If you are looking to live in London, then Sydenham might be the place for you. This article will explore what it is like living there and give some tips on how to find a home near this town.
Sydenham History
The area is diverse, with a population of 28,378 (2011 census) Historically, the area was very affluent, with Crystal Palace being relocated in 1854. It was founded in 1889, prior to the creation of the County of London in 1889. Camille Pissarro painted its streets, but it is now grittier than its roots. High street is packed with independent shops and shops with cabbages the size of atom bombs.
Travel in Sydenham
The main railway station links to Croydon, Penge and Forest Hill, New Cross, Shoreditch, Dalston and major termini London Bridge and London Victoria. From Sydenham, London Bridge and Shoreditch High Street are all on London Underground. Lower Sydenham has trains to Cannon Street (29 minutes) and Charing Cross (28 minutes). There are trains to London Bridge, Cannon Street and Blackfriars that take 20 minutes and stop at Canada Water for Canary Wharf. The railway line goes through both Sydenham Hill station, and the Lower Sydenham station.
Sydenham on a Map
Sydenham borders Forest Hill, Dulwich, Penge, Beckenham, Catford and Bellingham. It’s a district of south-east London, shared with Lewisham, Bromley and Southwark.
Who Lives in Sydenham
Sydenham, south-east London, has a thriving community of people living in an affordable neighbourhood with lots of still relatively affordable homes. Locals join in with everything from community gardening in Mayow Park to salsa dancing in the community centre. The demographics of the area are diverse and multicultural with many languages spoken.
Renting and Housing in Sydenham
One-bed flats are now the most expensive property in London, and one-bed prices are £1,500-£2,400pcm. The most expensive house currently for sale is four-bedroom black-clad modern house, designed by local architect Ian McChesney to reflect the trees around the town. Houses in the Dulwich Estate range from £800,000 to £1.1 million. The area is a popular with families trading up from flats to houses, while new-build homes are attracting upsizers from Forest Hill. Red-brick Victorian houses range in price from about £800,000 to £1.1 million.
Work in Sydenham
Sydenham has many small and medium-sized businesses in the town centre and has a lively and engaged community. The town centre is home to 185 independent businesses, many independently run.
Schools in Sydenham
Sydenham High School, 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL, United Kingdom
Sydenham School, Dartmouth Road, London SE26 4RD, United Kingdom
Catholic Our Lady & St Philip Neri RC School, 208 Sydenham Road, London SE26 5SE, United Kingdom
Boys’ Forest Hill School, Dacres Rd, London SE23 2XN, United Kingdom
St Bartholomew’s Primary School, The Peak, London SE26 4LJ, United Kingdom
Is Sydenham Dangerous?
According to MyLondon, Sydenham is the 10th most dangerous place in all of Lewisham, which can be considered not that bad. In case of Lewisham itself, it’s pretty average compared to the rest of London. Considering all of that, Sydenham can be regarded as the middle of the road in terms of safety for residents.
Places to Visit and Things to do in Sydenham
Sydenham’s main shopping street is down the hill along the town’s Kirkdale area. The one silver lining for declining high streets is lower rents allowing interesting new enterprises to take root.
The area’s first shopping street was up the hill in Kirkdale where interesting shops today include a piano workshop, Kirkdale Pianos, Behind the Boxes and Mabel’s Five & Dime, and Dulwich Reclamation.
There is a fish and chip shop, sushi, and 161 Food + Drink, an organic wine bar and off-licence.
The Journey Cafe serves its own blends of Italian coffee alongside homemade cakes. Children are encouraged to decorate the counter at this family friendly venue. The cafe is family-friendly with large selection of gluten, dairy and refined sugar free options.
The city has two great parks: Mayow Park and Sydenham Wells Park. The former is equipped with a play area, a bowling green, and a considerable amount of grassy fields. The Sydenham Wells Park has plenty of amenities as well, including a playground for children under five years old, a larger playground for older kids, a court with basketball, football, and tennis playing possibilities, and a pond.
The nearest council-owned swimming pool is in the recently reopened Forest Hill Pools. A new Swedish-style spa is in the process of opening on Dulwich Road South and there’s a Turkish bathhouse nearby too.
The Shop Revolution Marketplace
Shop Revolution Marketplace host events like poetry and craft nights. All the items they sell are produced by independent designers and jewellery makers. The shop hosts unique events such as flower arranging workshops and poetry night at the marketplace.
Sydenham Community Library
Located both in Bell Green and Lower Sydenham, the Community Library is a great place for anybody looking for a place to study, work, or educate themselves.
Bridge Leisure Centre
Bridge Leisure Centre has a 25-metre swimming pool, an indoor leisure pool with flume and water slide, a gym, outdoor pitches, squash courts, and a soft play area.
Crystal Palace Park
While it belongs to the borough of Bromley, it’s still a part of Upper Sydenham, making for a great place for taking a walk there.
Alexandra Nurseries
An independent home and garden centre. Fantastic independent cafe.
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