Best things about living in London

in this post - some of the best reasons to live in London

Best things about life in London

8 million people.  From all over the world.  In one big crazy city.
It's an amazing place like no other on the planet, and having lived here now three plus years, we can appreciate the qualities that make London truly unique, truly wonderful.

1.  London is a very liveable city because of its efficient transport system and multitude of green spaces.  Yes, it's confined, and you'll find yourself living in a much smaller space than in most parts of the USA, but the underground will take you almost anywhere and there is usually a green space within your reach that will allow you to breathe in some fresh air and feel like you can escape the city pressures.

2.  The variety of activities, events and businesses reflects the strengths that London has in the areas of the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transport.  If you get bored in this city, you clearly haven't left your flat.

3.  The diversity of people, foods, architecture

The world seems to converge in London.  Every kind of food from around the globe is available.  You will meet people from every corner of the world.  And you can be walking in London, looking at the White Tower in the Tower of London, which dates back to the 1000's, and at the same time view The Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe, just completed in 2013.  

4.  No need for a gym!  

Your own two feet will get you most places in London, and your waistline will thank you.  Heavily obese people are are rarity in this city.  You must be active to get around and navigate this great place.

5.  The Eurostar

Want to go to Paris?  Done - you can be there in a couple of hours!

Prefer to visit Belgium?  Again, you're there in a couple of hours.

And no airport security!

And you arrive right in the centre of your destination city.  No airport shuttle needed!

6.  The supermarket groceries - fresh fresh fresh and no preservatives

You've made your grocery run, now you're set for the week, right?  Wrong.  Most grocery items will expire within days of purchase.  The availability and variety of fresh foods far surpasses the nasty canned, frozen and preservative bursting food supply in the USA.

7.  The museums

The museums in London house some of the most amazing ancient artifacts, modern works and everything in between.  Best of all, most of the museums are free.  The British Museum, The Tate Modern, The National Gallery, and the Victoria&Albert are among the most visited.

8.  Transportation - the tube and buses

The tube is a bit pricey, but it is clean, safe, and the fastest way to get around London if you're traveling more than 1km.  The buses are a bit slow, but you get a lovely view during your travel, and sometimes it can be faster than the tube if the bus is direct.

9.  The climate - mild, moist

Many people complain about the London weather.  True - it is wet, chilly and often gusty.  However, it is mild.  It's never too hot (rarely) and never too cold (rarely).  The moisture means my skin is rarely dry and cracking.  As long as you've got a good raincoat and a gust-proof umbrella, you'll be happy!

10.  It's easy to travel all over Europe and beyond

With EasyJet's affordable prices and Heathrow nearby, the opportunities to explore beyond England beckon.  Only four hours or so to Northern Africa, Scandinavia; and a day flight to the Middle East...the sky is the limit, truly.  Now getting to those airports can be a hassle...but once you're there, the choices of destinations around the world are endless.

11.  Mobile phones are cheap 

You can get a mobile phone for as little at 10 US dollars and get a pay as you go plan so that you only pay when you use it.  We found out such great deals are not available in the USA.  Of course iphones and high-end smart phones are still very expensive, but plans are cheaper, and better!

12.  Shopping for everyone

You'll find it all in London.  From high-end luxury goods to dirt-cheap sweatshop goods.  You can shop in charity stores and department stores and unique boutiques, all in one day.  

13.  The theatre

Theatre is for everyone in Britain.  It's not considered fancy, and you'll see every kind of person at any given show.  Tickets are more affordable than in the USA, and the variety of shows is outstanding.  

14.  There are green spaces around every corner - the parks 

In one of the world's busiest cities, there is pollution, sometimes just too many people and crowds, and you may want to escape to the countryside!  Lucky for you, you are probably not far from a nice green park space - some of which have amazing forests and trails and a real out-of-the-city feeling.  Parts of Hyde park seem curiously removed from central London.  Head up to Hampstead Heath, and you're quickly engulfed in the forest and lost among the trails.

15.  The BBC
I secretly credit the BBC for the high intelligence of the general public in Britain.  You really can't turn on your radio or television and not tune into a BBC station.  No nasty commercials, just the real deal news, great shows, in-depth programs, and all kinds of music.

honorable mentions:
the PUBS
the MARKETS

Oh London, we will miss you....you've been quite good to us....