Hello to the residents of Sydenham, and I certainly hope I haven't caused any offence by the title of my posting. My girlfriend and I currently live in north London and are considering moving to the southeast if we can find an affordable but cosy neighbourhood to make our home. Sydenham seems to fall within our price range, but we have heard mixed reports about the area from acquaintances with experience living in south London. SE26 would be ideal for me to get to work, but as I have quite demanding hours my girlfriend would spend many evenings alone in the neighbourhood. Also, we are both concerned about security on the trains into and from central London, especially late at night. By some reports it seems that personal safety may be a significant issue in Sydenham and surrounding areas. Therefore, could anyone please offer us some insight as to the general feel of the area regarding crime and violence and any specific experiences that may illustrate the atmosphere on the streets and transport?
Thanks very much for your replies, and hopefully we may be neighbours soon!
Is Sydenham safe enough to live comfortably in?
Having lived here for 11 years we have no problems, but thats not to stay stuff doesn't happen. From a personal safety point of view, I wouldn't think it is any worse than other parts of London and probably better than some. A lot of the violent crime is, how shall I put it, peer to peer.
I dont use the buses so cant comment on them but have only a few uncomforatble moments onthe train. I alwys pick my wife up from the station after dark if possible though, but thats probaly just me being careful.
I dont use the buses so cant comment on them but have only a few uncomforatble moments onthe train. I alwys pick my wife up from the station after dark if possible though, but thats probaly just me being careful.
I get the impression that statistically speaking Sydenham would be somewhat better than average in terms of safety, but realistically probably not drastically dfferent from most parts of London.
It has more of a community thing going on so its a bit more friendly and people kind of know each other a bit more and look out for each other.
I am female and feel okay walking around even at night, never had any bother of any kind. There might be some parts of Sydenham safer than others but overall I think its pretty safe.
I travel on the train all the time and never had any bother, over the years I have found that I feel safer on the trains than I used to - there used to be a rougher element that has declined over time an nowadays its actually alot more civilised than having to go on the tube.
It has more of a community thing going on so its a bit more friendly and people kind of know each other a bit more and look out for each other.
I am female and feel okay walking around even at night, never had any bother of any kind. There might be some parts of Sydenham safer than others but overall I think its pretty safe.
I travel on the train all the time and never had any bother, over the years I have found that I feel safer on the trains than I used to - there used to be a rougher element that has declined over time an nowadays its actually alot more civilised than having to go on the tube.
I'm not sure where these reports of crime and violence came from - clearly things like this do happen occasionally, but I feel reasonably safe walking late at night, and I don't think that this is a particularly unsafe area. That said, accurate statistics are hard to come by, so its difficult to fully refute or confirm stories of any area being safe or dangerous.
I moved to Sydenham about a year ago, and am very pleased with my decision. The area has also recently received the thumbs up from Kirstie Allsopp and Time Out (see previous forums and news articles) so all the more reason to come here!
I moved to Sydenham about a year ago, and am very pleased with my decision. The area has also recently received the thumbs up from Kirstie Allsopp and Time Out (see previous forums and news articles) so all the more reason to come here!
Having lived recently in Crouch End and Brixton I reckon Sydenham could be considered average. In CE the most trouble you'd likely encounter would be psychotic mum with a 3-wheeler buggy. In Brixton you'd get drug dealers and prostitutes following you if you merely glanced at them.
Sydenham seems pretty friendly to me, certainly as a family we've had no trouble in two years and my wife has made quite a few friends.
However, the station approach is dingy at night, and there is a real lack of night-time high street activity (compared to the bars and restaurants of Crystal Palace or East Dulwich). It is pretty quiet after 10pm and the solitude may feel more oppressive than it really is.
Sydenham seems pretty friendly to me, certainly as a family we've had no trouble in two years and my wife has made quite a few friends.
However, the station approach is dingy at night, and there is a real lack of night-time high street activity (compared to the bars and restaurants of Crystal Palace or East Dulwich). It is pretty quiet after 10pm and the solitude may feel more oppressive than it really is.
