100% Correct - nowhere is perfect.
As previously stated, it's a nice place - loads to do & loads to see.

<Shudders in disbelief> Brentwood is NOT London - it is the fringe of all things palatable - it is dreary mediocrity defined. Sorry, but I'd rather pergotory (sp?) over Brentwood.

I can't disagree with your missus more - but then we all have our own persuasions, unfortunately I can't say I know Blackcloud's character enough (via the forums) to assume one way or another if his/her angles are the same (or similar) to mine - but I love Dalston/Kingsland Rd (having been a resident previously, and a present day frequenter) - such is my enthusiasm for the smelting pot of culture that it offers.

There are still some green bits round here, but there's so much concrete going down along the motorway corridors it's more akin to the patio of England.

Still, there could be worse places to live, I suppose.

Best Beloved used to live in the Upminster area. It's not unpleasant, with good public transport links to the Smoke.

Whilst on a trip round some of the aforementioned 'tragically hip' areas of London, you can use this website as a handy spotters guide.

http://www.latfh.com/
(It's a bit sweary, but no nudity as far as I can tell, so I'll leave the NSFW tag up to your own discretion.)

I'm going to see if I can spot any of my mates on their at Lunch!