A guide to living in Croydon

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

The only real positive about the area is how close it is to East Croydon Station, which makes commuting into central London relatively quick and convenient. Aside from that, the local area is quite disappointing. Most of the nearby shops are basic convenience stores, vape shops and takeaways, with very few good quality restaurants or bars within easy walking distance. It’s not an area that feels particularly vibrant or enjoyable to spend time in. Living on the street itself can feel quite unpleasant. There is a noticeable amount of anti-social behaviour and groups hanging around late at night, and the area often smells strongly of weed. The general atmosphere can feel quite run down and depressing rather than welcoming. Parking is also very limited and the streets can look cluttered with bins and rubbish at times. Overall, the transport links are the main benefit, but the neighbourhood itself doesn’t feel particularly well maintained or enjoyable to live in.

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

Building management responses were generally slow, dismissive, and often felt defensive rather than focused on actually resolving problems. When issues were raised, the first reaction was frequently to question the report or ask for additional proof instead of addressing the problem promptly. A clear example of this was when I reported a bed bug issue in the flat. Instead of treating it as urgent, management initially asked for photos of the bug before they would even consider taking further action, which delayed the process. During this time both my girlfriend and I were being bitten repeatedly, and the bites were severe enough to leave visible marks and long-lasting scars. When treatment eventually took place, the disruption was significant. The flat was left completely overturned, belongings were moved everywhere, and the mattress had been chemically treated, leaving the studio effectively uninhabitable that night. Despite this, there was little acknowledgment of the disruption or the cost of arranging alternative accommodation. Facilities in the building are also extremely inadequate for the number of residents. There are over 190 studios in the building, yet only five washing machines and five dryers, which means they are almost always occupied. Residents are forced to rely on expensive commercial machines that are often old and unreliable. Aside from that, there are essentially no amenities in the building — no lounge, no shared spaces, and no communal areas at all. The result is a very isolating and depressing living environment. Staff interactions also added to the frustration. Communication often felt unfriendly or dismissive, and there was very little sense of support when problems were raised. Overall, the management approach felt reactive, poorly communicated, and lacking basic consideration for tenants.

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

I wish I had known how depressing the surrounding area feels on a day-to-day basis. While the location looks convenient on paper because it’s close to East Croydon Station, the reality of living there is quite different. The neighbourhood often feels run-down and uncomfortable, particularly in the evenings, with frequent anti-social behaviour and a general atmosphere that can feel tense. It’s not something that really becomes obvious during a quick viewing. I also wish I had known how inadequate the building facilities are. There are around 190 studios in the building but only five washing machines and five dryers shared between everyone. They are almost always in use. They’re commercial machines that are also expensive — about £3.80 per wash and £3 per dry — and the dryers often don’t fully dry clothes the first time, meaning you sometimes have to pay twice just to finish one load. Another major surprise was the overall cost of living there. My council tax alone was around £190 per month for a studio of roughly 30sqm, which felt extremely high considering the size of the flat and the lack of facilities in the building. These kinds of day-to-day realities are things you wouldn’t necessarily pick up during a viewing, but they make a huge difference once you actually live there.

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

East Croydon is an excellent location as there are Sainsbury’s local shops within a 5 min walk and a gym in the same area.

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

As stated above, the building management was fantastic - thank you Samira!

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

The utility options within the flat (gas, electricity, WiFi) are extremely limited in that there is no option to shop for another provider of electricity or gas as these are fixed building wide. In terms of WiFi, it is also limited as many providers are not offered in the building.

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

The amenities in the area are unmatched. There are a range of high and lower-end restaurants, a park within walking distance, sufficient supermarkets close-by, and the biggest selling point is the transportation links. It can be a but noisy outside with it being close to the fire department/police station - however the flat has double-glazed windows which blocks this out.

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

Building management have always responded to problems or issues raised in a timely manner.

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

Nothing in particular to note besides the fact that there is no concierge and no parking spaces available - however this information will be shared with you. Also, make use of the notice board to connect with your neighbours if you ever need any assistance, have questions, etc.

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

Our building is just beside East Croydon station and is near to the town centre and shops are all in walking distance. I would say it’s a convenient and comfortable place to live in.

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

They are professional, kind, skillful, and prompt. Special mention to David who was kind enough to come in on a Saturday just to fix our under-sink pipe.

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

The Blossoms team has been helpful so far and I hope they continue to be.

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

Very convenient to the east Croydon station, also personally to my work office. Can be a bit noisy of construction work if living on the street side.

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

Once my sink in the bathroom stopped leaking water, they reported quickly to my issue and arranged for someone to come and fix it.

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

It would be great to have a notification system for any parcel received