London is without doubt one of the world's greatest cities. A true metropolis in every sense of the word, only New York rivals the utter appeal of this much-loved city. Its location puts it central to happenings across the globe, giving it a distinct advantage as a home-base. Of course, this convenient location is probably not the main reason why so many young people from around the world flock to London, but it is one of the many benefits of living in this world-famous capital, even temporarily.
Why Live in London
London has a long and rich history dating back to Roman times, and this heritage is still evident today in the character of the city [1]. The centuries of history can be admired in the lay-out, architecture and distinct neighborhoods found around the city; in fact, this is one of the more appealing aspects of London, that it has preserved its heritage so well. That's not to say that it is not a modern city, because by all standards it is absolutely one of the more engaging modern capitals in the world today.
London is an incredibly diverse and cosmopolitan city with high energy, an infinite number of places worth visiting and numerous fun activities to try out, plenty of wide, open green spaces for getting close to nature, and a sort of community feel – a unique and intriguing combination that makes living there, even for a short while, a truly exciting and unforgettable experience.
One of the best things about London is that it offers myriad living options to suit every lifestyle and most budgets. London is essentially a conglomeration of villages, each one with its own unique character and residents, and each one offering a distinct living experience. Although it has a reputation as an expensive city – and never more so than when it comes to finding a place to live – if you're smart and look for options in the right areas, it is absolutely doable to live within the city limits.
Where to Live in London
For the most part, young people tend to avoid the central neighborhoods in Zone 1. Not only are the areas of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and the City of London itself prime tourist stomping grounds, but the cost of living there is extremely high. Instead, young professionals prefer to head out to the surrounding neighborhoods – whether it be north or south of the river depends upon personal preference – in Zones 2 and 3, which still provide easy access into the city center but are much more likely to be affordable and have a more local feel.
The information website Stuck in London, has some good suggestions that would suit young professionals, including the following:
- Clapham, a diverse neighborhood south of the Thames that attracts young people due to its energetic High Street, the huge open space of Clapham Common and its convenient transport links such as Clapham Junction, the busiest railway station in Britain.
- Camden Town, in the central part of the large and diverse borough of Camden, known for its rich literary history, its music and fashion scene. Camden Town has a reputation for being a gritty, edgier sort of area but it's location just north of central London makes it very convenient.
- Putney, a leafy and charming neighborhood in Southwest London that sits just by the river, is "ideal for those who like a little peace and quiet with their city lifestyle" [2], although lack of good Tube service presents a challenge.
- Sheperd's Bush, a multicultural area in West London with a large antipodean contingent, that is conveniently located for access to central London and offers decent accommodation for good prices. Sheperd's Bush is a bit more run-down than surrounding neighborhoods but can be fun.
- Wimbeldon, famous for the annual tennis championships that take place there every summer, has a lot more to offer, beginning with excellent transport links. It is a large neighborhood with plenty of parkland, lively communities, and a wide variety of accommodation options.
- Islington/Angel, a popular area in North London that is also worth considering. Known for its fashionable thoroughfare, Upper Street, "which is lined from one end to the other with popular pubs, bars and restaurants" [3], as well as trendy boutiques and the charming Regent's Canal, Isington can get a little pricey due to its proximity to central London.
For young professionals looking to enjoy the incomparable experience of being a London resident, even for a short while, there are numerous living options that will provide them with the opportunity to experience everything this world-class city has to offer.
Sources:
[1] Lambert, Tim. "A Brief History of London, England" (accessed June 8, 2010).
[2] Leach, Tim. "Living in Putney" (accessed July 8, 2010).
[3] Moove2London, April 6, 2010 (accessed July 8, 2010).
Camila Castro - I belong to that transitory, growing community often known as "global nomads". I am a third-culture kid that was born in South America, ...
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