Forest Hill, situated in south east London, stands out as one of the city's top places to live due to several compelling reasons.

On Friday (March 15), The Sunday Times’ expert judges released the Best Places to Live in London list, and there’s no surprise as to why Forest Hill was crowned one of the winners.

Firstly, Forest Hill offers a perfect balance between urban convenience and green spaces. Residents can enjoy the tranquillity of nature while having easy access to central London.

The neighbourhood is bordered by green areas, including the Horniman Gardens and Blythe Hill Fields, providing lots of opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Secondly, Forest Hill boasts excellent transport links, making it highly accessible. The Forest Hill railway station provides direct services to London Bridge, Victoria, and other key destinations.

Additionally, numerous bus routes connect Forest Hill to surrounding areas, enhancing connectivity further.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens, a local landmark, offers fascinating exhibits, beautiful gardens, and family-friendly events, enriching the community's cultural life. Forest Hill's bustling high street is lined with independent shops, trendy cafes, and diverse restaurants, catering to various tastes and preferences.

This vibrant retail and dining scene creates a lively atmosphere and fosters a strong sense of community.

Another factor contributing to Forest Hill's appeal is its diverse housing options. The neighbourhood features a mix of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, period conversions, and modern developments, providing housing options for individuals and families of different sizes and budgets.

Many properties offer stunning views of the London skyline or the surrounding greenery, adding to the area's desirability.

Furthermore, Forest Hill benefits from excellent educational facilities, including reputable primary and secondary schools.

Families with children appreciate the proximity to quality educational institutions, enhancing the neighbourhood’s appeal for families seeking a nurturing environment for their children.

Overall, Forest Hill's winning combination of natural beauty, convenient transportation, cultural amenities, diverse housing options, and excellent schools makes it a highly desirable place to live in southeastern London.

The Sunday Times has visited all the London locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.

The other five locations dubbed as one of the best places to live in London are:

· Crouch End, N8

· Highams Park, E4

· Little Venice, W2

· London Fields, E8

· Wimbledon Village, SW19

Clerkenwell, EC1, was officially named as the Best Place to Live in London in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, sponsored by Halifax.

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, says: “This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2024, from Dunkeld to Knutsford, Falmouth to Leeds.

“Wherever you are on the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you. “

“These are all places where you can feel grounded as well as upwardly mobile: they have a mature sense of community, lively, supportive high streets and an eye to the future, whether that is eco-friendly measures, transport and regeneration, or imaginative inclusion of new housing.”