Millions of people every year wonder whether they should live in London, the UK’s capital city. As a commercial hub and the richest place in England, it’s somewhere that attracts people from all across the globe seeking new career opportunities.
But should you live there? That’s the question we answer in this post. We look at some of London’s pros and cons, and why many people decide to make it their home.
Pro: Job Opportunities
The top pro of living in London is the sheer array of job opportunities available in the city. It offers more than virtually anywhere else in Europe, including high-flying careers in places like Canary Wharf and the City of London.
London these days is more than a global financial centre (although it is still that, too). It is also the home of tech, media, and hospitality, making it ideal for people wanting to move into multiple sectors.
Furthermore, the jobs in London tend to pay significantly more than in the rest of the country. Average wages are almost 30% higher in the city and while rent is also higher, there are so many opportunities to be successful that it’s often worth it for many people.
Con: High Cost Of Living
Of course, one of London’s downsides is the high cost of living. You need to pay more every month just to keep things ticking over.
Groceries, transport, education, and private health are all more expensive in the city than in other parts of the UK. But the biggest killer is housing. There’s so much demand on the existing stock that prices keep going up, so this is worth looking out for.
Pro: Education
If you have a family, another London pro is the excellent education the city offers. It’s home to many of the best public and private schools in the country, giving parents more choice. It is also close to places like Guildford and Windsor, also famous for the high-quality educational establishments they keep nearby.
Of course, the cost of education is high. But if you have the budget for it, then it can make a substantial difference to your kids’ chances.
Con: The Weather
Unfortunately, the weather in London isn’t good. While it is better than the rest of the UK and Scotland, most days are still overcast, and it’s cold for much of the year, except the summer months.
It’s not uncommon to go several weeks with gloomy, rainy weather every day without a break from October to March. This period is the worst and lasts a long time, which may not suit everyone.
Pro: World-Class Living
London, of course, is home to more wealthy people than virtually any other city globally. And because of this, it is easy to find a luxury apartment for sale that meets your needs. Homes in the capital can be fantastic and offer access to all the amenities required.
Look for properties in well-known areas, like Fitzrovia and Mayfair if you want upmarket living. These areas provide proximity to designer shopping and high-quality restaurants.