Moving to London can be exhilarating yet daunting. It’s a city packed with opportunity and things to do, as well as incredible history, culture and places to eat and drink. Whether you’re heading to London for your job, as a fresh start or just moving to another new area, there are many things you need to think about prior to your move. In this article we’ve put together some of the top things for you to consider before moving to the capital city. Keep on reading to find out more and get inspired yourself!
Decide on the neighbourhood you want to move to
One of the best things about moving to London is the array of neighbourhoods there are to make your home. Each one offers something completely different depending on what you’re looking for and the sort of vibe you’re after. Head to Shoreditch in the East End if you want somewhere trends and cool. There are plenty of vegan cafes and restaurants here, independent boutiques and a much more laid back vibe than some other areas.
Canary Wharf is more of a corporate area which is good if you’re working in one of the big offices here. There are many high rise buildings with sprawling views of the city and you’re right on the river. Greenwich is just a short distance from here where you can find the O2, student-style bars and restaurants and a more family feel. Westminster is a part of the city that’s packed with historical landmarks – and as such, it tends to be a more expensive side of the city. You’re within walking distance to Victoria Station as well as things such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Camden is another cool area to move to and is known for its quirky and grungy vibe. Here you can find the famous Camden market and Camden loch as well as a punk scene and a plethora of independent shops, restaurants and bars. If you have a family, Richmond or Kew are two popular areas thanks to their abundance of greenery yet still being well located and beautiful places to live. It’s important to do your research prior to moving so you know you’ll get what you need to from your new area. Whether you’re wanting something a bit more rural but on the underground line, or if you’re looking to move somewhere that’s right in the thick of the buzz and the action. It’s a good idea to look on forums or speak out on social media and ask people what different areas are like to live in. You could also look up crime stats from the area and check it’s a safe place for you to live in.
Consider how much you want to spend
As mentioned before, London is an expensive place to live and there isn’t really any getting around it. However, there are things you can think about what you want to spend on. If you’re looking to do renovations on your home, consider getting diy building supplies as opposed to paying someone to do everything for you. This can help cut costs down. You’ll also think about how much you want to spend on the house itself. Think about if you want a fixer-upper or ready to move in home. Having a home that is ready to move into can be more expensive, but you don’t need to worry about doing anything to it once you are in. On the opposite end of the spectrum, purchasing a house that needs things done to it can save you money, you just need to be sure you’re up to the task. The positive with this is that you can take as long as you like to do it and save up money in the meantime. This means it can be a bit easier to budget and can save you some money while this happens rather than spending it all on the house at once.
Embrace your local community
When you do move, it’s a good idea to immerse yourself in your local community. London is a large city and can feel lonely at times. To avoid this, get yourself to things such as local groups and clubs, where you can meet others in the area, make connections and feel a bit more integrated. There tend to be community groups on places such as Facebook, including selling pages or general news and information notice boards. Some places also have Whatsapp groups you can become a part of and other things to make it feel a bit more like a neighbourhood in a big city.
Check out the local transport links and amenities near you
Transport is vital when living in London as it’s what will get you to work, your kids to school and you to places like local shops and amenities. If you’re on a tube line, find out where it goes, same as with bus routes and also where you can get to by walking or bike. You should also find the local amenities such as your local shops/ doctors/ schools etc. so you know where everything is when you move and that you’ve got the essentials close by for when you need them.
These are just a few top tips that are sure to help you when looking to move to London. Being such a diverse city, there are many incredible things about moving here. While it’s an expensive place to live, there are a plethora of benefits to living there and you are opening yourself up to a world of opportunities and experiences. By doing your research before moving in, you put yourself in the best position for making the most of your new home and life and really enjoying it as much as you can. What are some top tips you have for moving to London? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
