This past year has made many Londoners crave a more affordable way of life with lower living costs and a less hectic lifestyle. Here at Burke & Wills, we’ve seen a huge increase in London clients who are looking to relocate up north.
Here are the top 3 northern cities Londoners are relocating to, and why they’re so popular:
1. Leeds
Leeds is very appealing because it has that vibrant city culture but is much smaller, greener and more people-friendly than London.
It is packed with shops, art galleries, cafés, bars and museums, but instead of using public transport you can walk to pretty much anywhere in the city within 30 minutes.
It also has lots of parks and green space for unwinding, socialising and exercising. If you love nature, you can be in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales within 45 minutes.
Leeds also has great connections to London, getting you to King’s Cross in about 2 ½ hours.
2. Manchester
Manchester has all the hustle and bustle of London, but with a distinctly independent, multicultural, forward-thinking feel.
The city has a rich industrial heritage that you can see in its canals and architecture, and this coupled with its creative, artistic energy gives the city a lovely balance of old and new.
For the music lovers among you, the Manchester Arena is a major venue for the biggest names in music, or if football’s your thing then there’s the Old Trafford stadium.
If you like walking, you have the beautiful Peak District National Park right on your doorstep.
You’ll enjoy a much lower cost of living than in London, and getting around is easy with the city’s affordable network of buses and trams.
3. York
For those looking for a step back from big city life, York is a popular option for relocating.
This charming cathedral city has a lovely olde-worlde feel, with cobbled streets and world-renowned medieval and Gothic architecture. It’s small enough to have a friendly, relaxed feel, while still having all the amenities you need within walking distance or a short drive.
House prices and living costs are a fair bit higher in York than in other northern cities, but they are still a lot lower than in London. In fact, it’s a great option for people who need to travel back and forth from London, as you can be at King’s Cross within just 2 hours.
If you’re thinking of moving to Leeds, Manchester or York, call Burke & Wills today to see how we make moving up north hassle-free.