A guide to living in East of England

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

We’re surrounded by shops able to step outside and walk to the shops in no time, the train station is close. Parking is hard but there’s the option of joining a waiting list! The apartment is pretty sound proof so unless the windows are open you can’t hear much.

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

Management is always ready to help and and solves the problems almost immediately.

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

I was well informed about everything before moving in. Only thing I didn’t know we’d have to join a list of applicants for the parking.

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

Very convenient shops. Local bars and places to dine which are dog friendly. Some antisocial behaviour, but feel safe and secure in the apartments.

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

The response has been overall positive. In my personal experience, depending on the team member whom reports of issues are sent to, can be hit and miss.

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

We were originally promised independent shops and restaurants/cafès on the development site, however once I had initially moved into the development, it was noted that this phase was not in the works just yet, but we are all excited for the prospect.

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

In Stevenage, local shops, restaurants, and bars provide a decent variety, with retail parks and independent options available. Open spaces like Fairlands Valley Park are great for outdoor activities. Transport links are convenient, with a major train station offering quick access to London, though local buses can sometimes be inconsistent. Residential streets are usually quiet, with good parking availability, regular bin collections, and minimal anti-social behavior, though some areas experience occasional traffic noise.

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

The building management at Forge Yards has been responsive and generally handles issues effectively, though improvements in speed and consistency would be appreciated.

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

I wish I had known about the convenient shortcut to the gym, which makes accessing it quicker and easier. It’s a great tip for new residents who plan to use the facility regularly!

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

Good location with easy access to train and tube station and a short drive to the town centre. Diverse community which offers everyone a sense of connectedness and inclusion .

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

Management have always been responsive and helpful.

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

The natural light on the ground floor in my townhouse is very poor because of the building wall adjacent to my townhouse.

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

The area is nice and quiet. Getting into London is quick and easy via the Trainline. Not many bars and restaurants but very well assorted. There are a few nice pubs always populated of nice people. There is everything one can ask for, overall.

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

I am happy to express all my gratitude to the building manager and all her collaborators. They have alway helped with the maintenance and my stay at the unit. Very positive and friendly people, they have strongly improved the quality of my time and made the renting easy and enjoyable.

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

Overall I had no issues with my tenancy or with the flat.