A guide to living in Derbyshire

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

Living at The Condor in Derby has been a mixed bag – a solid central spot with some urban perks, but not without its frustrations. I’ll break it down as requested. Local Shops, Restaurants, Bars & Open Spaces: The range is pretty good for a city centre location. You’ve got everything from budget supermarkets like Aldi and Sainsbury’s within a 10-minute walk, to boutique independents on nearby Iron Gate for fresh produce and quirky gifts. Quality-wise, it’s hit-and-miss: the chains are reliable, but some smaller spots feel a tad overpriced for what they offer. Restaurants and bars are a highlight – Derby’s got a vibrant scene with spots like The Flowerpot for live music and craft ales, or The Wonky Table for creative small plates (I’ve had some cracking vegan options there). Open spaces? Markeaton Park is a 15-minute cycle away for picnics and dog-walking, and the Derwent River paths are great for a quick stroll. Overall, convenient for variety, but it can feel crowded on weekends.

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

The on-site team at The Condor has been consistently proactive and professional whenever I’ve raised an issue—whether through the resident app, email, or a quick chat in the lobby. Responses are prompt (usually within 24 hours), and follow-ups are thorough. For example, when I reported a flickering hallway light on my floor last month, it was replaced the same afternoon. A minor leak under the kitchen sink was fixed within 48 hours, complete with a courtesy text confirming the job was done and a quick check-in to ensure no further problems. Even during busier periods, like the recent lift refurb, communication was clear—advance notice posted in lifts and via email, with temporary solutions (like priority access for less-mobile residents) put in place. The team clearly logs everything; I’ve never had to chase a second time. A special thank you to Jane, who’s been an absolute star—always calm, approachable, and quick to resolve things with a smile. Whether it’s coordinating maintenance or just checking in after an issue, her attention to detail and genuine care make a real difference. The Condor wouldn’t feel as much like home without her.

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

Parking at £100/ month is too expensive and not available most of the times. Otherwise, everything is perfect.

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

Located in a stunning area with easy access to the motorway and main roads. Close to bus stops, pubs and shops. People are very friendly, bin collections are always done promptly, the area is well looked after and safe. The only bad aspect is that we can see a scrap yard from our lounge window and hoping this can be cleared soon as well as 24 hour noise from the Bosch warehouse, which we are hoping stops soon.

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

Any and all insights are given to you by the landlord during viewing and once moved in. The landlord is really helpful in this aspect

What is the best feature of your home:

The big rooms and lounge area, the kitchen with a gas hob, the spacious garden and the fact that it is pet friendly.

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

Local shops are easily accessible Transport is easily accessible The neighbours are quiet No anti social behaviour Parking is a pain from the neighbourhood management team- they litter the roads Bin collections are fine and collected if your very careful with recycling- often see people's bins not emptied because they haven't properly recycled Very rare there is traffic noise There is factory noise however

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

Check bin collection yourself as nothing provided when you move in

What is the best feature of your home:

I like the strange layout and that all the houses come with an EV charger

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

The area is very convenient and well-connected, with plenty of nearby grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes. Public transport options are reliable and easy to access,. However, there is not enough parking in the building. The streets are clean though there can occasionally be some antisocial behaviour late at night due to drunk people in the nearby bars. Overall, it’s a lively and pleasant area to live in with everything you need close by.

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

The building management has been responsive and efficient. Any maintenance issues or requests have been handled promptly, and communication has always been clear and professional. They’re approachable and genuinely try to resolve problems quickly.

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

I wish I had known that the nearby bars can sometimes get noisy late at night on weekends, with occasional disturbances from drunk people outside. It’s not constant, but something to be aware of if you prefer a completely quiet environment.

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

You'll love how convenient this place is! There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops just a stone's throw away, so everything you need is right there. Being so central, the area has a great buzz on the weekends. The best part is that the windows do a fantastic job of blocking it all out, so you can easily enjoy the peace and quiet inside whenever you want. ​The weekly bin collection is really reliable. Like any shared space, the bin store can get a bit full before collection day, but the management team is on top of it and ensures any issues are sorted out promptly.

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

The on-site building management team is fantastic. They are always responsive, helpful, and quick to address any day-to-day issues that arise. ​While the local team is excellent, I've found that it can be challenging to get the same level of engagement from the wider Grainger corporate team, particularly when it comes to escalating formal complaints.

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

If you're considering an apartment facing the square, I'd suggest a quick visit on a weekend night to experience the lively atmosphere firsthand. Be aware that the square is a popular spot for skateboarders and they can be noisy. Parking in the immediate area can be in high demand. Don't be tempted to park outside the building for long periods of time, the parking wardens around here are very on the ball.