Pros and cons of living in London

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, and one of the largest and most influential cities in the world. With a population of over 8 million people, it is a hub of culture, finance, education, and politics. London has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years, with evidence of Roman settlements, medieval architecture, and iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace – in a nutshell, London is a very exciting place to live in.

I have lived only 6 months in London in the famous The Collective Old Oak (Nash House) building and I must recognize that does not make me an expert in living in London. However, if you want my two cents on pros and cons to living in London, here they are:

Pros to living in London in 2023:

1. Cultural diversity: London is a melting pot of different cultures all over the world, making it a diverse city with a population from many different cultural backgrounds. This means that there is a wide range of cultural events, restaurants, and activities to experience.
2. Job opportunities: London is a major financial and business hub and home to some of the world’s largest and most successful companies, which means there are always plenty of job opportunities available.
3. Transportation: London has an extensive public transportation system, including the Underground (also known as the “Tube”), buses, and trains, making it easy to get around the city. I was able to be in the center of London on the famous Oxford Street in as little as 30-35 minutes by tube from Willesden Junction.
4. Entertainment: London is home to many world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues, making it a great place for people who enjoy the arts, including but not limited to the British Museum, the National Gallery and the Tate Modern.
5. Education: London is home to some of the world’s top universities, including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, making it a great place for those who want to continue their education.
6. Fantastic food: With so many different cuisines available in London, you’re bound to find something you love.
7. Vibrant nightlife: London has a thriving nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs and entertainment venues to choose from.
8. Green spaces: Despite its urban setting, London has plenty of parks and green spaces where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
9. History and heritage: London has a rich history and is home to many historic landmarks and attractions, including the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace.
10. Shopping: With everything from high-end designer stores to quirky independent boutiques, London is a shopper’s paradise. London’s street markets are famous around the world, offering everything from vintage clothing to fresh produce
11. Sports and fitness: London offers a huge variety of sports and fitness opportunities, from running clubs to yoga studios, and everything in between.
12. Iconic landmarks: London is famous for its iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben, the London Eye and Tower Bridge.
13. The River Thames: The River Thames runs through the heart of London, providing a stunning backdrop to the city and offering plenty of opportunities for riverside walks and boat trips.
14. The West End: London’s West End is home to some of the world’s most famous theatres, and is the place to go for a night at the theatre.
15. Festivals and events: London hosts a huge variety of festivals and events throughout the year, from music festivals to food festivals and everything in between..
16. Access to the rest of Europe: London’s location makes it easy to travel to other European cities, with many budget airlines operating out of London airports.
17. The people: London is known for its friendly and welcoming people, and there’s a real sense of community in many parts of the city.
18. The architecture: London is home to a huge range of architectural styles, from medieval churches to ultra-modern skyscrapers.
19. The weather: Although it’s not always sunny, London’s weather is relatively mild compared to other parts of the UK, making it a great place to live all year round.
20. The King’s Coronation coming this May 🙂

Cons to living in London in 2023

1. High Cost of Living: London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, with high rent prices, food and other necessities. I have just checked and right as we talk (March 2023) a single ensuite in the Nash House is £1200/month and is almost literally a shoe box. Now if you’re on the minimalist part of your life, that might be ok for a while, however in the long term you’ll need to own more than 2 pair of shoes and 3 T-shirts.
2. Housing: Not only that is expensive, but It can be difficult to find housing in London, and many people live in small apartments or shared houses. London’s housing market is notoriously competitive, and finding affordable accommodation can be a challenge.
3. Traffic and pollution: London is a busy city, and this can lead to traffic congestion and air pollution. Driving can be time-consuming experience, and if you need to go through Zone 1 there is a tax you have to pay.
4. Crowded: London is a densely populated city, and this can make it feel crowded and busy at times. Definitely, London is not the ideal city to be in when a pandemic starts.
5. Crowded public transportation: London’s public transportation system, while extensive, can often be overcrowded and uncomfortable.
6. Pollution: London suffers from high levels of air pollution, which can adversely affect health, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.
7. Noise pollution: London can be a noisy city, particularly in central areas, which can contribute to sleep disturbances and stress.
8. Lack of outdoor space: London is a densely populated city, and finding green spaces to relax in can be difficult.
9. Crime rates: London has higher crime rates than many other cities in the UK, particularly for violent crimes.
10. High levels of inequality: Like many large cities, London has a high level of inequality, with significant disparities in wealth and life chances.
11. Lack of community spirit: London’s large size and transient population can make it difficult to develop a sense of community, particularly in more urban areas.
12. Long working hours: London’s working culture can be intense, with long hours and a high level of work-related stress.
13. Lack of social mobility: Despite its reputation as a melting pot of different cultures, London can be a difficult place for people from more disadvantaged backgrounds to progress in their careers.
14. Pressure to conform: Like any big city, London can be a place where people feel pressure to conform to social expectations and trends.
15. Difficulties for disabled people: London’s infrastructure can make it difficult for disabled people to get around, particularly in older buildings or on public transportation.
16. High levels of competition: With so many people living and working in London, the competition for jobs and opportunities can be fierce.
17. Difficulty establishing relationships: The transient nature of London’s population can make it tough to establish close and lasting relationships. In a city as big as London, it’s not uncommon for people to feel socially isolated and disconnected from their communities.
18. High stress levels: The hustle and bustle of London can be exhilarating, but it can also be stressful, particularly for those who thrive on peace and quiet.
19. Commuting times: Many people who work in London have long commutes, which can be draining and time-consuming.
20. Pressure to keep up appearances: In London, there can be pressure to keep up with the latest fashion and lifestyle trends, which can be expensive and contribute to a culture of materialism.