I have lived on the Sydenham / Penge border for about 8 years now and love it. There is a real sense of community around here. Plenty for people with young families in the form of playgroups and classes, access to loads of greenspaces and also leisure centres etc. Penge high street is a bit shabby but it has everything you need for the day to day and more. Alexandra nurseries is a great community hub and there are also events in Alexandra and Cator Park like a carol singing /concert at Christmas and Music in the Park in the summer where you can take along a picnic, chill out and listen to music - one year there was a jazz band, another a brass band and community choir etc if you are moving "like" the Friends of Alexandra and Cator Parks page and you can keep up to date with local events too!