Leaving London? Some Things to Ease the Pain…

London.

A city where people have flocked to make their new home, whether seeking a fortune like Dick Whittington (a real person surprisingly, he came here in the 1300’s and really did become Mayor) or an immigrant escaping poverty or persecution abroad, London has been a global melting pot pretty much since Romans decided they liked the place after sailing up The Thames in AD43.

And what a melting pot it is. The global influence reflected in every aspect of its culture. Over 250 languages are spoken making it the most diverse in the world, cuisine rivals the best in the home country, from classic French to rival Paris to street food that shows Bangkok how it’s done, free museums, medieval streets, Regency terraces, ancient cathedrals, cosy pubs, skyscrapers, royalty, six Premiership clubs, government, statues, parks, the greatest hotels, music, theatre. The love letter that can be written to London is endless.

But there comes a time, whether it is a job move, family commitment or just seeking a slower pace in life, when London must be bid a sad farewell, it’s on to pastures new.

Not easy, there’s a lot to miss about London. But you knew that already right?

We know what’s good, but what about the positives of leaving London to relocate and your 9 million close neighbours?

We’ve put together a list to make the move an easier, more positive experience.

1.     Hit the beach. London is 42 miles from Southend beach, 54 from Brighton. Clear your head, get some fresh air, sun and ozone. Wherever you move to in the UK, chances are you’ll be closer to the beach than you were before.

2.     And breathe. Central London is one of the most polluted places in the UK, thanks to traffic, population density and its famous high buildings. Moving away will likely increase health and a feeling of well-being.

3.     Live longer. Statistically you’ll grab an extra 6 years of life outside the capital. Goes against the famous quote “when you are tired of London you are tired of life!”

4.     London drives you crazy! With an average traffic speed of just over 5MPH, London drivers waste 227 hours a year in jams. What could you do in that saved time?

5.     Its criminal! With 98 crimes per 1000 people, you are nearly twice as likely to be a victim in the capital compared with say, the West Country.

6.     Hello sunshine. You’ll see more sun on the south coast than in the city, especially when you factor in the filtering effects of pollution.

7.     Get some space. The average UK home is around 85sqm, in central London 55% are less than 70sqm.

8.     Spending power. You’ll pay over £20,000 per sqm in central London, which drops to just £2500 in a place like Worthing in West Sussex so its x8 the space for the same price!

So there are some benefits if you look hard enough. And yet, as you will likely be thinking, there is nowhere quite like London. Just remember, you can always move back!

Thanks to Worthing based property buying company House Buy Fast, and Director Jonathan Rolande for sharing these statistics with the general public!