Well transport links are fab for getting to town, or getting to croydon for shopping, or going further afield. Not as many food places as LL, but there's a really good curry house, a nice Chinese, a lovely chippy, plus your usual kebab and pizza type places. There are some shabby places, but it's definitely a place "on the up", and I think the next year or so is the time to buy in Sydenham, because it's going to start getting higher and higher... Also, the houses and buildings in general are nicer, and there are great parks! Oh, and as well as ED, you can also be in Crystal Palace in 5 minutes, and there are loads of bars and food places around there, and one of the best parks in London.