A guide to living in Borough of Hackney

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

Living in the heart of Dalston is lively and convenient. There’s a great mix of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars, with easy access to parks and green spaces. Transport links are strong via the Overground and buses. Comes with the typical inner-London challenges.

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

Building management has been responsive to any problems or issues we have raised.

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

As a new build with a full timber structure, Dalston Works retains heat well in winter but can get quite warm in summer.

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

People banging on windows, constant break ins and stolen property. Very unsafe and loud at night. Not to mention faulty security systems

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

They don’t they just ignore your complaints, then try to blame you

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

That all my belongings would be ruined because of mold, that my property would be stolen, that my health would be at risk because of the faulty building standards and that I would be trapped there.

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

The area is great it’s close to transport links, shops, restaurants and cafes and brilliant parks as well as good schools (primary & secondary).

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

The building management are always very friendly, helpful and get things done quickly.

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

Knowledge of rent increases as my rent has jumped a lot over the last 8 years.

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

Loads of interesting spots to eat, drink, socialise. Lovely nearby green space. Sometimes rowdy esp at night

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

Promptly and generally really helpfully. Like that it's a regular team/in house guy

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

Dalston junction has a night time service at weekends!

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

Living at Dalston Works has been a great experience overall. The range and quality of local shops, restaurants and bars is excellent — you’re right in the heart of Dalston, so there’s no shortage of places to eat, drink, and shop. From independent coffee shops and bakeries to Turkish restaurants, ramen spots, and vegan cafés, there’s something for every taste. There are also some great pubs and rooftop bars nearby, plus a lively nightlife scene if that's your thing. For groceries, there's a large Sainsbury’s next door and Ridley Road Market for fresh produce. There are plenty of green spaces within walking distance — Hackney Downs, London Fields and Clissold Park are all close by, and ideal for a weekend stroll, picnic or outdoor workout. You can also reach Victoria Park or the canal paths pretty easily on foot or bike. Transport links are very convenient. Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland stations are just a few minutes away and get you into central London quickly via the Overground. Buses are frequent, day and night, with routes to Shoreditch, Angel, the City and beyond. The only downside is that the Overground can get very crowded during peak hours, and delays are fairly common. Living in Dalston Works itself is very comfortable. The building is well-maintained, with a secure entrance, helpful concierge team and good amenities. The flats are modern, with high-quality finishes and decent sound insulation. That said, Dalston is a busy area — you do get some street noise, especially on weekends. It’s the trade-off for being in such a vibrant location. Parking isn’t really an option here unless you arrange something off-site — but you don’t really need a car living here. There’s secure cycle storage which is more than enough for most residents. Bin collections are reliable, and communal areas are kept clean. I haven’t had any issues with anti-social behaviour, though you will occasionally get noise from nightlife on Kingsland High Street. The building feels very safe and secure overall.

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

The building management at Dalston Works has been consistently responsive and helpful whenever I’ve raised an issue. Whether it’s a maintenance request, a question about services, or a building-related concern, they typically respond quickly and keep you updated until the matter is resolved. Minor issues (like lighting or communal cleaning) have been sorted within a day or two. It’s clear they take resident feedback seriously and work proactively to maintain a high standard throughout the building.

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

One thing I wish I had known before moving into Dalston Works is just how lively the area can be, especially on weekends. Being so close to Kingsland High Street means you’ll hear some street noise at night — not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if you're a light sleeper. Also, a tip for new neighbours: take full advantage of the concierge service — they’re super helpful with parcels and day-to-day support. And if you cycle, get your spot in the secure bike storage early — spaces can fill up quickly.