It’s easy to see why so many young professionals seek to build a career for themselves in London. There are countless boroughs and suburbs, all offering a slightly different combination of attributes. On top of that, there are more opportunities here than anywhere else in the country.
If you’re looking to build a new life here, then you’ll want to choose a location based on your priorities. But exactly what factors should we weigh when making this decision? Let’s take a look at a few of the more important ones.
Neighbourhoods with Good Commutes
If you’re working in the centre of London, or in a different part of the city to the one you’re living in, then having good access to public transport is critical. In fact, being able to jump on a tube, bus, or train might make your private life easier, too.
A good commute doesn’t necessarily just mean a short one – but the two are undoubtedly linked. A short commute might help to save you time and energy, and ultimately justify the price you might pay in higher rents. For example, you might commute from Clapham to Canary Wharf in a matter of minutes.
Neighbourhoods with a Social Scene
For young people, living in the city isn’t just a matter of finding a good job that pays well. It’s also about finding time for the local culture, and social opportunities. Certain parts of the city, like Shoreditch, Brixton, and Camden, offer excellent nightlife. There are clubs, restaurants, and all-hours gyms – all of which might allow you to network with other people, and to lead a fulfilling life outside of work.
Neighbourhoods with Green Space and Balance
If you spend your time forever surrounded by concrete, then you might find that life becomes drab and depressing. Fortunately, there are massive, sprawling areas of parkland to consider. In Clapham, there’s the famous Common; in Hampstead, there’s the Heath; in Greenwich, you’ll find just one of eight royal parks, with a history that dates back to Roman occupation of Britain.
Through these green spaces, and others, you’ll be able to attain that elusive sense of balance that’s so important to those living in a big city.
Finding the Right Apartment
London, thankfully, is packed with properties of every shape and size. Thus, it’s easy to find something that suits your needs and budget – especially if you’re willing to commute from out of town.
There are apartments to rent in London that might fit the needs of a city trader; there are townhouses that might work for an up-and-coming artist.
When deciding where to live, you’ll want to develop a clear view of your priorities, and think about how far your budget can stretch, once you factor in other costs.
