Choosing the Best Place to Raise a Family in London, England

Of all the places in the world why England? I am London born and have lived here for two thirds of my 60 years. The rest has been in Australia all my youth and Italy. I’d much rather live in either of those countries and I am finally escaping to hopefully live out the rest of my years in Italy.

Living in London

As a Londoner, I am biased towards the capital, but living here is extremely expensive. Unless you’re independently wealthy, or have a very well-paid job, you’ll just be working to survive. Forget about buying a house. Living outside of London will be cheaper but wages are also lower. The further north you go, the worse the weather gets.

Work will be even scarcer if you live outside of a major city and some areas can be hard for foreigners to truly integrate into. You will be tolerated, but not necessarily accepted, at least not immediately.

Why Consider Moving to London

For Americans considering a move to England, there are plenty of obvious positive reasons: we speak English, gun crime and religious fundamentalism are virtually nonexistent, the National Health Service (NHS) offers a good quality of care, food is varied and tasty, there are lots of green spaces, public and excellent music, and cultural activities. The long history of the country is a big draw too.

The Reality of Daily Survival

Despite the positive aspects, the reality of daily survival soon becomes much more challenging. Metaphorically speaking, even if the grass is greener, it probably isn’t. As someone who has moved countries multiple times with a family, there’s never an easy transition. The only way to truly find out is to commit and do it. Remember, if you’re a US citizen, you will be paying taxes in two countries.

Considering a Visa

You need a visa to move to England. You cannot simply go to England and settle without proper documentation. You should be highly trained in a field that is in short supply and much needed in the country. You will not be allowed to take a job from a citizen.

If you fit the criteria, research the options for where to live based on your and your family’s needs. In London, some of the best areas for living are Kensington Palace Garden and Chelsea, both known for their high quality of life for families.

Key Takeaways

1. Budget and find a location that suits your financial situation. 2. Research the area based on your family’s needs. 3. Consider the visa application process and whether you qualify.

By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about where to raise your family in London, ensuring a more positive experience.