I’m considering a move from New York to London. I’ve lived in New York for almost 6 years and do love many aspects of the city. I have a great friend group and am a 2 hour flight from most family.
I’ve always wanted to live abroad and would like to take the chance while I’m still young (I’m 28). My company is dual headquarter in NYC and London and I currently have a US salary of $200,000.
Some reasons I’m thinking about leaving:
Dating culture - NYC dating culture is terrible and few seem open to committed relationships as there as so many options and many people seem interested in non-monogamy. I’m not sure how different this is in London. Im a lesbian so I’d be curious about the dating scene from your perspective, gay or straight.
Cost - New York is obviously incredibly expensive for housing costs even though I have a high salary. To have an apartment with decent amenities you have to pay a lot, which I do. Healthcare costs are still quite high despite having insurance. Im not sure if I would be taking a pay cut if I moved, but I know my salary would go very far in London.
Pace of Life - New York is very loud and busy. It is hard to find a moment of quiet once you leave your home.
Travel - I want to travel the world and it is very expensive and cumbersome to do so from New York.
Some reasons I’d be hesitant to leave:
Friends and Family - I have some friends in London who are well connected socially and I know I wouldn’t be totally alone, but is it easy to make friends in London? I’m very social and like the social atmosphere in New York.
Pace of Life - I wonder if London would be too slow for me. Keep in mind, after living in New York I find even San Francisco, LA, and Chicago incredibly slow and boring.
Dating culture - is it just as shitty as NYC?
Any advice or insights appreciated. Thank you all!
Horses for courses I guess. It really comes down to a person’s expectations and tailoring their night out in London. Whereas in NYC where essentially every nighttime establishment closes as 4am. In London it really comes down to type of place and location.
Pubs can be anywhere from 11pm to 2am. Bars anywhere from 12am to 3am. Clubs almost always go from 4am to 6am (and sometimes longer). In London you just have to do a bit more homework but I find the club scene better while the late night cocktail lounge bar scene to be lacking.
Yeah, totally. I love to club but it started to grate on me that the only late night option is to go to the club. Or one of the stray pubs with a late liquor license.