A guide to living in Borough of Hackney

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

Dalston has a strong mix of local amenities, including supermarkets, independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars, all within easy walking distance. There are good nearby green spaces such as London Fields and Hackney Downs, which are easy to reach. Public transport is very accessible, with Overground stations close by and frequent bus services. While services can become crowded during rush hour and traffic is busy at times, overall transport links are reliable and convenient.

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

The building management team has responded to all the issues we have raised throughout my 2 year stay with them. We have an app were I can log everything in seconds

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

That the area is quite lively, especially in the evenings and on weekends, which brings energy but also some background noise for example noise from Riddley Market

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

Dalston offers a wide range of local shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars within walking distance, catering to different budgets and tastes. There are several supermarkets and convenience stores nearby, as well as independent businesses. Open spaces like London Fields and Hackney Downs are easily accessible. Transport links are very convenient, with Overground stations and multiple bus routes providing good connections across London. At peak times trains and buses can be busy, and traffic congestion is common, but overall connectivity is strong.

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

Yes - we had a problem where there was water from a top floor that leaked and it was resolved. Management repainted the wall. Also the toilet broke and it was replaced promptly!

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

I don’t have anything in particular that I wish I knew in advance - I did get my phone snatched right outside the building from a scooter off my hand but I did already know London can be dangerous - I guess maybe there should be warning signs that thieves and phone robbers operate in the area however that is across London so not really that preventable

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

Great range of local small shops and big stores, vast array of restaurants, bars and cafes in walking distance.

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

Generally fast responses on maintenance issues, most issues solved quickly, however small issue with "blackout blinds" in bedroom never fixed

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

Many changes in management team in the 3 years I've been living here, meaning not much continuity. Also, front square can be busy and noisy in summer months due to kids playing and people gathering there, often not responding to residents' complaints to keep noise down (only an issue when I lived in block B)

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

Local restaurants are great, with a lot of middle eastern and Turkish options. The quick access to two overground lines is also extremely convenient for getting into central London.

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

Yes, when I had issues heating water in my unit, management was quick to help with leveraging onsite staff and contractors to fix the issue.

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

I would have liked to have known how audible the nearby overground line would be

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

Have always loved the Dalston area - one of the most interesting and vibrant parts of London. Lots of fantastic food and drink options, good charity/thrift shops, and great community feel. The development is very close to a large Sainsbury’s which is super helpful for the weekly shop. Also at the intersection of three overground lines so very well connected compared to other parts of East London.

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

Very quickly to resolve. One issue we had regarding the blinds wasn’t resolved but all others were fully rectified

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

The square outside of the concierge is often busy with children playing in the summer. Can be quite annoying and disruptive if working from home in the late afternoon.