A guide to living in Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Major supermarkets and convenience stores nearby, which makes daily shopping really easy. The area is also close to lovely green spaces like Barking Park and the riverside walks, perfect for getting outdoors. Barking Station is only a short walk away The neighborhood feels safe and welcoming, with a diverse and vibrant community. The street itself is generally quiet, with very little noise or disturbance. Overall, it’s a really convenient and pleasant place to live

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

I recently moved in and haven’t experienced any problems. A special shout out to Mimi. She has been incredibly friendly, responsive, and professional from the very beginning. She made the entire process smooth, straightforward, and completely stress‑free. It’s rare to come across someone so supportive and attentive.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

RENZ box is an excellent system that keeps deliveries safe and secure, and ensures parcels arrive smoothly whether you’re at home or away.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

In my area the people living there are more friendly. I live in momento house the workers in the estate are very helpful. Jake works with good heart. 5 star for him and increase in his wages because he is very good work in our estate.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Very good although delay somethings but trying they best

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Im very happy living in my building .but im not happy with the increase in rent every year. The landlord should try and be fair also understand that things are hard cost of living .however wish us all well.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Barking station is a throw away, Tesco superstore is about 5 minutes walk and so is the Asda's. On site gym included

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The team are very responsive and there is a maintenance team on site which is a bonus.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The area does seem quiet on a day to day basis until you get to the market and you see all that barking has to offer. Plenty of shops and food markets.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Barking is currently undergoing gentrification while still providing cultural experiences such as African&Caribbean hair shops, Asian restaurants & British food, There is off street parking available from 6pm-8am which is better than most places that often have no parking at all

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

All issues were handled professionally and timely!

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

No complaints as I know the area well and have decided to come back to living here

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Living in Barking has been a great experience, especially at APO. The area is developing rapidly, with more shops, cafes, and restaurants popping up all the time. There’s a good mix of big-name supermarkets and local convenience stores nearby, and you’re close to lovely open spaces like Barking Park and the riverside walks. Transport links are excellent – Barking Station is just a short walk away and gives quick access to the District and Hammersmith & City lines, as well as Overground and c2c trains into central London. The area feels safe and welcoming, and the community is diverse and vibrant. Parking can be limited in certain spots, but the building offers bike storage and good local transport makes having a car optional. Bin collections are reliable, and the street is generally quiet with minimal noise or disturbance.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The building management has been responsive and professional, always addressing issues quickly and keeping residents informed throughout.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

One thing I wish I’d known is how active and social the APO community is—there are regular events and communal spaces that make it easy to meet people, which is a great bonus. Also, the train noise from Barking Station can be noticeable in some apartments, so it’s worth checking the flat’s orientation if you’re sensitive to sound.