Harrow vs Forest Hill

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

Our recommendation

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

Rent comparison

Harrowwinner

Harrow
1-bed flat£1,350/mo
2-bed flat£1,750/mo
Zone(s)5

Forest Hill

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

Forest Hill is £150/month cheaper on a 1-bed flat.

Lifestyle comparison

Lively

Harrow
6
Forest Hill
4

Green space

Harrow
6
Forest Hill
8

Nightlife

Harrow
4
Forest Hill
4

Café density

Harrow
6
Forest Hill
6

Gym density

Harrow
7
Forest Hill
6

Walkability

Harrow
7
Forest Hill
7

Food scene

Harrow
6
Forest Hill
6

Young professionals

Harrow
7
Forest Hill
6

Safety

Harrow
7
Forest Hill
8

Transport

Harrow
8
Forest Hill
6

Harrow

A west/north-west hub with Metropolitan line speed, broad shopping, and more affordability than inner west London.

  • Fast Metropolitan line to central London
  • Strong town-centre amenities
  • Better value than Zone 2 west London
  • Outer-zone commute cost
  • Less London village charm
  • Nightlife is limited

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Harrow or Forest Hill better to live in?

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

Is Harrow cheaper than Forest Hill?

Harrow is cheaper — average 1-bed rent is £1,350 vs £1,500 in Forest Hill, a saving of £150/month.

Which has better transport — Harrow or Forest Hill?

Harrow scores higher for transport (8/10 vs 6/10). Harrow is served by Harrow-on-the-Hill. Forest Hill is served by Forest Hill.

Compare Harrow 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 →