I am going to see a place tonight in Mare street in Hackney. I have never lived East before, the rent is cheap with no deposit and I kind of know one of the girls so I was just wondering if anyone lives in Hackney as it as bad as it's known to be?

I know there's good people/ bad people everywhere. But, I don't know the area. On the plus side the house is a few doors down from Hackney Empire.

So if anyone could indulge me in their experiences, one would be honoured.