New Drum Street, London, E1

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

Aldgate East has turned out to be such a hidden gem. From the tube stop straight out your front door, to the incredibly restaurants in every direction, to the parks and markets just a short bike ride away, we've found this area to be so much more vibrant, exciting, and fun than we ever could have imagined.

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

Whether you need help getting all your packages upstairs or your laundry machine moved the Alma team rises to the occasion. It's super easy to fill out a maintenance request in their residents' app and they acknowledge it right away, taking the feedback seriously - no matter how big or small.

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

It is such an underrated treat to have a building management team that truly cares. It's not just about getting a maintenance request addressed - it's about getting your feet on the ground in a new city, coming home to people who care, and feeling like you're a part of a community, both within the building and throughout the surrounding area. The Alma is all that and more. Because of the relationships the staff have established with local restaurants, shops, and grocers, we've gotten to know so many other people throughout East London, ventured to new places we might have otherwise skipped, and had experiences we never expected. Whether it's a private tour of Whitechapel Gallery or a residents' event catered by Ara, we have absolutely loved getting to known this little corner of London.

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

Great location - close to public transit with a lot of restaurants, shops and bars within walking distance. 15-20 min walk to the city of London as well.

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

Yes. Promptly and efficiently. Wine cooler was looked into and repairs initiated immediately.

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

Fob entry throughout. Bit tricky to navigate with family and friends visiting and only 1 key per leaseholder. But the building management team is there to help. Has been smooth sailing.

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

The neighborhood is a perfect location for us, with something interesting to do in every direction. To the north are Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane, and the Columbia Road Flower Market. Just east is Liverpool Street and the City, which is convenient for work. To the south are the Tower of London, the river, and plenty of tourist attractions when we want to explore. Within a block we have three grocery stores, lots of gyms, and a wide variety of restaurants. When we do want to explore outside our neighborhood, we’re right on top of Aldgate East tube station, with Aldgate station just two blocks away, making transport incredibly convenient.

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

Building management at The Alma has been absolutely outstanding. Tickets are always resolved quickly, and the staff go above and beyond to make life here enjoyable. Tom truly cares about the residents — he’s always around, approachable, and even once came up late at night to help me with a laundry question. Olivia is wonderful; she keeps the management office door open, always takes time to chat, gives us great food and activity recommendations, and is incredibly thoughtful. Daisy at the front desk was so patient and welcoming during our tours, making our first impression of the building feel warm and positive. Sebastian is upbeat and kind, always checking in on how our day is going and giving us fun weekend suggestions or local spots to explore. Beverly is consistently professional and welcoming, greeting us warmly whenever we come through the lobby. Zora brings a friendly and reliable presence at the front desk, always happy to help with anything we need. Sattar from maintenance is extremely helpful, not only fixing things promptly but even assisting us with hanging items in the apartment. Zaba on the night team is attentive and reassuring, giving us peace of mind when we come in late. Faizan is thoughtful and caring — he always greets us by name, checks in about our night, and even shares great chocolate recommendations, which we love. Emmanuel has a consistently positive attitude, greeting us with a smile late at night and making the building feel safe and welcoming. Every single person here contributes to making The Alma feel like home, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the team.

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

Honestly there is nothing that stands out as something we wish we knew ahead of time.

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

Pinch me, this is amazing. We have relocated from the US and wanted to feel the vibrancy and energy of being in the heart of London. Everything is easy and close to get to - by foot, bus, tube or train. There is so much to do in the immediate area that we are getting to know - something for everybody.

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

Tom and the team are brilliant. They’re massively helpful are super fast and attentive, take ownership and work with us, communicating clearly transparently, about any question or issue we’ve raised.

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

Relax. The facilities are top notch and the team is excellent - discuss ideas openly and engage.

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

Pros….Excellent transport links, amenities, proximity to diverse culture, leisure and dining etc , great to be able to walk to the city for work . Cons. ..traffic noise but mitigated by glazing system.

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

Could not be happier with responsiveness to any issues we have had, however minor

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

The location of the apartment on the floor in terms if view, sun etc mattered to is so check that on viewing