Forest Hill, with the postcode SE23, has been rated as one of the best places to live in London by The Sunday Times.

The Sunday Times’ expert judges have visited all the London locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.

It’s no wonder Forest Hill has been rated as one of the best, due to its delightful neighbourhood which boasts ancient oak forests nearby and offers stunning views of the city skyline from the beautiful gardens at the Horniman Museum.

The main street is filled with independent shops, and the artistic community gathers for open days at artists’ studios on Havelock Walk.

What makes SE23 special is its appeal to both newcomers and families, with house prices relatively affordable, at least by London's standards.

The other six locations dubbed as one of the best places to live in London are:

  1. Clerkenwell, EC1
  2. Crouch End, N8
  3. Highams Park, E4
  4. Little Venice, W2
  5. London Fields, E8
  6.  Wimbledon Village, SW19

Clerkenwell, EC1, was officially named as the Best Place to Live in London in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, sponsored by Halifax.

The Sunday Times judges said: “Clerkenwell embodies all that’s best about life in London, from a rich past of riot and ribaldry to its current status at the heart of the capital’s culinary and creative scenes.

“Culture is covered by the Barbican and Sadler’s Wells, there are cosy pubs, cool cafes, lively bars and some of the city’s best restaurants in a warren of streets and alleys full of fascinating history.”

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, says: “This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2024, from Dunkeld to Knutsford, Falmouth to Leeds.

“Wherever you are on the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you.

“These are all places where you can feel grounded as well as upwardly mobile: they have a mature sense of community, lively, supportive high streets and an eye to the future, whether that is eco-friendly measures, transport and regeneration, or imaginative inclusion of new housing.”

The chosen locations come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny Scottish island of Kerrera and the remote Welsh village of Presteigne to big, lively cities such as Belfast, Leeds, and Liverpool.

There are more new entries than ever before in this year’s guide and no place for previous winners such as York and Bristol - the judges looked for improving locations with a strong sense of community rather than famous names with high house prices.

The guide has again been sponsored by the mortgage lender Halifax, which has provided an average house price for each location.

Kim Kinnaird, Halifax’s homes, and protection director said: “Where you want to live is a very personal decision. We know it can be daunting whether it’s deciding where to buy your first home or making a move as your circumstances change.

“There can be lots to think about around what is right for you and your family. With a great range of locations suited for different budgets and family situations, alongside a great mix of both rural and urban locations, this is a great place to start,”

Broadband speeds were provided by Thinkbroadband.com, the UK’s leading independent guide to broadband.