Are you getting ready to leave California and move abroad? Even though it seems like a daunting task, relocating overseas can have a positive impact on you and your family. But, before you start packing your bags, you should know everything about moving from Los Angeles to London. We will share the benefits of residing in the Big Smoke and how to execute the move.
You might be asking yourself – is moving to London worth it? Well, when you decide to swap sunny California for a vibrant and diverse city like London, you have to know all the potential benefits of relocating to one of the best European cities. As an American, you will find it outstanding that in the UK’s capital, there is public health care, lower living costs, an exciting cultural scene, stunning architecture, and an efficient bike-sharing system.
Explore the Benefits of Moving From Los Angeles to London
Moving overseas is a huge step. Sometimes people have doubts and second thoughts about their decision. What if you regret going through with the move. Instead of relocating to the UK, you could have chosen to move to another country. A thousand questions can blur the positive sides of residing in one of the most modern and diverse cities in the world. But, we are here to help you overcome this negative self-talk. We will share with you the reasons for moving from LA to London. Let’s dive in.
Cost of Living in the Big Smoke Is Lower Than in LA
If you are coming from Los Angeles, moving into a new home and settling down won’t seem like a challenging task. Rent prices in the UK’s capital are 16% lower than in LA. For instance, in case you are looking for a one-bedroom apartment in downtown, the expected price in the Big Smoke is 2,200 dollars per month, whereas the same apartment in Downtown LA is 2,500 dollars.
Also, restaurant and grocery prices are lower. A meal for two persons in a restaurant would cost you about 85 dollars, and going for a pint of beer can be about 8 dollars. If you want to compare other consumer prices, feel free to visit the Numbeo website, where you can get more information about these two cities.
Bear in mind that when you finally start living overseas, you will have to convert your dollars into pounds sterling. Ensure that you do this on time and that you choose the best money transfer service.
Among the Pros of Moving to the Big Smoke Is the Great Healthcare System
Healthcare in the UK is considered to be top-quality. The UK’s capital ranks third worldwide when it comes to the overall cost of healthcare, infrastructure, and access. Everyone relies upon the state-funded system called the National Health Service. Medical care is provided for free to anyone who needs it. So, it is reassuring to know you are moving internationally to a country where healthcare is top-notch.
The system is high-quality and well-thought-out. However, if you want free hospital treatment, you must be a resident. This means that you have to live in the UK on a lawful and property-settled basis.
With an Oyster Card, You Can Use the London’s Incredible Public Transportation
The Big Smoke is famous for its oldest underground metro network. Even though it is the oldest in the world, the Tube is the most efficient way to get around the city. There is no more need to wait for hours in LA traffic jams; with a simple Oyster card (used to pay for public transportation at a lower price,) you can go wherever you want in record time. Tube stations can easily be recognized because there is an Underground logo, and some lines go every minute so that you won’t lose precious time.
Other modes of transportation include the Overground, the Docklands Light Railway, the bus, rail services, tram, and river boats. Perhaps you would be most interested in riding the double-decker buses. They are the national symbol of England and the staple of the public transport network. Bear in mind that bus fares are cheaper, and with an Oyster card, you could pay just two dollars (1.65 GBP).
Experience Stunning Architecture and Visit the Most Popular Museums Alone or With a Guide
One thing is for sure; you will live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The endless historical architecture, modern museums, and galleries along the Thames make the metropolis unique and unforgettable. From Buckingham Palace to the Westminster Abbey, you will be amazed by the incredible architecture and impressive buildings.
There are more art galleries and museums in the Big Smoke than in LA. What you should do after the move is visit some of the most significant museums and galleries for free because Londoners want art and education to be as accessible as possible. Some of the most popular museums you can visit for free – the Natural History Museum, the Royal Academy of Arts, the British Museum, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery.
Unconventional as It Sounds, London’s Food Scene Is One of the Best Worldwide
You might have already asked yourself – Will I be able to adjust to the new country’s cuisine at all? You might think that only in LA you can have the top-tier pizzas, strawberry donuts, and French dip sandwiches. This only means that you are still thinking that British cuisine is nothing special. But you couldn’t be more wrong. What if we told you that, other than Paris, the Big Smoke has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Is this a coincidence? We think not.
The food scene is diverse and unique. Thanks to many ethnic groups that have made Big Smoke their home, one can try dishes from every part of the globe. Those interested in exquisite and top-tier restaurants should go to Soho, but for people who love street food, Camden is the place to be. If you are a chef who is on the lookout for fresh and incredible ingredients, make sure to go to the Borough Market.
