A guide to living in Borough of Barnet

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

The local area is sold as a “lifestyle” destination, but day-to-day it feels fairly limited. There isn’t a proper high street or a fully functioning square yet, so the range of local shops, restaurants and bars is more restricted than you’d expect for the price point, and it can feel like there’s not much to do locally. Transport links also haven’t been as convenient as I anticipated. Getting into central London is doable, but the overall connectivity feels like a downgrade compared with living more centrally, and the commute has had more of an impact on my quality of life than I expected. In terms of living on the street, it’s generally fine, but the wider issue is that the area still feels “in progress” rather than established, which makes it less practical day-to-day than the marketing suggests.

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

Building management has generally been unresponsive and ineffective. When I’ve raised issues, responses are often slow, unclear, or don’t lead to any meaningful action, and following up feels pointless because the same problems keep recurring. Communication is also inconsistent — changes and closures (especially around facilities) often happen at short notice with vague explanations, which makes it hard to trust that issues are being properly managed. Also, they are completely disconnected with the tennant experience. The rooftop, which you think would be accessible throughout your stay, was LOCKED on purpose during fireworks...absolutely rediculous.

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

I wish I’d known how limited the wider area feels once you actually live here. There’s no proper high street and not much in the way of day-to-day facilities nearby, so the “lifestyle” pitch doesn’t match reality unless you’re happy travelling elsewhere for basics. I’d also want to know that as soon as you walk a couple of minutes away from the development, the area can feel noticeably less safe. There’s a nearby pocket that feels quite questionable, and it changes the experience of living here because you don’t feel comfortable just wandering around locally in the way you might expect at this price point. On top of that, I wish I’d known how big the gap can be between what’s said during viewings and what you actually get. My main tip to a new neighbour would be: don’t rely on verbal assurances — get everything confirmed in writing (amenity access, opening timelines, fees, etc.). Management also feels very reactive, with poor communication and little forward planning — facilities can be closed or access changed at short notice with vague explanations, and you often only find out when it’s already happening.

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

The local area is generally pleasant and continues to improve day by day, with new facilities and services being added regularly. There is a good range of local shops and essential services, all of acceptable quality and within easy reach. Public transport links are very convenient, with good access to buses and nearby stations, making daily commuting straightforward. The street itself is mostly quiet, bin collections are regular, and there are no significant issues with anti-social behaviour. The only minor inconvenience at present is some noise from nearby construction work, which is temporary and expected to finish as developments are completed.

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

Building management has generally been responsive and professional, acknowledging reported issues and taking action to resolve them, although some matters have taken longer than expected to be fully addressed.

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

One thing I wish I had known before moving in is that some facilities, such as the swimming pool and gym classes, may be closed or cancelled at short notice, which is not always clear during a viewing. I would also advise new neighbours to be aware that occasional smells from the rubbish chute can occur and to report them early, as well as to keep an eye on building updates and notices from management.

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

local shops: - little coop right at the ground floor - more grocery stores (small & big) within walking distance - you can even buy some groceries in the Maple itself (there's a small DIY shopping space) - 2 restaurants & 1 pretty cafe nearby - great connection to public transport - Brent Cross West Station is very close -> trains & busses - Brent Cross Underground station at 20min walking distance, not far too) - quiet area and buildings, very little noise, not too busy (I only hear my neighbors kids who can sometimes be annoying) - pretty little park in front of the new development, , lots of greens & flowers in general) (looks like the park has just been created for the new buildings) - buildings, streets, sidewalks, squares, etc. are all new & pretty - little littering, area is cleaned often - some parts are still under construction though - security guards patrolling the new development (similar to Kings Cross) - feels very safe

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

- have not had any problems yet - somewhat overly restrictive when bringing guests to the shared facilities (gym, pool)

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

I would have loved to know before moving in that: - you have to choose Independent Water Networks as a water supplier (I would have preferred Thames Water) - the pool and sauna have limited opening hours that are not ideal for my partner and me - guests are not allowed (For example, my family was not allowed to use the pool when visiting from Germany. I know you should not bring too many guests. Certainly, some people would overdo it. The management is a bit too restrictive at the moment though. This will hopefully change in the future with some system to bring guests and more self-responsibility for use of the pool area by residents.) This is the state at the time of writing and might change in the future.

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

It's a lovely place to live which is becoming more lively. The coop next door is very well stocked and is a welcome addition. Fresh bread and pastries from Karma bread and tasty coffee within walking distance is a bonus. Amazing parks for the children and super gatherings organised on a monthly basis, makes living here really easy even with young children. My teenager loves hanging out on the roof terrace with friends and we all make good use of all the amenities including the swimming pool,gym and work space. Transport links into central are excellent.

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

Yes the response is swift and nothing is too much trouble.

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

The Grove is a lovely communal space which can be used by any of the residents and booked out for special events. We hired it out for our daughter's 9th birthday party and loved it!

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

really safe area, co op is downstairs which is really handy! Having Brent Cross west 5 mins walk away is also really handy :)

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

Yes, and has fixed them within the same day, very quick responses!

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

I wish we knew what facilities would have been ready for when we were planning to move in.