A guide to living in Berkshire

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

Living in Maidenhead Town Center offers excellent convenience. The range of local shops, restaurants, and bars is diverse, with plenty of options for dining and leisure. Open spaces are well-maintained, providing areas for relaxation and outdoor activities. Transport links are generally reliable, with easy access to trains and buses, though occasional peak-hour congestion can be a minor drawback. Parking availability on the street is limited, but private parking in the development offsets this issue. Bin collections are timely, and the area feels safe with minimal anti-social behavior and low traffic noise.

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

Oxana has always responded promptly and professionally, addressing issues quickly and ensuring clear communication throughout the resolution process.

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

I wish I had known how amazing the 14th-floor communal space is for work and relaxation - it’s a real hidden gem that makes living here even better.

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

The building is located on the high street so it's very convenient. Also, 10 min walks to the station which is good if you rely on public transportation.

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

Very prompt response and get the work done quick. Also very patience in explaining how things work in the flat.

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

About the noise from the pubs on the high street. But that has nothing to do with Essential Living, the location is in the central of Maidenhead and that is something that I expected.

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

I find the local area very convenient and pleasant to live in. There is a good range of shops, cafés, restaurants and supermarkets within a short walking distance, which makes daily life very easy. The riverside and nearby parks provide lovely open spaces for relaxing walks. Transport links are excellent, with frequent trains to London and good bus connections. The neighbourhood feels safe and friendly, with minimal noise or traffic disturbance. Parking is generally manageable, and bin collections are reliable. Overall, it is a comfortable and accessible place to live, with very few drawbacks.

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

The building management has always responded quickly and effectively to any issues I have raised. Maintenance requests are acknowledged promptly, and repairs are usually carried out within a short time. The staff are attentive and thorough, especially Lukas, who always ensures the work is completed properly. Their responsiveness gives me a strong sense of security and care as a resident.

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

I wish I had known earlier how active and engaging the community events are in this development. They are well organised and create a friendly atmosphere among neighbours. It would have been a nice thing to look forward to before moving in, as it really adds to the overall living experience.

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

So far so good. Our move in experience was seamless, thanks to Mia. The location is perfect, we chose to live here because of the proximity to Reading Station.

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

We had a slight issue with our apartment which was resolved on the same day by Jayden

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

It’s a massive help that they sign us for for council tax and utilities

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

Living in Aspire has been generally comfortable because the building itself feels modern and secure, but the surrounding high street is quite run down and I don’t always feel safe in the area, especially at night. There are shops and takeaways nearby, though the overall quality and atmosphere outside could be better. Transport links are convenient with easy access to the station and buses, but parking in the wider area is limited. Bin collections are reliable and day-to-day life inside the development is good, even if the immediate neighbourhood feels less secure.

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

The building management has generally responded in a timely and helpful way. Issues are usually acknowledged quickly, and while not everything is resolved immediately, communication has been consistent and staff are polite and willing to assist.

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

Given the rent we are paying, I wish I had known more about the surrounding area, which can feel run down and less safe, the very limited storage inside the apartments, and the complete lack of communal spaces for residents. These factors affect the overall living experience.