Oaklands Rise, NW10

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

Good quality local shops and supermarkets. Good open spaces. The only downside is the availability for parking.

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

Al is good. Wish it had a GP and a pharmacy in the development

What is the best feature of your home:

All of it specially the balcony and the open plan living room

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

Near train stations and enough bus stops. No gym near the area. Not many restaurants as well to choose from.

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

Nothing in mind. Everything went smoothly when we moved in.

What is the best feature of your home:

Spacious and simple. Being able to dim the lights is a plus.

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

Local Amenities: Shops and Restaurants: The area features a variety of local shops, including independent stores and supermarkets. While there are dining options, the range and quality may not be as extensive as in more central parts of London. Residents often travel to nearby areas for a broader selection of restaurants and bars. Open Spaces: Green spaces are available, such as nearby parks, providing areas for recreation and relaxation. However, the immediate vicinity may not have as many open spaces as other parts of London. Transport Links: Convenience: The area is served by several bus routes, offering connections to various parts of London. The nearest underground stations include Willesden Junction and North Acton, both within walking distance. These stations provide access to the Jubilee and Central lines, facilitating commutes to central London. Challenges: During peak hours, public transport can become crowded, leading to delays. Additionally, the proximity to major roads may result in traffic congestion, affecting travel times. Street Environment: Parking: I do not have a car Bin Collections: Regular bin collections are typically scheduled, contributing to the area's cleanliness

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

The noise from traffic can be pretty loud, especially during rush hour. I didn’t fully realize how much it would impact the quiet of the area. If you’re someone who values peace and quiet, it might be worth checking noise levels at different times of day before you settle in. Aside from that, I’ve found the amenities like the rooftop terrace and the working hub to be nice perks, though sometimes they feel a bit underused or not as well-maintained as I’d hoped. It’s still a great place to live overall, but just some things I would have appreciated knowing ahead of time!

What is the best feature of your home:

The best feature of my one-bedroom flat is definitely the natural light. The large windows make the space feel bright and airy, even on cloudy days. It really makes the apartment feel open and welcoming, which is great for both relaxing and working from home.

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

The local area lacks convenience when it comes to shops, restaurants, and bars. When we moved in, we were told a PureGym and a supermarket would open soon, but after over a year, neither has materialized. There aren’t many coffee shops, supermarkets, or pubs nearby, so you have to travel to access most amenities. Open spaces are decent but could be better maintained. Transport links are okay, but buses could be more frequent. Bin collections are reliable, which is a positive. However, traffic noise can be an issue, and the overall convenience of the area is somewhat lacking.

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

A major issue that isn’t apparent from a typical viewing is how loud the underground is at night—it can be quite disruptive. Additionally, heating and water costs are higher than expected, which can add up over time. Another downside is that the development doesn’t provide any amenities, despite initial expectations. New residents should be prepared for these factors and consider the additional costs and noise before moving in.

What is the best feature of your home:

Balcony but faces the train and its very loud Big windows I would say

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

The local area is somewhat lying in wait. Old Oak Common station is being constructed as part of HS2 nearby. Once this arrives the transport links will improve considerably. That said, North Acton and Willesden Junction underground stations are around 15 minutes walk away each. There is one supermarket within 5 minutes and a Tesco and Sainsburys near North Acton station. Parking availability isn’t great, with £200 per month required for an underground parking space. Bin collections you can take for granted. These are handled by a private company. Our flat overlooks the Old Oak Common depot, so traffic noise is to a minimum. It is on a helicopter flight path, but the timings for flights are very much during working hours.

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

I wish I had known that heating bills were restricted to one supplier, Insite. The tariffs can’t be adjusted and they are extremely expensive. There is a group WhatsApp chat for the development and this is a common theme when a new tenant moves into their new flat.

What is the best feature of your home:

The ventilation system. This has kept the air fresh and made sure that despite a windowless bathroom, no damp or mould poses any issue whatsoever.