This is my first post on here so please be kind... I'm sure a million people have probably asked similar questions over the years, but I'm looking at a lovely house on Dillwyn Close in Lower Sydenham and I wanted to find out a little more about that part of Sydenham. Up until now we've been looking at places more towards Upper Sydenham so I'm not as familiar with that part of town.
Is it safe around that part of town if I was going to be walking home on my own at night as a lone female (well, as safe as it would be anywhere else in London)? And are there many amenities close by or are you looking at really having to go up into the main bit of Sydenham? I know new residential housing has been put up around the Sainsburys so I think that would encourage some further development?
We've done some exploration around but I was hoping to get a bit of insider knowledge from you guys. It will be my first home purchase so I'm a little nervous about making such a big decision and getting it wrong!
I dont know about Dillwyn Close, but I live in Lower Sydenham and love it (Fairlawn Park). It's close some of the best places to eat in Sydenham (The Dolphin, Trattoria, Lemon Tree), it's easy to get to Forest Hill up Perry Vale for the Horniman, we have the library and some really good nurseries. The Arts in the Park will be in Home park which has an outdoor gym, community garden and adventure playground. Its' close to Beckenham and the cinema and it's Waitrose/M&S/loads of places to eat out in.
I've found Sydenham to be safe, friendly and with a great community. The arts festival is amazing. So much is happening here. As long as you like the house, your neighbours I'm sure you will be happy.
Yep, second that - Lower Sydenham is fine and the area around where you're moving is as good as anywhere around. When I'm walking to Sainsbury's I'll often take a slightly longer route down that way to get away from the main road and it's quite a pleasant walk, and I've never felt unsafe doing so. There's an absolutely amazing house just round the corner, completely covered in plants and flowers, well worth a nosey.
Also - You're very close to Barakah, which is the best Indian take-away in the borough (IMO).
We've lived in Champion Crescent just up from Dillwyn Close for the 5or so year. We really like this end of Sydenham. As well as whats been previously posted Mayow Park is real asset and only short walk up the road (even more so when the new cafe opens!). Also in catchment for St Micheals which is really good primary school. Its about a 12 min walk to the station which i think is fine. Touch wood we've never had any issues with anti social behaviour etc in the time we've been here.
Thanks so much everyone for your replies. What I do really like about Sydenham (even just from our few visits) is the real sense of community - as evidenced by this bustling online forum in particular. I think that says a lot about a place, and would certainly be a welcome change from SW London where we are now.
One of my main concerns being in that part of town was that we would have to travel if we wanted to head out for a bite to eat or a drink on a Friday night. But it seems that there's a few options around which is welcome news. And new cafes opening up can always only be a good thing too.
