Forest Hill on the map
Location in Greater LondonForest Hill sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Forest Hill
Forest Hill is a suburb located in the London Borough of Lewisham, within Greater London. It is situated approximately seven miles southeast of Charing Cross and is part of the SE23 postcode area. The area is primarily residential, featuring a mix of Victorian and Edwardian houses, along with some modern developments. Forest Hill is well-connected to central London by public transport, with its railway station offering services to London Bridge and East Croydon.
The suburb is home to several local amenities, including shops, cafes, and restaurants, which cater to the needs of residents and visitors alike. One notable feature is the Horniman Museum and Gardens, which provides a variety of exhibitions and activities for families. Additionally, there are several parks in the vicinity, offering green spaces for leisure and recreation. Forest Hill presents a practical option for those seeking a suburban lifestyle while remaining close to the capital.
School Ratings in Forest Hill
There are 713 schools in and around Forest Hill. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Forest Hill
The average property price is £558K, with flats making up the majority of the housing stock at around £392K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Forest Hill
Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Forest Hill, with 395 recorded incidents in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Forest Hill
Forest Hill sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.
Healthcare in Forest Hill
There are 118 GP surgeries within three miles of Forest Hill, the nearest being Modality Lewisham (ml) (0.5 miles away).
Local Data for Forest Hill
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Property Prices 4,405 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the SE23 postcode area.
Household Income in Forest Hill ONS 2023
The average total household income in Forest Hill is approximately £81,725 a year before tax, 48% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £55,019. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £55,019.
Businesses in Forest Hill ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,249 active businesses based in Forest Hill, around 36 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 96% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 5 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Forest Hill IMD 2025
Forest Hill sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.
Crime in Forest Hill 1,706 crimes · May 2026
Forest Hill sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Forest Hill
Of the 14,374 households in and around Forest Hill, 53% are owned, 22% are socially rented and 26% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Forest Hill.