For expats, living in the UK offers several opportunities. It may not have as pleasant weather as southern Europe, but it more than makes up for this with its high standard of living and breathtaking scenery.
Is the UK a good place to live
The United Kingdom is a decent place to live by most objective measures. It provides a higher-than-average sense of community, adequate career and educational prospects, and personal security. You could do much worse if you added a great standard of living and a diverse landscape.
The UK scores higher than average in most categories of quality of life, according to the OECD Better Life Index. Employment rates, environmental quality, and healthcare are all above average. Even though these aren’t the most fascinating, they unquestionably matter when you’re trying to move.
Despite what you may read or see in the news, most people would describe the UK as tolerant. Anti-discrimination laws have you covered in the workplace and your private life, yet actual instances of hostility against others are rare.
If you’re a professional expat, one of the finest places to make a solid living is in the UK. Additionally, its vibrant startup ecosystem is drawing more and more business owners and startups from around the globe.ย
Interesting facts about UK weather and climate
Although it may be overcast and wet across the UK as a whole, if you look at different areas separately, you might discover that things are not as bad as they seem.
Fact 1: London is drier than Rome
On a list of the wettest cities in Europe, Istanbul, Rome, Monaco, Lisbon, Barcelona, and Sofia are all wetter than the capital of the United Kingdom, which is ranked 35th. London receives 557.4 mm of precipitation annually, which is comparable to Valletta, the capital of Malta, which receives 553 mm.
Fact 2: There are some very sunny spots in the country
On average, 1902 hours of sunlight are experienced annually in Bognor Regis, a town and seaside resort in West Sussex on England’s south coast. It’s nothing compared to what Cyprus or Southern Spain receive, but it’s still not bad for a place were whining about the weather is a national pastime.
Fact 3: It can get really hot in the UK in the summer
Some regions can indeed get quite hot. For instance, summer temperatures in Cambridge can reach 35ยฐC to 37ยฐC, while in London they can reach 30ยฐC. It can get downright scorching in Cardiff and a lot of other cities.
The pros and cons of living in the UK
Living in the UK often has more advantages than disadvantages. To acquire a more complete view of life in any nation, it is necessary to balance all aspects before relocating.
The pros:
Here are some of the advantages:
(Mostly) free healthcare
The NHS (National Health Service) previously set the bar for publicly funded, free-at-the-point-of-use healthcare. Although it is going through a difficult time, its service is still free for everyone who is typically a resident of the UK. This essentially means that everyone who is legally residing in the nation, including immigrants, has access to NHS services.
Inexpensive access to mainland Europe
Since the UK is well connected to mainland Europe, you can travel there for a day trip or a prolonged vacation, as desired. Major (and little) airports, the Eurostar, the Eurotunnel, or ferries are your options.
Old-school charm
The UK is known for its classic appeal, especially in its more rural regions. Some of the cuter villages will make you feel right at home if you’re a fan of Downton Abbey or Poldark.
Amazing landscapes
Recall all the rain we talked about. Its lush and diverse surroundings, which range from cliffs and mountains to rolling green plains and sparkling lakes, are one advantage. Many are dotted with amazing historical sites, some of which date back many thousand years. Wales has the most castles in the world, so if you like to see one or two, go there.
The cons
Here are some of the drawbacks:
High cost of living
There’s no use trying to sugarcoat the fact that living expenses are high in the UK. There are significant differences in the cost of living around the UK, and the property market is, to put it bluntly, wildly overvalued. For instance, London has its minimum pay range, which ought to be sufficient to inform you.
Public transport
There are more negative than positive things to say about this, however it doesn’t belong on the list of cons. Trains cost a lot of money and are frequently late. Buses are more dependable and reasonably priced in some places. Your best option for transportation is a car.
Cities vs. countryside
Cities and rural areas differ significantly from one another. Although this is generally true, access to public amenities is a significant one. For instance, access to larger healthcare facilities or adequate internet connections may be more challenging in remote places.
Can expats move legally to the UK?
Your country of origin and reason for moving will have a significant impact on your immigration possibilities to the UK. EU citizens must follow the same procedure as non-EU citizens because the freedom of movement laws no longer apply to EU nations.