A guide to living in North East England

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

Close to Aldi, petrol, Metro, international stadium. Can get to Newcastle or go South very quickly so location is good.

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

As above, slow to respond to the drain issue, they wouldn’t fix a toilet seat that broke and I believe this was faulty or installed incorrectly rather than any user error/damage. The person who completes repairs reported that they only get 20 minutes per issue so don’t have time to fixed things properly (when coming to fix a shower door that was leaking)

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

Trains can be a bit noisy but its not bad, otherwise its not a bad place to live as everything is less than 3 years old.

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

There are local supermarkets within walking distance. A couple of pubs/restaurants are within a 10-15 minute walk, however there are busy roads that do not have pedestrian crossings installed. Very close to metro station which is handy. The downside of this however is you can often hear going by.

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

This has been a laborious process that remains ongoing.

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

It would have been helpful to know about heating and hot water suppliers so these could be set up shortly after moving in.

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

Road links to the estate are great, Also bus services run near the entrance of the estate. Large Sainsbury’s store and Lidl located next to estate (within walking distance). Entrance to the estate does become congested with parked cars due to car dealership and solicitor’s office at entrance to the estate. Outside my home I have two parking bays. I’ve not yet had any problems with antisocial behaviour. You can hear traffic noise from the nearby dual carriageway and businesses and streets surrounding the estate.

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

We have reported an issue with our house alarm over a week ago and I’m still waiting for a response.

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

I don’t feel there was anything that I wish I had known before moving in.

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

The local area is generally good. There’s a metro station within walking distance. There’s an Asda and a Aldi also close to the development which is great.

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

We haven’t had any issues or had to contact them for any reason.

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

The estate is still being built so it’s fairly busy with traffic and noise during the day.

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

I live at Freight Village in Gateshead. We have a small local convenience shop nearby for daily essentials, but the choice of independent restaurants and bars is limited; most good cafes and dining spots are a short trip into Gateshead town centre or Newcastle. There is a small green open space within the development, which is quiet and handy for walking. Transport is a big plus — Gateshead Stadium Metro station is just a few minutes’ walk away, and buses run regularly, though metro services can be less frequent and delayed on Sundays. Our street is mostly calm, bin collections are reliable and anti-social behaviour is rare. Parking spaces are sufficient and large.

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

Whenever I have raised an issue with building management, they have responded promptly and politely. They always acknowledge my messages without unnecessary delay, listen carefully to my concerns, and arrange for qualified tradespeople to complete any required repairs efficiently. They maintain clear communication and keep me updated on progress until the problem is fully resolved. I am satisfied with their helpful and professional approach.

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

I wish I had known beforehand how quiet and well-maintained the overall residential atmosphere truly is, which makes daily living far more pleasant than I expected from a standard property viewing. While viewings only show the basic layout, living here has let me experience the consistent safety, peaceful neighbourhood vibe, and respectful community environment that cannot be seen during a short tour. I would advise new neighbours that this area offers great accessibility, secure surroundings, and minimal noise disturbance, making it an incredibly comfortable place for long-term residence. It is also helpful to know that the management team is attentive and responsive, which greatly improves the overall living experience once you settle in.