The UK’s capital remains one of the most exciting cities in the world. Its depth and diversity are the root of its charm, but these things can make it difficult for newcomers to get their heads around the city. Here, we breakdown a handful of the things which you’ll need to know when you make your move towards London.
Research the boroughs…
London is a vast city which comprises a huge number of boroughs, all of which boast their own unique identity. While this diversity is part of what attracts so many people to London, landing yourself in the wrong part of town can detract from your experience of the city.
From the trendy streets of East London’s markets to the leafy parks of the city’s west, it is essential that you research each part of town before you find yourself somewhere to live. Location is everything in the capital.
Transport zones…
If you plan to use London’s public transport network to get between home and work, you mustn’t underestimate the impact that the zones will have on your commute. The cost of your travel will be largely dictated by your movement within and between different zones so it’s worth paying attention to them prior to your move.
Watch property prices…
Property isn’t cheap in the capital, nor will it be any time soon. This means that if you’re looking to buy, it’s wise to spend some time considering your investment. Up and coming areas of the city can often see property prices sky rocket. The combination of a smart location and the use of reliable tradesmen in London to help you fix up your property can be hugely profitable. Keeping an eye on the market in different parts of the city is a wise place to start. Your mover may give you a recommendation of a London storage facility in case your belongings could not fit on a studio type property.
Public transport isn’t always necessary…
When you move to a big city with an extensive transport network, it can quickly become natural to jump on a train or bus any time you need to be in another part of town. The quicker you realise that this isn’t necessary, the better.
Just because it’s possible to get from one place to another using public transport doesn’t mean it’s the quickest way. More often than you might think, it’s actually quicker to cycle to your destination, or even to walk. This is also a great way to get to see more of the city you’ve just moved to.