The Almere, MK9

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

The Almere is well-connected and an easy walk to the shopping area, restaurants, train station and park. Although in the centre of town, inside the building we are rarely disturbed by traffic noise.

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

It’s good to know that The Almere is really quiet and the apartments are well insulated from any outside noise.

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

The team is very helpful, they are always responsive and quick to sort out any issues!

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Great working space and a great environment surrounded by lovely people. The social aspect is unreal as there are many events constantly happening which is great so you meet other neighbours

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

I didn’t realise that it was in the middle of MK which is perfect for what I needed

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

They’ve always been quick to respond to any issues I have, they also go the extra mile to print any documents I may need

The facilities are also very nice. Downstairs, there’s seating + tv + coffee machine in the lobby, as well as the Gathering Place which is used for events + table tennis. Upstairs, there’s the large sky lounge with seating + tables + games, as well as a kitchen, a coworking space and a huge outdoor terrace with bbq. All the shared spaces are kept clean. There’s also regular events on like exercise classes and cooking classes. At this price point, all that’s missing is an on-site gym.

The staff (management, reception and maintenace team) are all really friendly. When I first enquired about renting, Mustafa replied promptly and was with us through the whole process from viewing to moving in. He and Natalie were both really helpful answering questions – Mustafa even sent us a video of the unit we would be renting. Since moving in, they’ve always replied really quickly to emails and they’re always happy to help or just have a chat when you pass through reception!

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

The Almere is centrally located in Milton Keynes, right next to The Hub which has plenty of restaurants, a 10 minute walk from the centre:mk shopping centre, and ~10 minutes the other direction for the train station. There’s also a big Sainsbury’s right across the road, and a Bannatyne gym + pool next door. It’s really quiet in this area all day and night. The downside of living in the city centre is that you have to pay for a parking permit. The nearest “resident” permit bays are a short walk away, but if you want to park right outside the development you have to pay for the more expensive Green permit (or have an electric vehicle).

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

Bit of a weird one but the beds are really heavy so it’s not really practical to move them if you want to rearrange the furniture.

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

Any maintenance issues have been dealt with promptly and efficiently. The maintenance team are friendly and I never feel like they’re cutting corners or trying to do something they’re not equipped to do.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Extremely central and placed right next to the Hub. Great proximity to quality local establishments and fantastic facilities on site!

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

The community is fantastic and facilitated by amazing staff

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

Very quick responses to bureaucratic issues. Slightly slower for maintenance issues

A standout feature for me has been the resident lounge and workspace. It elegantly redefines the concept of ‘working from home’, offering a sophisticated space that caters to both professional productivity and relaxation. This unique amenity provides a seamless transition between work and leisure, enhancing the living experience at The Almere. It’s this thoughtful integration of lifestyle needs that makes The Almere not just a residence, but a place where convenience and quality of life are in perfect harmony.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Living in the area around The Almere in Central Milton Keynes offers a dynamic urban experience with its mix of conveniences and minor challenges. The proximity to a local Sainsbury’s shop just across the building is a major plus, making daily shopping effortless and enjoyable. The Hub, located right behind The Almere, is a culinary and social hotspot, boasting a variety of restaurants and lounges that cater to diverse tastes. This vibrant setting is surprisingly peaceful, with rare instances of anti-social behavior, contributing to a secure and pleasant atmosphere.

I won’t call it bad aspects, but I’d say the biggest challenge for me has been lack of parking availability, unlike a few other apartment blocks around the city center area with RI parking, The Almere doesn’t have that.

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

Just wish the building had a gym like a few other buildings around.

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

The management and technical team are always very responsive and show empathy when issues arise with the residents or within your specific apartment.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Perfect place to live in MK. Town center and train station is nearby which is a matter of great convenience for us as we have travel to London for job. Great food options nearby and Sainsbury’s is just across the road. No traffic noise and the area seems generally safe and less rushy.

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

The bus connections are not good from this location.

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

I have not raised any problems yet but we have a very friendly app where we can raise maintenance requests etc so I’m sure the service will be prompt and smooth. Also management was really helpful in settling us in and showing us our way around the building and how to use the facilities etc. Mustafa Dar was really helpful throughout the whole process from viewing till we moved in and getting us started at the new place.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Excellent facility. Absolutely loved living in The Almere. the area is quiet, Sainsbury is opposite and this makes shopping easy. There is no traffic nuisance nor have I seen any anti-social behaviours. I wish parking was closer though. Also wish there was a school within the vicinity particularly in the winter months but this is outside of Management control. The area is lively and a 17-minute walk to the MK Central Train station.

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

Pet food is available and hot chocolate for residents. Surprised to see this.

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

Management has swiftly attended to all requests made my myself and wife. Our lighting, was fixed as well as the heating.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Location is very central, close to shops and public transport including intercity connections. Feels like a very safe and green neighborhood.

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

Maps apps aren’t exactly the most intelligent for showing directions for pedestrian walkways around Milton Keynes, would be helpful if it can somehow detect the pedestrian tunnels rather than suggesting people to walk along the motorways.

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

The building management team has always been very quick and responsive on responding to queries or problems arised.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Almere is centrally located close to The Hub and also to the train and bus station which makes it ideal for families to have their fair share of fun and work. I love the serene environment wherein the apartment complex is built and the greenery around it which adds on to the perfect views from your windows.

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

I think I was comfortable with the information received during the viewing

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

Yes, they are on top of all the issues and they immediately attend to any service requests raised and are flexible to accomodate tenants’ schedules.

What is the best feature of your home:

Accessibility

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

The area is ideal, with lots of pubs within a 10-minute walk and convenient transport links, such as the train station and bus stops. Moreover, there is plenty of parking space available, as well as (limited) underground parking.

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

The leasing team is very helpful and makes sure you have the most information before you move in. In case of doubt, you can always ask them and they’ll be glad to help.

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

Incredibly well. The (few) issues that we have had have been resolved immediately, and any doubts were always clarified with a smile.

What is the best feature of your home:

Floor to ceiling windows and comfy mattress.