I've found so many comments of people complaining about the UK, about cost of living, taxes, weather, crime, etc., is it that bad? I think it is a wonderful place to live since you can earn a lot of money and go to the rest of europe anytime you want! I'm thinking about moving there, yes it is expensive, but still if you earn in pounds you can save a lot probably, would anybody help me to figure out what are the advantages and disadvantages of the UK (specially London, which I have a friend who says it is like heaven)?
2006-10-31 11:24:18 · 11 answers · asked by Masiosare 3 in Travel ➔ United Kingdom ➔ Other - United Kingdom
The cost of living is high, its all very well earning a lot, but rent, mortgages and bills are high too. We dont exactly go to europe anytime we want as again, it costs money. Flights are expensive, a passport costs £70, a lot of places, especially London you have to pay to park outside your own house!
Crime is bad, street crime is bad, London is dirty, congested, high crime rates, and rent or mortgage is very high.
Just because we earn in pounds does not mean we can save a lot. Most people cant even afford to save for a pension, let along trip off to europe anytime.
You need to pay rent, gas, electric, council tax, maybe parking fees, water rates, home insurance, all of which rise in price every year.
I would think long and hard about moving here. It all very well coming for a holiday, but the reality of life is an awful lot different.
2006-10-31 11:40:12 · answer #1 · answered by lozzielaws 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
There is a lot to love about London and also some things to dislike. It's true that the costs are very high and actually the jobs don't pay all that well unless you are in a specialty field. I moved to London from the US and though we made a lot more money in London our general standard of living, in terms of housing size, discretionary income, etc. was lower. But to me it was worth it because I had more of the things that were important--more relaxing lifestyle than the US, more diversity than where I moved from, etc.
The crime is not bad. I hear a lot of people say it is and I guess it depends on where you are moving from. Coming from the US I would say our crime is much higher than in London.
The weather is so-so. In the winter it is very gloomy. The hours of daylight are short and it's often overcast. But in the summer you can get some lovely days and the daylight lasts well into the night, which I love. It's never terribly cold or terribly hot in London except for maybe the odd couple of days in a year. Not like countries where you get extreme hot or cold for months. I don't think the weather is as bad as people say. It's mostly just unpredictable--goes from sunny to rain very quickly so you have to be prepared for changes.
I've lived in 3 different countries (US, Spain and England) and I think London is the greatest place I've ever lived. It has so much to offer.
2006-11-01 00:57:28 · answer #2 · answered by jonahbeast 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Am sure even Mr Bill Gates complains about life some times!
Its Human nature to complain.
True there might be some things not right in UK, with all the talk about expenses and stuff, But I dont think there is a better place.
You only have to get away from The UK to Know how good it is. and thats the way it is in anyenvironment.
We never really like or want what we have but once we dont have it anymore, we realise how good it was!
Imagine having a gf/bf and u complain or they complain every time to a point you are fed up. Wen you split, You realise how good all that was.
So UK is not as bad as the complaints that come from it!@
2006-11-06 06:57:54 · answer #3 · answered by Geolove 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just came back from uk and heard my friend complaining abt the cost of living. I guess the it is really getting out of hand, especially in the city areas. Yes you earn pounds but to save, it depends on how much you earn and spend there, minus away rent and other expenses. But I would say even if I can't really save much I would still go and work there cause it is another experience for me.
2006-10-31 20:17:38 · answer #4 · answered by simplegal 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are really nice cities and villages, of which some I would even say a few of the best in the world I have seen.
There are some parts in London, Manchester, Nottingham with ghetto atmosphere and are rife with crime, gun-related violence, burglaries, mugging and theft. I would not dream if even driving past those areas.
However other areas are fine.
2006-11-04 19:38:09 · answer #5 · answered by Calculus 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have the Pleasure of working in and Out of the U.K.!
My Theory is :
The Weather,Climate,the emphasis on European Union Running things,Stealth taxes (On Nearly Everything),The Fact that it's Illegal to be Patriotic(Without being associated with the Right-Wing Political parties),Drinking in the Streets,Teenage Pregnancies(Highest in Europe-FACT!!!)-It All Adds up to make the Pom Whinge!!
The Differnce is-I DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT AND GOT OUT!!
Great Place to Work and Visit!
2006-10-31 18:47:29 · answer #6 · answered by J. Charles 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It may be exciting if you are a foreigner but after a while living in London it is NOT so great! Its dirty, expensive and your chance of getting attacked is very high. I lived in London for the first11 years of my life and a couple of years when I was in my 20's...Im very happy not to be living there now, but close enough to pop in when I feel like some culture :D
Oh earnings are higher but rent costs are extortionate and many people find the cant afford to live alone they have to flat share...and finding one of those isnt easy!
2006-10-31 11:28:16 · answer #7 · answered by huggz 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
i recently moved to england(south london) from south africa and i have had the time of my life, although i do miss home alot. there are things in eng that home just wont have, like the friends, and the weather! the thing that puts me off about eng most is it is so miserable here, in terms of the weather! it is mostly raining, but when it shines, its great, the transport here is great, its safe, and the people here are interesting as there are so many imigrants. i just dont like the chavs who carry knives and threaten you though. hope i help make your decision easier, if you have more q's, email me at kakvol@yahoo.com
2006-10-31 11:30:05 · answer #8 · answered by Sexy-Sarah 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
my friends are from London. They say it is very hard to obtain a good employment there. Jobs are scarce. This is true not only for London, but for the entire England as well/ (one of my friends is a mechanical engineer)
2006-10-31 15:32:16 · answer #9 · answered by OC 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The weather just makes them gloomy Guses. :(
2006-10-31 11:25:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