Thinking of moving to London? Whether you’re moving from abroad, venturing from the countryside, or from another city, here are some of the things you need to know before you do.
Why Move to London?
By far the largest city in the United Kingdom, London is truly iconic, with its green parks, double-decker buses, and beautiful architecture. It is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, with about one-third of Londoners being foreign-born, and between 250 and 300 different languages spoken in the city.
Many describe this city as a collection of villages due to the variety of buildings that break up the suburban monotony. That’s why Londoners liken the characteristics of the districts where they live to themselves, because they often reflect the person they are.
Whether you come alone, with friends or with family, London is the ideal place to start a new life, progress in your career, and experience a unique culture. There are countless opportunities to try different things. Read on to learn more!
The Pros of London Life
- A variety of activities
London is famous for its abundance of free museums and galleries, even ones open at night! So, there are a lot of cultures to take in, in a variety of ways.
If you want to enjoy a good meal, there are many 5-star rated restaurants in London. Whether you’re with company or on your own, being able to experience different types of food of the highest quality is something you can’t afford to miss out on.
Theatre performances in London’s West End are renowned for their artistry and quality. More than 30 theatres coexist alongside other cultural venues – so they are certainly an experience not to be missed! With the number of shows on offer, there is something for everyone’s taste.
- Multiculturality
London is an excellent opportunity to exchange thoughts, ideas, culture, and even language. This is because London is considered one of the most multicultural cities in the world!
- Business opportunities
Almost all of the world’s biggest companies have a significant presence in this city. This means that job opportunities are plentiful, and you have a good chance of moving up the career ladder in your chosen field.
- A Safe City
There’s a good police presence on the streets, and London has a high number of CCTV cameras with an army of people watching them, meaning any crimes or incidents can be spotted fast – and the relevant services sent to deal with them.
Moving to London in 2021
As one might expect with a city, London is not always a wholly ‘cheap’ place to live in. It was ranked 26th and 28th in the Numbeo Cost of Living Index in 2019 and 2020, respectively. However, in the 2021 update, London dropped to 37th place, making it more affordable than Stockholm, Amsterdam, and Seattle, among others.
A con perceived by some considering moving to a major city like London is that the size and variety of it can make it difficult to know where to start. However, with the right help and support, these worries can be diminished!
There are many things you might need to ask before moving to London. Do you want to buy or rent a property? How long are you planning on living in London?
It’s highly recommended to research the area where you will be working or spending a lot of time, to choose where you would like to live. At Rickman Properties Limited we have a highly qualified team of property experts to assist you on this journey. There are many fabulous destinations in London which we have properties available to let or buy including Kensington, South Kensington, Holland Park, Notting Hill, Earls Court, Knightsbridge, and Chelsea.
Want to learn more about the borough of Kensington and Chelsea? Read Part 1 and Part II of our series on the area to find out what this borough has to offer, from transport to culture and education.
At Rickman Properties, we are responsible for ensuring that all London properties conform to health and safety standards and that you’re provided with accommodation that’s fit for your purpose. Please feel free to contact us to provide you with a specialised and professional service, today!