If you’ve ever considered crossing the pond and living in the Big Smoke, it would be a wise decision, as London is a fantastic place to live. However, there are things you should know about moving to and living in London. In this article, we have four of those important aspects before you make a move.
Location
London is huge. With a population of nearly 9 million and an area of 607 square miles. So when you say you want to live in London, you need to seriously consider where exactly in London you mean. Inner-city London is obviously expensive and very in demand, so it may be wise to consider living on the outskirts, in areas like Reading or Cheshunt. Local estate agents like robertoandco.com can help you find the best properties to buy or rent in surrounding areas outside of London, giving you the financial benefits of living further out, but the location benefits of being only a car, bus, or train ride away.
Money
Money is a huge factor in the decision to move anywhere, let alone one of the most popular and thriving cities in the world. It’s no secret that the cost of living in London is very high. The National Minimum Wage in the city is higher in order to compensate for this, and students studying there get a higher grant, but it can still take a toll. Therefore, make it a priority that you are financially prepared for your move. Having a job lined up is an ideal situation, but having savings and being thrifty don’t hurt either. Sites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace are great for second-hand furniture and items, and the city is full of thrift stores to help you reduce costs. Making your own coffee and lunches is another way to save, as is cycling or investing in an Oyster card to help you travel around the city.
Weather
Everyone thinks it rains all the time in the UK, and whilst this is partly true, it’s worth noting that London generally has a higher temperature than its surrounding areas. This is down to several factors, including size, amount of people and traffic, and environmental materials. It is always worth keeping an umbrella on you, as well as a fold-up raincoat for those unavoidable showers. The underground system, the tube, can also be really hot regardless of the weather outside, so if you are traveling this way, layers are essential.
Transport
There are several ways to get around and into the city. The most popular is the tube. Consisting of 11 different train lines, it handles around 5 million passenger journeys every single day. It’s fast, as there’s no road traffic, direct and cost-effective. You can also travel into the city on the tube from places like Essex and Hertfordshire. Other modes of transport include cycle-sharing schemes like Santander Cycles, which allow you to cycle around the city, using and returning shared bikes in various locations, whenever you need. This is another great, cost-effective method and is also good for your health and the environment. Understandably, not many people choose to drive in London, as it’s very busy, parking is hard to find, and there’s often congestion charges too. Buses are another good method. Just remember they all only accept contactless card payments, but all journeys are £1.50 ($2) regardless of distance, making them incredibly cost-effective.