A guide to living in Borough of Tower Hamlets

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

The local area is very convenient and well connected by public transport, making it easy to travel around London. There are supermarkets and other useful shops nearby, and the area is generally quiet and pleasant to live in.

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

The building management has always been helpful and responsive whenever I have raised an issue. Problems are usually dealt with efficiently, and the staff are friendly and easy to communicate with.

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

I wish I had known how convenient the area would be before moving in. The transport links are very useful and there are plenty of everyday amenities nearby. Overall, there haven’t been any major surprises and I have enjoyed living here.

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

There are no notable local shops, pubs, restaurants, or green spaces around. The area is very residential, but the building itself is an oasis in the midst of it all and has good connections to nearby hubs like Canary Wharf and Stratford.

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

Narad is always very responsive and helpful when issues are brought directly to his attention, and he consistently does his best to resolve problems quickly. However, the new maintenance request system can be somewhat clunky, and there have been instances where the building management side of the team have not properly logged requests with contractors. This can sometimes result in delays or the need to follow up multiple times. Once Narad is aware of an issue, he is very proactive in getting it resolved.

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

I wish I had known how frequently the DLR can be affected by planned closures and engineering works, particularly on weekends. As the DLR is essentially the main rail connection serving the area, having it disrupted several weekends in a row can be quite frustrating and inconvenient.

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

This is the only downside, there is not much going around in the area like coffee shops, grocery shops, etc. There is a nisa where the shopkeepers are very nice but that’s about it

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

Yes, the building management have always listened to our concerns and been very understanding, working quickly to resolve things. We couldn’t be more satisfied with their service.

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

Nothing as such, if I had to think of one then it’d be that the flats get quite hot as bedrooms don’t have windows so it’s not ideal in the summer but conversely it keeps the flat quite warm in the winters

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

The area is extremely well connected via the elizabeth line and other lines from whitechapel station.

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

I wish I knew beforehand that the staff would be so rude and that I would not have access to the amenities I’m entitled to.

What is the best feature of your home:

Access to different tube lines makes this location very convenient.

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

Balfron Tower is in a very convenient location with a good range of local shops, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and takeaways within walking distance, particularly around Chrisp Street Market and Canary Wharf. There are several parks and open spaces nearby, including Bartlett Park and the River Lea. Transport links are excellent, with All Saints DLR, Langdon Park DLR and Canary Wharf all easily accessible, providing quick connections across London. Bus services are frequent, although roads can be busy during peak hours. Parking is limited and often requires a permit, but bin collections are generally reliable. Like many busy urban areas, there can occasionally be traffic noise and some anti-social behaviour, but overall the area is well connected, practical and convenient for everyday living.

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

Whenever I have raised an issue, the building management has been professional, approachable and responsive. They acknowledge concerns promptly and keep residents informed about any maintenance or repairs. The concierge team, especially Lia, is always friendly and helpful, making it easy to report issues and ensuring they are followed up efficiently. Overall, I have been pleased with the level of service and communication provided.

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

I wish I had known how convenient the location really is. Everything from supermarkets and cafés to public transport is within easy reach, and Canary Wharf is only a short walk away. I also didn’t realise how much natural light the large windows provide or how impressive the views are from the upper floors. One practical tip for new neighbours is that parking is limited, so it’s worth checking permit options in advance if you own a car. Overall, the building has a strong sense of community, and the concierge team is very helpful, making settling in much easier.