Relocating to London? Here's What You Should Know

Few cities in the world match London when it comes to vibrant living and variety in opportunities. The UK's capital and biggest city is a thriving hub full of history, culture, business, and entertainment.

Relocating to London is a big step, and there is plenty to understand about England's capital city before making the leap.

Job opportunities

It's no secret that London took a significant hit due to the pandemic, but the capital is bouncing back. So whether you are in the market for some casual work or your next career move, there is a vast array of business types throughout the city.

Depending on your profession, working for a London-based business could do wonders for your career. However, given the costs of living in the city, depending on your circumstances, it may be prudent to secure a position before planning your move.

Abundance of transport options

Both the city centre and the Greater London area are extremely well-serviced for transportation. Between the London Underground (tube), the Overground rail service, DLR, and multiple bus services, any destination throughout the Greater London area is easily accessible, even more so once the long-awaited Crossrail is rolled out. In addition, most of the primary tube lines, such as Central, Victoria, and Piccadilly, run 24-hour services over the weekend to make nights out easier.

Another bonus to London transport is that the city of London heavily subsidises it, making it an affordable choice.

Additionally, London is within easy reach of three major international airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City) and rail lines that run to the north of the country and even the continent of Europe.

Multicultural communities

The areas and neighbourhoods throughout London all have their own unique style, many of which are rich in a variety of cultures, languages, and religions. English is still the primary language spoken, but the city is a very tolerant and welcoming city when it comes to multiculturalism. Depending on your culture or preferences, it's important to choose an area that gives you what you need in terms of community and familiarity.

Where to live in London

The style and pace of life can differ significantly between neighbourhoods in London, so it's essential that you take the time to research where would suit you best ahead of time.

The average rental/property costs also differ broadly between areas, so your first step may be to shortlist the areas that are affordable to you. You can research using real estate sites like Right Move and Zoopla, as well as other agent sites that feature information such as top regeneration areas in London, in addition to available properties.

Remember that council tax bands also vary for properties in different areas of London, and you must factor this into your affordability calculations.

London is home to 32 boroughs, all of which have their own signature feel. Some are quieter, residential areas popular with families, while others are more vibrant, full of nightlife, and attract the younger demographic. There are plenty of places rich in arts and entertainment, too.

Of course, you will need to consider your transportation options if you plan on commuting. Additionally, the area you choose may depend upon the quality of schools for your children. You can read reviews of London schools by visiting the good schools guide. Many areas in London feature highly reputable schools.

Crime rates also differ significantly across the wider London area, so be sure to visit the Metropolitan Police Force of London's Crime Data Dashboard to assist you in picking a safer neighbourhood.

Additional considerations to living in London

High average cost of living

London is well-known for having a higher-than-average cost of living, so it is important to weigh everything up carefully before committing yourself to a particular property or area. While it is notorious for being an expensive place to live, however, these costs are partly offset by the capital's higher wage rates, so depending on your circumstances, it may be all relative.

A surprising amount of green space

Despite London being a highly dense urban metropolis, there are many beautiful, open, green parks - 3,000 to be more precise.

If enjoying the outdoors is an important aspect of everyday living, consider positioning yourself close to one of London's parks. Some of the most attractive include Hyde Park, St. James Park, Kensington Park, Regent's Park, and Bloomsbury.

Commuting can be stressful

While London's transport infrastructure is second-to-none, the city's population is also extremely dense. As a result, long queues and delays, packed tube trains, and the general frenzy of it all can take its toll, so consider this when choosing how far from work to base yourself.

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Preparation is key

Relocating to London can be an exciting new adventure filled with great experiences. The city is a dynamic hub of arts, culture, and opportunity, fringed by many family-friendly pockets. It's a big move, though, and preparation is key to ensure that you adjust to your new life in the capital with relative ease.