Hello

As someone born and bred in Reading and that managed to escape a few years ago I would recommend that you will get much more for your money in Forest Hill.

I guess it depends on your age and where you are in your life. If you want kids in the next couple of years then Forest Hill has more to offer, but if you want bars and restaraunts then you will need to be closer to East Dulwich.

The East London Line/Brighton line offers more options than the East Dulwich line and if you live in between Forest Hill and Catford Stations then even more travel options open up.