Are you wondering how to choose the best place to live in London?
Finding a new home may be a daunting task. Especially, if you’re looking for a property in London as the city comprises a wide array of different districts and neighbourhoods, each with its own character and atmosphere. However, on platforms such as https://korter.co.uk/, you can find new homes for sale and filter them by area, which will save you plenty of time.
Living in a community of like-minded people helps you feel secure and comfortable, and it’s definitely worth the search.
How to Choose the Best Place to Live in London – Things to Take Into Account
There are plenty of aspects that can help you make a choice. Some of them are practical, while others mostly deal with emotional matters.
To choose the right area, take into consideration the following:
- Crime rates: It’s important to feel safe in the area you live in. Before choosing your future neighbourhood, check it via the Metropolitan Police’s online service that shows you all the crimes that have occurred in London and maps them to locations. To get a better understanding of the neighbourhood’s state, you can visit it and see for yourself what it feels like living there. As the atmosphere may vary depending on the time of day, it’s better to take several trips.
- Schools: If you have or plan on having children, you should make sure that the area of your choice offers good schools. The Department for Education’s school league tables lets you check their performance in comparison to other educational institutions in the region.
- Amenities: Check the area’s map for other local amenities, such as supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, and hospitals. People often underestimate the importance of having green spaces nearby, make sure that there are some parks or gardens within close proximity.
- Transport connections: Do you need to commute? Is the area well linked? Since London is sprawled across a huge area of land, public transport can be your lifesaver.
- Flood risk: The Environment Agency helps you check what areas of the city are at risk of flooding as extreme weather becomes more frequent due to climate change.
- Council tax: Council tax rates vary depending on the borough of London you live in. Check the current rates before purchasing a property.
- New developments: The Government’s Planning Portal lets you see if there are any upcoming developments in the area. They may have a huge impact on the neighbourhood’s attractiveness.
- Work: There are plenty of commuters, who prefer living in the atmosphere of peace and quiet while working in the bustling city centre. Are you ready to commute regularly, or would you like to live within walking distance of your office?
- Family and friends: Is it important for you to live within close proximity of your friends and family? Some people consider it a higher priority than others.
- Flight paths: A flying plane isn’t the most subtle thing. Make sure that you won’t be woken by the noise of a flying aircraft at the crack of dawn. Although if you travel a lot by plane and there is good sound insulation, you could even benefit from living next to an airport.
- Busy roads and railway lines: Before you make your choice, don’t forget to visit the area at different times of day and see if there are any busy roads or railway lines that cause too much noise and inconvenience.
How to Choose the Best Place to Live in London – more to consider
London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Almost 9 million people call the capital their home. Although it’s easier to use specific criteria to find your future neighbourhood, don’t forget to listen to your heart as well, no matter how cheesy this may sound. If an area makes you feel like you belong, perhaps, it is the right one.
How to Choose the Best Place to Live in London is a feature post
