27.06.2023

Thinking of Moving Out of London?

There’s a reason London is the UK’s capital city. Around every corner, every street, every stop on the tube, there’s a host of things to do, see and eat, but for some people, it’s time for a change. Whether it’s to find a place more within your budget, to look for more space, to raise a family, or to get away from the hustle and bustle, there are a number of factors for why moving out of London is the right (or wrong) decision. 

Should I move out of London?

Like a lot of big decisions in life, the first question is: should I do it? Weighing up the pros and cons of any major decision is an important step before taking the leap, so here are a few reasons behind why moving out of London might be the right thing for you. 

Improved quality of life

London is teeming with people, noise, energy, but that’s not always something you want to face in your day-to-day life. Sometimes moving away from the cluster to somewhere with less congestion (and pollution as a result) is just the ticket. 

Lower cost of living

We won’t beat around the bush and say London isn’t expensive – it’s one of the most expensive places to live in the UK. So if you want your monthly budget to stretch, it’ll be worth setting your sights further afield. 

Access to more green spaces

Home to some fantastic parks, London isn’t devoid of green spaces. But, if you’d like to have access to a little less grey and a little more green, it’s time to think about what type of spaces suit your lifestyle best – including a garden, if that’s your thing. 

Slower pace of life

One of the best things about London is its endless flow of energy. There’s always something to do, always people to see, new things to experience, events to attend, food to try, and places to drink at. While this works for some people, for others – whether it’s pure preference or a different life stage – you’d rather start taking things slow. 

What to consider before leaving London

Uprooting and moving is a big decision, so feeling nervous or uncertain is okay. As well as the pros and cons, it’s good to consider how you’ll meet your needs and sort your core necessities. Here are a few things to ask yourself.

Will I have to leave my job? 

On top of a big move, the thought of taking up a new job may send you into shivers. The great thing is London is highly commutable, so pinpointing places to live that are near a train station may take that out of the equation. But, if you’re thinking of moving further afield, thinking about your job prospects and the overall commute are both important factors. 

Will I be near local amenities?

This might not be a game changer for some people, but it’s a good idea to think about what you need to have close by. A local shop for milk and bread. A local GP for any issues. A local school for little ones. Think about how important these are for you to have and you’ll be able to narrow down your search. 

How expensive is the area?

If one of your ‘pros’ to leaving London is the reduced cost of living, the last thing you want to do after moving is to land somewhere just as expensive. Do your research and see how much your mortgage or rent and local taxes will sum up to. 

How will I make friends?

This is a worry everyone faces with any major change. Will you still be able to see your old friends as regularly? What sort of social opportunities will there be? This is why we’re big on building homes and communities. Again, take a look online, and browse some forums and local pages to see what opportunities there are, from football clubs to knitting & natters. 

Where to move out of London

St Neots 

Nestled in the heart of St Neots, our Wintringham development offers an array of one and two-bedroom apartments, and two, three and four-bedroom houses, all within a short walk to the town centre. Enjoy a range of cafés, bars, restaurants and everyday essentials shops a stone’s throw away. And for London commuters it’s an ideal choice, with the train station a 10-minute walk from your front door and the centre of London less than an hour away.

Hertford

Our Granary & Chapel development features one and two bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom houses. Highly accessible to local amenities, and the vibrant town centre less than a mile away, homeowners also have a choice of two train stations within walking distance – each of which will get you into London in under an hour. Making it an excellent base for commuting to London.

Hatfield

At Hatfield East, this modern collection of one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses is only half a mile from the town centre. With plenty to do on your doorstep, including the famous Hatfield House and its beautiful gardens less than a mile away, and lots of shops, events and markets around, you’re spoilt for choice. And with the train station only a 10-minute walk, you can be in London in just over 30 minutes. 

Ensuring a smooth transition

So, you’ve decided that moving out of London suits your needs, you know where you’re moving to and have figured out what will happen for work – now what? Now it’s time to plan. 

Research and planning are your two best friends in the next stage, from figuring out your timeline to researching reputable moving services, figuring out the details is no less important than the main decision. And don’t forget to contact the relevant parties, like your internet, water and gas providers, your TV license provider, your bank, schools, dentists, doctors, and anything else that may slip through the cracks. 

Adjusting to your new location

Although exciting, moving can be a scary, unnerving time for everyone. You may be overwhelmed by the unfamiliarity of the area or worried about settling into the community, but the best thing you can do is to jump right in.  

Make it an adventure. Find your go-to weekend walks as you explore your local area. Challenge yourself to try different places and discover your new favourite café or breakfast place. Research local groups or community events and take part in the things that engage and excite you. 

Most of all, give yourself the time and space you need to feel at home. 

Conclusion

Whether you’ve been thinking about it for a while or it’s only just crossed your mind, choosing whether to move out of London is a tough decision. Even if you don’t know where you’d like to live yet, start by listing down the pros and cons of moving out of London. Then, think about what you need to consider for your desired local area and what amenities you absolutely need within reach. After that, the fun part begins.