A guide to living in South London

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

Good food places (including box park), 2 min from train station, but quite far from peaceful, open, green spaces

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

Yes, they responded quickly to water being cut off

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

Nothing, info was clear. Anything more I wish I’d known is stuff I only know with hindsight and is stuff specific to me (would prefer bigger space and closer to a park)

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

Good - Very close to East Croydon train station (3 min walk), you'll never miss a train! - Box park, Tao coffee shop and a pizza restaurant/bar right on your doorstep - Nearby convenience store is handy (Coop local - 1 min walk) Bad - Limited supermarkets, and overall lack of investment in the area by the council. A number have closed down in the area - Local crime there is a high amount of theft in the local convenience stores e.g., coop local and violent crime in east/west croydon - Difficulties parking, unless you can get a parking spot within the No.26 residence

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

Over the three years I have resided here, I have raised a few problems with broken or faulty devices in the flat or excessive noise made after-hours, namely my washing machine, lights, toilet and dish washer. On all occasions, the mechanics/night staff within the building have seen to the problem immediately, same-day or if not urgent next day. The problems have not persisted thereafter.

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

One concern I had was noise pollution, which I couldn't know would be a problem for sure before moving in, but i can say that the walls are very well sound insulated!

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

Convenient location across from the train station with a 15-minute ride into the city. Easy walk to shops, restaurants and public amenities on the high street, plus access to the tube and trams.

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

Maintenance requests are quickly resolved. I’m very pleased with the staff.

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

Croydon doesn’t feel the safest when it’s dark out. There are plenty of rowdy characters on the streets, but it’s nice to know there’s always 24/7 security and someone at the front desk watching out for the building.

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

Good location and easy to get to central London. East Croydon is a fine area, a little dirty on the streets and a lot of anti-social behaviour but on the whole I have found it positice

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

Quickly and efficiently so far if I have raised anything

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

That the washing costs money on top of your rent as well

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

Living in this area has been a very positive experience. There’s a great range of local shops, cafés, and restaurants within easy walking distance, offering a wide variety of options. Open spaces and parks nearby provide a lovely environment for relaxation and outdoor activities. Transport links are very convenient, with bus stops and train stations close by.

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

The building management team has always responded quickly, professionally, and with great care. Any issues raised were addressed efficiently and communication was clear throughout the process.

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

I wish I had known how active and helpful the residents' community is here. It’s been a pleasant surprise, but knowing beforehand would have made moving in even more exciting. I would recommend new neighbours to get involved early — it really adds to the experience!