Forest Hill vs Richmond

A side-by-side comparison of rent, transport, lifestyle and overall liveability.

Our recommendation

Forest Hill offers better value — similar or better scores at a lower rent.

Rent comparison

Forest Hillwinner

Lewisham
1-bed flat£1,500/mo
2-bed flat£1,950/mo
Zone(s)3

Richmond

Richmond upon Thames
1-bed flat£1,700/mo
2-bed flat£2,250/mo
Zone(s)4

Richmond is £200/month cheaper on a 1-bed flat.

Lifestyle comparison

Lively

Forest Hill
4
Richmond
3

Green space

Forest Hill
8
Richmond
10

Nightlife

Forest Hill
4
Richmond
5

Café density

Forest Hill
6
Richmond
8

Gym density

Forest Hill
6
Richmond
6

Walkability

Forest Hill
7
Richmond
8

Food scene

Forest Hill
6
Richmond
7

Young professionals

Forest Hill
6
Richmond
5

Safety

Forest Hill
8
Richmond
9

Transport

Forest Hill
6
Richmond
7

Forest Hill

Leafy Overground living with views, the Horniman Museum, and better value than nearby Dulwich villages.

  • Horniman Museum and gardens
  • Overground connection
  • Good value for green south-east London
  • Hilly streets
  • Slower to west London
  • Nightlife is limited

Richmond

One of London's greenest town centres, combining the Thames, Richmond Park, and tube/rail connections.

  • Richmond Park and riverside access
  • District, Overground, and rail options
  • Strong cafes, pubs, and shopping
  • Expensive
  • Longer to east London
  • More settled than twenty-something

Frequently asked questions

Is Forest Hill or Richmond better to live in?

Forest Hill offers better value — similar or better scores at a lower rent.

Is Forest Hill cheaper than Richmond?

Forest Hill is cheaper — average 1-bed rent is £1,500 vs £1,700 in Richmond, a saving of £200/month.

Which has better transport — Forest Hill or Richmond?

Richmond scores higher for transport (7/10 vs 6/10). Forest Hill is served by Forest Hill. Richmond is served by Richmond.

Compare Forest Hill with similar areas

Still deciding? Try the discovery tool

Enter your commute, salary and lifestyle preferences to get a personalised neighbourhood ranking.

Open the discovery tool →