Sydenham seems pretty safe to me - I've never had any problems at all walking to & from the station at night or getting on & off buses.
One thing that does set Sydenham apart from other places I've lived, is that it has a strong community feel. This really does make me feel safer when I'm out & about. Neighbours, local shopkeepers etc are all very good at tackling or challenging problems if they occur.
If you do decide to move here you could try joining the Sydenham Society http://www.sydenhamsociety.com - its a great way to get to know new people & find out what's gong on in the area. And it does of course add names to your list of folks to ask for help of you need it.
One thing that does set Sydenham apart from other places I've lived, is that it has a strong community feel. This really does make me feel safer when I'm out & about. Neighbours, local shopkeepers etc are all very good at tackling or challenging problems if they occur.
If you do decide to move here you could try joining the Sydenham Society http://www.sydenhamsociety.com - its a great way to get to know new people & find out what's gong on in the area. And it does of course add names to your list of folks to ask for help of you need it.
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sydenhamboy
- Posts: 264
- Joined: 8 Oct 2006 10:33
- Location: sydenham
Hi - I've been in Sydenham for 4 years and it's been fine. There's no 'edgy' atmohpshere like you can get in Peckham or Brixton. In fact Mayo Park is very pleasant and Sydenham is quite clean; excellent Hypermarket sainsbury's down the road and walkable from Forest Hill bars. The 'demographic' is changing too - so there's a nice mix of people who have lived in the area for years algon with young professionals and families attracted to Sydenham's proximity/easy access to London town etc.
BUT - as Robot says - the amenities are a let down - HOWEVER the Dophin gastro pub has given us hope and if rumours are to be believed there are other improvements waiting to happen so get in now while it's still cheaper!
BUT - as Robot says - the amenities are a let down - HOWEVER the Dophin gastro pub has given us hope and if rumours are to be believed there are other improvements waiting to happen so get in now while it's still cheaper!
Same here. No crime to report of. Well - someone broke into my car and then didn't steal my CDs - which I took to be the ultimate diss. And someone did try to nick my scooter. But this is run of the mill crime for London. Nothing personal has ever happened. In fact I have never felt more part of a community in london. I know more people by name on our street than ever before. So some negatives, but vastly outweighed by the positives. And I live in "lower" sydenham!
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Wispy Wonder
- Posts: 137
- Joined: 11 Jan 2006 22:13
- Location: Sydenham
Wholeheartedly agree with the comments here especially regarding the sense of community, but thought I would add that I am a woman (mid fifties) living alone and have often come back late from Central London to Sydenham and walked home.
The trains actually feel very safe in that you don't feel there might be any violence, and there are very often quite a lot of people on them, so you don't feel frightened that you are alone on a train.
Walking home, I use my common sense like I would do in any part of London - I use the main road where I can and try not to use very quiet or dark back streets.
I've lived here for 5 years and really like feeling part of a community - the shopkeepers recognise your face!
The trains actually feel very safe in that you don't feel there might be any violence, and there are very often quite a lot of people on them, so you don't feel frightened that you are alone on a train.
Walking home, I use my common sense like I would do in any part of London - I use the main road where I can and try not to use very quiet or dark back streets.
I've lived here for 5 years and really like feeling part of a community - the shopkeepers recognise your face!
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noplacelikehome
- Posts: 15
- Joined: 23 May 2007 20:02
- Location: se26
Be brave- cross the river! I moved here from leafy Chiswick in 1987 having tried the W4 estate agents who laughed when they heard what we could afford and said they might have a shed to sell "or try Peckham". We ducked out and landed in Sydenham and haven't looked back.
Three moves on, all in Sydenham from choice, we're still here.
Like anywhere in London, after dark you keep your wits about you. Having said that the worst I've experienced in all the time is that it looks a little scruffy and we're still waiting for Starbucks/ M&S foodstores to grace our high streets but on the whole, everyone is just getting on with their lives. We don't have the 'gang culture' that exists in other areas of London, if that sets your mind at rest. Also, I've brought up two children here. My daughter walks herself to and from school (she's 13) without mishap and my son's relaxed about walking to friend's houses etc. As their parents, we certainly wouldn't allow this if we felt they were under threat.
