Which area do you prefer: Zones 4-6 of the Central Line (eastern end) or Zones 4-7 of the Metropolitan Line?

Before I had travelled on all parts of the London transport network in person, I also used to wonder about these "opposite" areas on the map! e.g. how does the eastern end of the Piccadilly Line compare with the western end? How do areas along the national rail line out of London Waterloo differ from the line out of London Liverpool Street? It has been a bit of a mission to see all these localities, but it is achievable. By observation there is a contrast between the suburbs of the Metropolitan Line and the eastern suburbs of the Central Line. The Metropolitan Line passes through tired looking suburbs all the way from Finchley Road to beyond Harrow-on-the-Hill, but the Central Line towards Epping serves areas that appear more vibrant and prosperous, even the inner suburban parts like Wanstead. I would also argue more socially cohesive, just by the "vibe" you get from people travelling on the LU trains. It's as though the communities of many of the suburbs out to the west and northwest have lost their way to some extent. It's not as one might expect, because the Metropolitan Line suburbs are situated beyond the wealthier side of central London around Baker Street, St John's Wood, Bayswater and parts of Kensington, whereas the northeastern suburbs are effectively the urban extension of traditionally poor districts like Tower Hamets and Stratford. imo the people who live in the Central Line areas beyond Stratford made a smart choice (well, either by luck or by judgment really)

The Chorleywood end of the Metropolitan Line is on the edge of the beautiful Chiltern Hills, so that is where I would choose.