What you need to know about living in London

Although often chaotic and at times crowded, London is an incredible place to live. Exceptional experiences await around every corner, and you’re part of a growing community that hails from all over the world. If you’re planning to move to England’s capital, here’s what you should know before you go.

Covering the costs

Let’s face it: London is expensive. As England’s capital and one of the world’s most-visited cities, associated mark-ups are on everything from housing to food and so the cost of living is higher here than much of the rest of the country.

Salaries are usually around 20 – 25% greater than in other parts of the UK in recognition of this, but bear in mind that London property rental charges are almost double the national average and you may need to adjust your expectations of what you can get for your money accordingly.

Navigating the city

London is vast – in fact, it’s the third largest city in Europe by population with over 9.5 million people spread out across 1,500km². This means that navigating the city can take time, but thankfully there are fantastic public transport links that can get you from A to B with very little effort on your part!

The metro system known as the Underground dates back to Victorian England. This intricate network of lines criss-crosses the city and comes above ground to provide access to the suburbs. Wherever you live in London, you’re never too far from a station. There’s also a good choice of bus routes in and out of the centre and – for the brave of heart! – bike paths along the side of main roads. We don’t recommend driving as this can be slow and you’ll find little parking available.

Finding your neighbourhood

Before you start browsing for apartments to rent in London, take time to research the different boroughs, and within those the various neighbourhoods. You want to be relatively close to where you work to avoid an exhausting commute, but being able to enjoy weekends away from the crowds can change your entire experience of living in London for the better.

When exploring options, consider your commute, local costs including housing prices and what’s on your doorstep. Up-and-coming areas on the outskirts like Brixton are still fairly affordable and offer a lot in terms of culture and entertainment. You’ll be surprised how many hidden gems you come across that look as beautiful as the likes of Notting Hill at a fraction of the price.

Embracing the culture

Finally, living in London is an amazing opportunity to celebrate local and international culture. World-class exhibitions run throughout the year at the many museums, and people travel from around the globe to attend the city’s major events such as London Fashion Week. The West End, London’s theatre area, hosts incredible musicals and plays covering a wide variety of genres.

On a smaller scale, you’ll find lively markets and hidden restaurants serving authentic cuisine from every country you could think of, and minor festivals celebrating new musicians and the work of local dancers, actors and artists.

.Cent Magazine London. Be inspired; Get Involved

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