Neighbourhood and local area reviews for renting in United Kingdom

Nice area and safe and hardly any sirens

Living around Devonshire Road has actually been a really nice experience. It’s one of those areas that feels lived-in and relaxed, not forced. I liked being able to take walks around the corner, sometimes even walking someone else’s dog, just wandering without feeling rushed or boxed in. It’s easy and calm.

There’s a good little music and creative scene nearby, and a few bars up the road that are low-key but lively in the evenings. Nothing too loud or chaotic—just enough going on to feel connected. You can grab a drink, hear some music, or just sit and unwind without it feeling like central London madness.

There’s also a proper local pub close by when you walk toward the next station, which became one of those easy go-to spots. The kind of place where you can pop in without planning, have a pint, and head home. Wheel Power is up the road too, so you’ve got practical stuff nearby as well, which makes day-to-day life easier. I had more than a few problems with my tyre and the curbs parking ;-)) lol

Overall, it’s the kind of area that grows on you. It’s relaxed, friendly, and has just enough character and local energy without being noisy or stressful. I enjoyed living there—it felt real, comfortable, and balanced.

I genuinely love living around 316 Devonshire Road in SE23. The area puts me at ease in a way that’s hard to explain unless you live here. It’s calm, settled, and comfortable — you can actually relax when you come home.

What I like most is the balance. It’s quiet and residential, but not dull. There are great little independent cafés nearby where you can grab coffee or brunch, proper local pubs for a relaxed drink, and good restaurants for evenings or when friends come over. It doesn’t feel forced or busy — it just feels natural.

There are green spaces close by, which makes a big difference day to day. I often go for walks just to clear my head, and it never feels crowded or rushed. The neighbourhood has a friendly, community feel without being intrusive.

Transport is also easy. You’ve got nearby stations that get you into central London quickly, so commuting is straightforward, but when you come back, you’re leaving the noise behind. That contrast is exactly why I like it here.

Overall, it’s an area that feels safe, relaxed, and easy to live in. I feel comfortable here. I enjoy it here. I simply love it — and that’s why I’m happy to call it home.

Closest stations are typically Honor Oak Park and Forest Hill (London Overground + National Rail options depending on route). 
• Forest Hill → London Bridge is quick: fastest around 14 mins, average around 19 mins (excellent for City commuters). 
• Forest Hill → Shoreditch High Street is also straightforward: around 22–24 mins (perfect for tech/creative/Liverpool Street-ish life). 

The vibe

This pocket of SE23 has a village-feel: leafy residential streets, but with a proper strip of independent cafés, pubs and local businesses close by (around Devonshire Road / Dartmouth Road). It’s one of those areas where you can live quietly but still have “life” on your doorstep. 

Cafés & brunch spots that sell the lifestyle

These are the kind of places renters love because they become “their local”:
• Lazy Chef (Devonshire Road) – right on the doorstep; proper café vibes and an easy go-to for coffee/brunch. 
• Canvas & Cream (Forest Hill) – independent café/restaurant doing breakfast/brunch/lunch 7 days; very popular locally. 

Restaurants
• Babur (Honor Oak / Forest Hill edge) – widely known locally as a “destination” Indian restaurant (people travel to it), with strong reviews and accolades over many years. 

Pubs, bars & “date-night” locals

Good pubs are a huge rental hook in London — these are the ones people mention:
• The Signal (Forest Hill) – popular local pub, well-known for food (especially roasts) and a lively atmosphere. 
• Sylvan Post (Forest Hill) – craft beer/cask ale pub in an old post office (great vibe; very “SE London”). 
• The Honor Oak (Honor Oak Park) – a big local pub with events/roasts and outdoor space; proper community feel. 

Culture & green spaces (the “weekend factor”)
• Horniman Museum & Gardens – a genuine gem: the museum + gardens are free to visit, and there are paid extras like the Aquarium and events. This is a major local pull for weekends and visitors. 
• The wider Forest Hill area is known for its views, community energy, and green walking routes, which makes it feel calmer than “inner-inner” London while still being connected. 

Gyms, swimming, practical lifestyle bits
• Forest Hill Pools – modern gym + swimming facilities close to Forest Hill station (great for renters who want fitness on tap). 

Fine, but ruined by the presence of ROGUE TRADERS JADE ATA & NOBLE CITY LIVING/NOBLE LIVING SHEFFIELD

The apartment itself looks decent and the location is the only real positive. But honestly, that doesn’t matter when you’re living without heating or hot water for over a month during winter.

What makes it worse is dealing with Jade. There are better options out there for the same price — places where your basic needs will actually be met and you won’t have to chase people just to live comfortably. If you value your mental health, look elsewhere. Noble City Living is not worth it.

nice area - quiet and access to Alexandra palace. Well connected trains and tubes. Wood Green is a bit dodgy.

The area itself is very nice!

Crack heads down the side of the building.

Homeless people breaking into the building hallways, bin rooms and underground garage.

There is only one OOH night porter and half the security cameras and mag-lock door either don't close properly or lock properly.

The fire alarm systems have been in constant fault since I've been here and are still in fault to this day (nearly 2 years)

Yes it's in the city centre but there are much better alternatives.

The area itself is fine.

The area isn’t child’s hill, it’s Hampstead Garden Suburb which is an expensive area backing into Hampstead heath extension. Only this property Chargin around £6100 a month with many repairs outstanding whilst others taking 2-3 years to repair, is sub standard in terms of kitchen (appalling state), appliances and electrics some over 49 years old, and no investment in property in 20 years against mic nicer more modern properties with conservatories and modern kitchens and bedrooms