A guide to living in West Sussex

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

Great facilities, fantastic location at the heart of Crawley town centre. Very convenient for public transport too.

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

Building management have been very helpful whenever we needed any assistance and resolved the issues quickly.

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

Building maintenance, cleanliness, good maintenance facilities, lounge access, gym & rooftop access.

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

The area offers a good mix of local shops, cafes, and a few well-rated restaurants and pubs within walking distance. There’s a pleasant park nearby, which is great for families and dog walkers. Transport links are generally reliable, with buses and a nearby train station making commuting fairly easy, though peak times can get a bit crowded. The street itself is quiet most of the time, with occasional traffic noise during rush hours. Parking can be a challenge in the evenings, but it’s manageable. Bin collections are regular and the neighborhood feels safe, with minimal anti-social behaviour. Overall, a comfortable and convenient place to live.

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

The building management has been generally responsive, addressing most issues within a reasonable timeframe, though occasional delays do occur.

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

One thing I wish I had known before moving in is how limited the parking can be, especially in the evenings—it’s worth checking availability at different times of day.

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

Excellent variety of shops and restaurants all within max 15 minute walk. Multiple bus stops within 10 minute walk. Car park is available but expensive to pay monthly. Hard to tell how often the bin room is cleaned, and there have been issues with homeless people camping out in the bin room. We are on the back side of the building so any traffic noise or general busy street noise isn’t an issue for us.

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

As mentioned above I haven’t had any issues with the building manager, although when she is on holiday I think there needs to be someone else covering.

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

The flat gets very hot, even when the temperature outside is around 15C, we have a fan and it’s on for the majority of the time we are in the flat.

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

Vonder Crawley is at a very strategic location right at the heart of our town centre. Shops, public transport, County mall, train station are all with a few minutes walk. It is really very convenient for me and my family.

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

Building management had been very helpful to address whenever we faced any problem and provided timely resolution.

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

I have been staying for nearly 3 years and very pleased with the neat and clean premises and maintenance.

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

Living in Crawley, you're immediately struck by the excellent transport links. Gatwick Airport is right on the doorstep, which is fantastic for travel, and the town is well-connected by train to London and Brighton, making commutes or day trips a breeze. The town itself has a surprising amount of green space, with Tilgate Park being a real highlight offering woodlands, lakes, and a nature center – perfect for a stroll or family day out. There's also a decent mix of shops and amenities, from the County Mall to various retail parks, so most everyday needs are covered without having to travel far. The community spirit can be quite strong in many of the residential areas, with local events and initiatives fostering a friendly atmosphere.

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

Concerns are typically handled efficiently by the concierge or management team, from maintenance requests to general queries. However, like any large residential building, isolated incidents or specific complex issues might experience varying response times or require follow-ups, but the overall sentiment points to a proactive and helpful management approach.

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

While Crawley has a comparatively high average salary (among the highest in the UK for a town outside London, as of 2024), its housing costs (both rental and purchase) are also above the national average and generally higher than the South East average. Be prepared for this – while income might be good, a significant portion will likely go towards accommodation. Understanding this balance is crucial for budgeting.