South east Londoners have sung the praises of Forest Hill after it was named one of the best places to live in the capital by the Sunday Times.

This neighbourhood, under the postcode SE23, earned its place near the top for its appealing mix of natural beauty, cultural hotspots, and connectivity.

Boasting ancient oak forests and spectacular city views from Horniman Museum's gardens, Forest Hill was the only south east London town that made the Sunday Times' list.

The high street, lined with independent shops, acts as a thriving heart of the community.

The district also supports a lively artistic community, with open days at artists' studios on Havelock Walk.

Forest Hill resident, Ashlyn Benta, described the area as "very peaceful".

Harry Hobson praised Forest Hill's infrastructure, saying on Facebook: "It’s got public transport the other 50 million people living in this country can only dream of.

"The investment in other infrastructure projects is astronomical."

Historical beauty was a key part of what south east Londoners loved about the area too.

Richard Humby spotlighted the "great old Victorian houses", while Lawrence Simmons mentioned the "lovely elegant streets of classic houses" that lie off the main roads.

Though London's property market is known to be somewhat intense, home prices in Forest Hill are comparably more affordable, making it a magnet for both newcomers and families.

Madeline Bonds fondly remembered her time in the area, saying: "I loved the time I lived in Forest Hill."

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The Sunday Times assessed various locations on factors like schools, transport, broadband speeds, culture, retail health, and access to green spaces before putting together their annual 'Best Places to Live' guide.

Other London locations to make the list included Clerkenwell, Crouch End, Highams Park, Little Venice, London Fields, and Wimbledon Village.

Clerkenwell emerged as this year's overall winner, the Sunday Times' judges saying that the area "embodies all that’s best about life in London".