Here is a video that provides more information about the restaurant you should visit when relocating to London.
How to Prepare For Your Move? First, You Need a Relocation Checklist
So, can Americans just move to London? The answer is a definitive yes; they can freely opt for relocating to the Big Smoke. But, in order for the move across the world to be successful, a relocation checklist is required. There are important tasks you should first write down on a piece of paper or type out so nothing can be forgotten. At first glance, it might seem that having a checklist is redundant, but international moves are complex, and writing all down will help you make fewer relocation mistakes. Here is what you need to include in your checklist:
- Hiring reputable movers,
- Prepare a relocation budget,
- Gather important documents for traveling abroad,
- Purchase packing supplies,
- Decide what to pack when moving abroad,
- Find a job,
- Look for accommodation.
Americans Require a Visa for Living in the UK – Apply for Your Visa on Time
The first thing you should cross off your to-do list is the task of getting a visa. Anyone can travel to the UK and stay for a period of time. But, without a visa, no one can permanently move to the Big Smoke. So, ensure that you apply as soon as you decide to move.
Research different types of visas before applying. There are work visas, family visas, and student visas. Get more information on how long you can stay in the country with a particular visa. It should be emphasized that without a visa, one can stay in the country for six months at the most.
Try to Find a Job Before the Relocation
Even though becoming a Londoner is less expensive than living in Los Angeles, you will have to earn a monthly salary to live comfortably. So, it would be wise to start your search for employment even before relocating to the new city.
Start your search by registering with job websites such as Indeed, Total Jobs, and Monster. Prepare your CV and upload it to the website so you can send it to employers on the website. An excellent way to search for placements is to check the Numbeo website, where you can find any type of job worldwide. Another great relocation tip is to check with the company you already work with if they have a branch in the UK. They can have use from having someone from their staff in a branch overseas.
Hire Trustworthy International Movers
If you are wondering is it hard to move to the UK from America, one thing is for sure, without an international moving company, it would be difficult to pull off a proper move. The ideal way to hire reputable London movers is to take some time and conduct proper research before investing in international moving by sea.
The place to start is the Internet. Check the websites and reviews of companies you are interested in. Make sure that they provide packing services, relocation insurance, and overseas vehicle shipping services. A helpful piece of advice is to ask your friends and coworkers for advice and recommendations.
Reach out to at least three different companies before selecting one. This will give you an opportunity to ask any questions, request in-home estimates, and determine the overall moving cost from LA to London. Never settle for the cheapest offer. The least expensive offers are a warning sign for relocation scams. Choose the overseas moving company you feel most confident in that offers the best services.
Request Storage Units If You Don’t Want Movers to Transport Everything
Before settling down in the Big Smoke, it’s important to try to see whether relocating to this beautiful European city is the best thing for you. Everyone has their own preferences, so the only one who can really answer the question of is it better to live in LA or London is you.
Therefore, if you have too many belongings that you won’t be shipping overseas, invest in storage services. Leaving some of your things in a safe storage unit will make a move easier. Moreover, the movers will use their high-quality supplies to pack and store your belongings. The units are monitored constantly, so you won’t have to worry about being robbed.
Choose the Area You Will Be Living In
You can choose to live in various areas in the Big Smoke. If you are relocating on a tight budget, it is better to choose neighborhoods that are on the outskirts of the city. For instance, the most affordable apartments can be found in Southgate and Holloway and Leyton and Stratford (located in East London) and South Norwood in the southeast part of the metropolis. Even though these parts are not close to the downtown, you will have access to public transportation and, with it, a link to any part of the capital.
Pay Attention to Safety Rating When Choosing a Place to Live In
Is Los Angeles safer than London? It is true that LA is one of the safest metropolises in the world and usually ranks higher than Big Smoke in terms of safety. However, many areas in the UK’s capital have a very low crime rate, so when choosing a place to live, you can opt for areas such as Redbridge, Hillington, Kingston upon Thames, Sutton, and Richmond upon Thames. Rent prices might be a bit more costly, but the safety, as well as beauty of these areas, is worth the splurge.
Now, Are You Ready to Leave LA?
Even though LA is a vibrant and interesting metropolis, relocating to the Big Smoke, the hub of outstanding architecture, history, and art, will be an adventure of a lifetime. The benefits of residing in the home of Big Ben offer something completely different from life in California. Start packing for your move abroad if you are ready to experience an exciting cultural scene and the best cuisine. Make sure to hire a reputable overseas shipping company and find a job and appropriate accommodation. And once you’re all set for the move, we wish you luck.
