A guide to living in East London

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

Aldgate East has turned out to be such a hidden gem. From the tube stop straight out your front door, to the incredibly restaurants in every direction, to the parks and markets just a short bike ride away, we've found this area to be so much more vibrant, exciting, and fun than we ever could have imagined.

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

Whether you need help getting all your packages upstairs or your laundry machine moved the Alma team rises to the occasion. It's super easy to fill out a maintenance request in their residents' app and they acknowledge it right away, taking the feedback seriously - no matter how big or small.

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

It is such an underrated treat to have a building management team that truly cares. It's not just about getting a maintenance request addressed - it's about getting your feet on the ground in a new city, coming home to people who care, and feeling like you're a part of a community, both within the building and throughout the surrounding area. The Alma is all that and more. Because of the relationships the staff have established with local restaurants, shops, and grocers, we've gotten to know so many other people throughout East London, ventured to new places we might have otherwise skipped, and had experiences we never expected. Whether it's a private tour of Whitechapel Gallery or a residents' event catered by Ara, we have absolutely loved getting to known this little corner of London.

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

Lots of nice local shops, new developments, local shops, fantastic transport links, very pet friendly.

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

Very quick. Very happy with services from Anu. Maintenance responds fast.

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

Nothing really everything was clear. Anu did a fantastic job with the viewing and following up information. Couldn’t have been better!

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

The location is so well connected by multiple tube stops, all within a 10 minute walk which makes it perfect. The surrounding shops and parks are also a great benefit as there is nothing too far away. The only ‘bad’ aspect is traffic noise but that is out of Dressage Courts control but the insulated windows and walls remove that when closed.

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

We’ve had little to no problems to start which I think for everyone is the number 1 priority. When we have had the occasional issue, we’ve had resolution within 1-2 days.

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

Essential living does not promote their events enough! We didn’t even know they were a thing before we moved in but the bi-monthly events are amazing, we attend all of them!

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

Everything is fantastic except the sound of the train penetrates through the windows even when closed, thereby disrupting sleep and other everyday activities.

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

I've only been here one week, but so far all my needs have been met.

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

I would have opted for a room that is not right beside the tracks.

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

The area is quiet with good transport links with two overground as well as underground stations within a 10 min walking distance. There are two big gardens (Weavers Fields and Bethnal Green Gardens) within a 5 min walking distance of the property which is pleasant. Several pubs nearby, convenience stores, supermarkets, and even a cinema within a 10 min walking distance. The walk to Brick Lane is only 15 minutes. However, it gets a bit quiet and eerie at night which makes it unsafe to be outside so basic precautions must be taken.

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

The residential team (Reshi, Juan, Rebecca, Kiera) is always very friendly, responsive, and helpful. Most maintenance requests are fulfilled within 2-3 days.

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

The gym is not very big and the rooftop does not remain open all night