Moving to London — Pros and Cons

Let’s make a quick recap of all the pros and cons of moving to the capital of the UK. Тhen we will examine each factor.

Living in The British Capital

Living in London has its perks as it is the political, economic and cultural capital of the United Kingdom and a major player in the global trade. However, life here is not cheap and you need to be prepared to make some changes in your habits.

• Forget about the beautiful heels and shiny shoes. You will walk a lot in London, and you need to buy comfortable shoes. You can carry your designer, stylish footwear in your bag, but on your feet – wear those old trainers you love so much.
• Say goodbye to the gym unless you earn a fortune. Gym membership in London is absurdly expensive. It is time to start running in the park again.
• Maybe cut down on clubbing in the trendiest places. You will need at least one bag of money to pass the security and will wait close to an hour just to get inside. London can offer you a variety of good bars and pubs, so not always the most talked about is the best.
• You don’t need to carry cash in you. Almost everywhere, card payments are accepted. Contactless debit cards are the fastest, safest and easiest payment method.

If you are moving internationally and want to settle down in London, we advise you to check the rules and regulations of the UK before you move here.

Diversity and Freedom in the Big City

More than 200 languages are spoken in London, and you’ll find loads of different cultures and communities. Leave your prejudice and worries aside. Here you can be free from the constant judgment of the small village. Take part in the London pride or go and check out a tattoo expo. Experience freedom like never before. Londoners will amaze you with their easygoing and friendly attitude.
Regardless of your race and ethnicity, you will find a place where you feel welcomed in London. With so many cultures bound to one place, the city is a colourful mish-mash of traditions and festivals. You can celebrate the Indian Diwali Festival and welcome the Chinese New Year.

The Historical Capital of Europe

London, as one of the oldest cities in Europe, is full of historic buildings and sites. From Buckingham Palace to the city dungeons, you can experience every bit of history from the last couple of centuries. In its 2 000 years of existence, London has unique archaeological sites and ancient relics. Home of the Royal Family the capital attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Where to Live in London?

Purchasing a house in the capital is still quite expensive. Depending on the region, London’s average home values can easily go up to £670,000-£850,000 (West London).
Consider moving to the suburbs. More and more people prefer relocating to the outskirts of the city to avoid the crowds, the pollution and the overall inconvenience of living in the centre of a metropolitan. As a professional London-based moving company, we observe a slow but steady migration of people towards the more calm and secluded suburbs or neighbouring towns.
Renting is a great option. A popular solution is to find a roommate to share a flat and reduce living costs. As a would-be renter in London, be prepared to pay £2,000 monthly on average. The price depends on the type of home you want and the location. You can, of course, find a cheaper option if you are ready to downsize and live further from the city centre.

Education System in the British Capital

If you have children or you are searching for a place to continue your studies, London is the location for you. The British capital has the best schools and universities in the EU. The education system in the UK is divided into four parts – primary, secondary, further and higher. Parents are legally obligated to provide primary and secondary education to their children. There are many options – private, state or boarding schools.
The most famous universities in Europe – Cambridge and Oxford, maybe outside of London but the capital has 43 outstanding academies for anyone who wants to receive a bachelor, a master or a PhD. From Imperial College to the City University, you can choose a variety of different subjects and faculties.

More Work Opportunities

London is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. In the past few years, major efforts have been put into constructing and developing large business parks and incubators. The British government has numerous funding programs for small companies, as well as for promising startups. The capital is the place to be if you have a brilliant business idea that needs to grow into a successful enterprise.
Some say life in London is not cheap, and you need to have a serious budget to move here. However, the wages in the capital are considerably higher than in most parts of the country. If you find the right job, you can expect to earn good money for your hard work.

