A guide to living in West Midlands

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

Living in Houlton has been a very positive experience overall. The area is peaceful, family-friendly, and feels exceptionally safe. There are plenty of green open spaces, such as parks and walking paths, which are perfect for children and outdoor activities. The community is warm and supportive, and neighbours are generally polite and considerate. Shops and supermarkets are a short drive away, and transport access to Rugby town centre is convenient. Bin collections are always on schedule, and the environment is kept very clean. Parking is easy and there is very little noise at night. I have personally never experienced anti-social behaviour in the area. Overall, Houlton is a wonderful neighbourhood for families, with a comfortable and peaceful living environment.

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

Building management responded quickly and professionally to every issue I reported. Aydin and Ora always ensured that repairs, checks, and follow-ups were handled without delay. Their timely communication and willingness to help made every problem easy to resolve. They were always responsive, caring, and efficient. Their professionalism and kindness are the main reasons my stay was so positive.

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

wish I had known earlier how supportive and responsive the management team was — especially Aydin and Ora. It would have made me feel even more confident when moving in.

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

Living in Soho Wharf has been mostly positive. The area is close to the Jewellery Quarter and city centre, so there’s a good range of shops, cafés, takeaways and everyday essentials within walking distance. Transport is convenient with nearby tram stops, frequent buses and easy access to main roads, although traffic can get busy at peak times. The canalside paths and open spaces around the development are nice for walks. The street itself is generally quiet with modern new builds, though parking can be limited and bin collections can occasionally be inconsistent. Overall it’s a convenient, well-located area with a few typical city-living drawbacks.

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

Building management has generally been helpful and responsive. Most issues I’ve raised have been acknowledged quickly and resolved within a reasonable time, though occasionally communication can be a little slow during busy periods.

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

I wish I had known how busy the surrounding roads can get at peak times and that parking can be limited. It’s also useful to know that some facilities are still developing, so new residents should be patient as the area continues to grow.

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

Tesco located just opposite the building and a 24/7 shop only a five-minute walk away. The location is close to the city centre, so there are plenty of places to eat, drink and visit. Transport links are good and make getting around easy.

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

Building management has been responsive and helpful. Moses and Peter are always very helpful

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

Everything has met our expectations so far. It’s very good

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

Local shops are many in front of the Mercian. Easy convenience and transport is also very good in the day

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

Problems usually solved very quickly and conveniently by the maintenance team or the front desk staff

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

It’s nice to always have staff present in the building 24/7

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

Transport links are good and easy to use, but the traffic can get quite bad after 4pm during rush hour. On weekends there is sometimes anti-social behaviour from drunk people, which can be annoying.

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

They are usually helpful with most things but the constant issues with the doors are annoying

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

The area can be full of noise on Fridays and Saturdays