A guide to living in East of England

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

Living in this area has been a really positive experience overall. Parking on the street is generally manageable, although it can get busy during peak hours but I’m lucky as my home has driveway in front of the house. Bin collections are consistent, and the neighbourhood feels safe.

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

Move-in day was especially stressful, as the keys were not at the property as promised and I wasn’t given the correct instructions about where to collect them. Standing in the rain with a moving van and no access to the garage was incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, Ollie from Allsop stepped in and helped resolve the situation, which I genuinely appreciated. Since then, responses have been more consistent.

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

On move-in day, things were a bit stressful: the keys fir the garage as the main front door was open via an app. The garage keys were not at the property as promised or any other keys, and I wasn’t given the correct instructions about where to find them. It was raining, I had a van booked for the move, and the whole situation caused unnecessary stress. Thankfully, Ollie from Allsop stepped in and helped sort everything out, which I genuinely appreciated. Since then, things have improved, but the initial experience was far from smooth.

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

It is close to the Watford Centrum and Watford General Hospital. No traffic or anti-social behavior was experienced.

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

I have even not embraced a single pitfall since they were all foreseen and solved in advance.

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

If I had known about the Cortland Cassiobury Flat Compound in advance I wouldn't have lost time and energy searching for other places.

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

Watford is a wonderful place to live because it has a lot of tourist attractions and places to visit, it also has a connection to every part of London

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

Reporting any of my issues on the Cortland app makes it quick and easy to get someone to come have a look and this is usually very prompt

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

I cannot think of anything I wish I had known before renting more like I didn’t know enough to make me move in quicker!

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

Excellent access to green spaces at Cassiobury Park and walks along the canal as well as good access to the Metropolitan line station for access to Central London. Morrisons is immediately next door and other local shops, including the post-office are a short walk away. There is a lack of high quality restaurants and bars in the immediate area but Watford town centre is very accessible with more choice. Visitor parking is very limited with payment required in Morrisons.

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

Quickly and efficiently whether it is adjusting temperature in communal spaces or sending maintenance for a flat issue.

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

The staff on reception are excellent and will really make your time here run smoothly!

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

The area has a warm, welcoming feel with friendly neighbours and a genuine sense of community. When I moved in, a neighbour even brought homemade cookies, which really shows how kind people are here. There are plenty of cafés, shops and open green spaces within easy reach, and the development is close to the business park, which is ideal for anyone working nearby. It is also conveniently located for the Metropolitan line, making commuting straightforward. The only real downside is that parking can be limited at busy times, but it has not affected daily life too heavily. Overall, it is a safe and friendly area, with lots of lovely pets around too.

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

Broken cupboard shelf - fixed within 3 days.very convenient. Asked if they have permission to enter while I’m at work.

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

I wish I had known in advance that parking outside of the building can be limited at certain times, although it is manageable once you live here. On the positive side, the neighbours are incredibly welcoming, and the building has a much stronger community feel than you notice during a viewing.