Transportation in London

The most important thing you need to know about the British capital is that public transport is very good. Purchase an Oyster Card and use the Tube, Docklands Light Railway and the bus systems around your home. You can buy this rechargeable card online or from the nearest station. The public transport spans across six zones and is working 24/7. Avoid the infamous black taxies as they are quite expensive.
London is famous for its traffic jams and crazy road organisation. Driving in the city is madness. During the rush hour, you may need close to three hours to get home. We advise you on your first trip after the relocation to take the bus. It is a cheaper form of transportation, and there are available seats almost always. That way, you will be able to look around the city and get to know it better. If you still prefer the subway, here is what you need to know:

• The Overground is better than the Underground. It is air-conditioned, and it is less crowded.
• The Underground, known as the Tube, has eleven lines divided into nine zones.
• The fare depends on the payment method, how far are you travelling and in which part of the day. Contactless payments are the cheapest way to pay for a single ticket.
• Underground services usually run from five in the morning until midnight. Some lines have a night shift on Fridays and Saturdays.

There are some changes in public transport and the conjunction taxes. If you want to know more check out one of our latest post: Coronavirus and Congestion Charges: How Is the Moving Business in London Affected?

Events and Entertainment in London

From Fashion Week to the classical concerts in The Royal Albert Hall, there is something for everybody in the British capital. Be prepared to lose your sleep after your memorable house moving to London. If you are a music lover, you can enjoy the numerous concerts in one over 300 venues scattered around the city. There are close to 20,000 performances a year in the capital. Surely you will find something for your taste.

For all you food lovers out there, London is full of amazing pubs, charming cafes, high-class restaurants with one or more Michelin stars. More than 6,000 restaurants and many worldwide famous chefs are based here. There are loads of food options — from the bustling clubs to luxurious restaurants. Whether you are looking for a 5-star restaurant or a cheap diner, there are plenty of good options to try.

According to the Globe Shopper City Index, the British capital is Europe’s top shopping destination. Many international brands have stores here. From the luxury shops like Harrods to the quirky London markets, there are countless opportunities.

If you like to explore old abandoned buildings or scary Victorian cemeteries full of witches and vampires, you hit the Jackpot. There are so many urban legends surrounding London and its creepy gravesites, just visit Highgate Cemetery or Kensal Green Cemetery.

What Is the Weather Like in the British Capital?

We have all heard stories about the rainy days in London, and to be fair, they are more like rainy months. Winters are generally chilly to cold, and snowfall usually occurs about four or five times a year mostly from December to February. Summers are warm and sometimes hot.
When preparing to relocate to the capital, remember to pack at least one umbrella and buy yourself some waterproof jackets and boots. Use primarily plastic crates instead of cardboard boxes as they are water-resistant and your belongings won’t get damaged. Check out our house moving guide for more great ideas that will come in handy when packing.

Parks and Urban Wildlife in London

Urban explorers and wildlife enthusiasts this is definitely the city for you. Here you can find one of the most amazing parks and suburban areas in Europe. There is so much to be seen, from wild herds of deer to peculiar hedgehog highways. The Royal Parks are the crown jewels of London. Each is different and has its own charming fauna and flora.
London awes with its beautiful gardens. Kew Gardens, Kensington Palace Gardens and Eltham Palace are great places to spend your free time.
This one will be shocking mostly for people who come from abroad, but in London, there are a lot of red foxes. Like a lot. You can spot them in your backyard or your local park. Do not leave food scraps outside if you don’t want a night visitor at your door. The British capital has a very diverse urban wildlife from bats and falcons to hedgehogs and deer.

Moving to London – Where Not to Go

You must bear in mind that London is not only a densely populated city but also a very desirable tourist destination. Throughout the warm months, the capital is swirling with visitors. Here are some places you might want to avoid during the active tourist season:

• Westminster – there are a lot of historic buildings here, but you won’t be able to see anything from all the crowds.
• Trafalgar Square – Altho the square is spacious, you can actually feel suffocated by how many people are in one place.
• The London Eye – This one is to be avoided not only because of the crowds but also as it’s unnecessarily expensive. If you want to have a beautiful view and take a lot of pictures of the city, visit one of the multiple restaurants and open terraces of the surrounding skyscrapers.

What is your experience? What are the pros and cons of moving to London? Did we miss something? Tell us in the comment section below.

Stephanie Cooper

Stephanie is a content marketing specialist for Top Removals for the past several years. She has extensive experience working with moving companies and knows her audience. Stephanie creates engaging and useful content helping the customers of Top Removals with their struggles and providing them with the most accurate insight.