A guide to living in Borough of Tower Hamlets

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

Stone toss from the station. Really easy commute into central. There’s a highway next to the building so the balcony can get noisy depending on which side you’re on, but the doors and windows have good soundproofing. There is also a giant Tesco on your doorstep which is very convenient.

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

There is an app for issues, but I’m not sure it’s used actively. It would be better to speak directly with the concierge team.

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

All utility providers can be chosen on move-in which is nice. Parcel process can be challenging sometimes.

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

The location is very convenient, with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars nearby and excellent transport links. Canary Wharf has changed quite a bit over the four years I lived here, with many more rental flats and residents, so it feels more residential than it used to. That said, it’s still a very different type of residential area from somewhere like South Hampstead or Primrose Hill. There are also more weekend visitors and tourists around now, which can make the area feel busier at times. Overall, it’s a lively and very well-connected place to live.

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

Whenever I raised an issue, the building management team was generally quick to respond and good at getting things sorted. The Concierge and technicians were particularly helpful

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

One thing I would have liked to know beforehand is how much the character of the area can change over time. Canary Wharf has seen a lot more residential development and new residents in recent years, as well as more weekend visitors and tourists. The area is very convenient and well connected, but it’s worth knowing that it has a much busier, more urban feel than a traditional residential neighborhood.

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

The good aspects - Its a great location for public transport, a 3-4 min walk to the station! The big tescos is also only 5 mins away as well as canal walks and some great shops. There is a gym 1 min walk away and i think the views from the 27 floor are incredible. I’ve often worked from the 1st floor which has been really handy. The people at the front desk have always been exceptional and so helpful and kind at all times of the day/night. Bad aspects - i wouldnt say bad but because of the proximity to the A12 the balcony becomes dusty quickly as well as when windows are open. The bin shoots are often out of order which i dont mind carrying the rubbish down but I have noticed others havent. Would be nice to have air-con as the weather heats up.

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

They have answered well - always have someone come look with the week

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

That there arent any coffee shops in walking distance - that would be nice

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

Location is amazing, central to Canary Wharf with transport links on the doorstep and the shopping centre no more than 2 minutes walk. The views from the building are absolutely incredible. As a single female, I have never felt so safe in London with the staff on-site, and the Canary Wharf security often nearby.

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

All problems or questions raised were answered very quickly.

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

I was only staying there temporarily between accommodations. Had I known earlier how great Vertus is, I would have made that my permanent accommodation!

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

Alma is in a very convenient E1 location, with a great range of shops, cafés, restaurants and bars nearby. Brick Lane, Spitalfields and Shoreditch are all within easy reach, and transport links are excellent with Aldgate East and Liverpool Street nearby. The area can be busy and lively, particularly at weekends, with some traffic and city noise, but this is generally manageable. Parking is limited, although this is expected for central London.

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

Building management always responded quickly and they were friendly and professional. They go the extra mile for you.

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

Actual storage space once you’ve moved your belongings in could be improved. Noise levels at different times when windows are open but when closed the windows are great for keeping noise out. Effectiveness of the heating and cooling systems could be improved.