Just reading the threads and seeing that we are an articulate bunch, and the strong emphasis on the community spirit should, I hope, reassure you that you're making the right decision. Welcome to sarf'east London!
Three moves on, all in Sydenham from choice, we're still here.
Like anywhere in London, after dark you keep your wits about you. Having said that the worst I've experienced in all the time is that it looks a little scruffy and we're still waiting for Starbucks/ M&S foodstores to grace our high streets but on the whole, everyone is just getting on with their lives. We don't have the 'gang culture' that exists in other areas of London, if that sets your mind at rest. Also, I've brought up two children here. My daughter walks herself to and from school (she's 13) without mishap and my son's relaxed about walking to friend's houses etc. As their parents, we certainly wouldn't allow this if we felt they were under threat.
Just reading the threads and seeing that we are an articulate bunch, and the strong emphasis on the community spirit should, I hope, reassure you that you're making the right decision. Welcome to sarf'east London!
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Giddysquid
- Posts: 43
- Joined: 19 Apr 2007 07:16
- Location: Newlands Park Sydenham
I agree with the above folks. I moved to Sydenham with my partner after having lived in Golders Green for about 6 years and haven't looked back.
We have only been here a year bit and have never encountered any troubles. The area seems more friendly and has more of a community spirit than other areas of London that I've lived in. I do however miss the gefilte fish from Golders Green.
Also Sydenham's cheaper and there are lovely green parks everywhere!!
We have only been here a year bit and have never encountered any troubles. The area seems more friendly and has more of a community spirit than other areas of London that I've lived in. I do however miss the gefilte fish from Golders Green.
Also Sydenham's cheaper and there are lovely green parks everywhere!!
Hello Mr M.
I'm also one who crossed the river and I have not looked back, I absolutely love it.
The high street looks a bit shabby, but there are some gread shops, includng many independents.
As others have said, the trains are fine, whatever time of day or night. Sydenham seems to be a very busy station - trains are always reassuringly busy, loads of people get on and off at Sydenham and there is a 24 hour licensed taxi office next to the station.
I take the same sensible precautions as I do anywhere else in, or out of London.
Definitely a great place to live - make the move!!
I'm also one who crossed the river and I have not looked back, I absolutely love it.
The high street looks a bit shabby, but there are some gread shops, includng many independents.
As others have said, the trains are fine, whatever time of day or night. Sydenham seems to be a very busy station - trains are always reassuringly busy, loads of people get on and off at Sydenham and there is a 24 hour licensed taxi office next to the station.
I take the same sensible precautions as I do anywhere else in, or out of London.
Definitely a great place to live - make the move!!
Thanks for all your replies!
Thank you so much to all those who have taken the time to reply our posting, you have given us some truly envaluable assistance in our home search. Sydenham really does sound like a great London neighbourhood to live in by your reports. We travelled down for a short visit and look around last weekend and were quite encouraged. I must admit the comments about the appearance of the high street seem accurate, but the feel we got walking along it was relaxed and friendly, which was a welcome change to some areas we are more familiar with! We were also both pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere aboard and physical condition of the trains to/from central London. We have especially appreciated hearing your accounts of personal safety issues and feel reassured by them. All in all, you've been a great help, and I think we've found our new postcode... hopefully we may meet some of you in a few months!
As no-one else has mentioned it in this thread I thought I might just mention that while the train (and upcoming tube) give fast access to central London - we are additionally blessed with the 176 which provides 24 hour service to Oxford Street and all points in between. Reassuringly affordable at 3am to those of us who can only dream of taxis - I, and my kids, have found it safe if somewhat entertaining at times. The major horror is falling asleep to be woken up in Penge. But most of us get over it.
Looking forward to greeting you Mr.M.
Stuart
Looking forward to greeting you Mr.M.
Stuart
