I grew up in SE26,I also had a great time, but its gone for ever. It was quite a green area back then,parks, woodland, bombsites. I last went back 2007 for Mums funeral, could have cried at the state of it. Yes it as a wrench,I used to say I'd never leave London but after a particularly violent set of circumstances,sold up, took the plunge and moved out in 1988.
Now I live deep in the sticks,can safely ride my bike,walk the dog,leaving the door unlocked, watch the ducks on the lake next door and importantly have space around me. price of beer is not a factor for me, but within a few miles there are about 4 independent brewerys and a Pint bottle of Manns brown ale is a quid in Morrisons. (ok I am not a beer connoisseur).