a JD Wetherspoon pub.

Of particular note is the fascinating Horniman Museum, a free attraction that has delighted families for more than a century with its collection of interesting artefacts and scenic gardens.

Visitors can see displays on world and natural history, as well as an aquarium and music gallery, while nature trail walks are organised daily.

Elsewhere, people in Forest Hill can take advantage of a diverse offering of local entertainment and leisure options, from public art displays to youth clubs and the Hob Comedy Club, which regularly hosts performances from famous stand-up comedians.

However, there is much more to the district than fun and games, as it is also well-stocked with all the basic living amenities.

In terms of transport, the historic Forest Hill rail station remains a major connecting hub, while bus, walking and cycling routes are present in abundance.

Families can benefit from a wide selection of primary and secondary schools in close proximity, including Adamsrill Primary School, Eliot Bank Primary School, Kelvin Grove Primary School, Sydenham Secondary School and Brent Knoll School.

Meanwhile, as would be expected from a renowned London beauty spot, Forest Green provides a generous selection of parks and open spaces, including Baxters Field, Dacres Wood, Devonshire Road Nature Reserve, Horniman's Triangle and Mayow Park.

The local council is also constantly investing to improve the area further, with the Forest Hill Pools currently undergoing redevelopment ahead of a planned reopening in September 2012.

Such developments will ensure Forest Hill remains an attractive place to live for many years to come.

Posted by Andy Britten

Published 31st January, 2012

© 2012 Estates IT Limited