Where to live in the UK?

@PhillyJR check spareroom.co.uk, there are lots of houses to be let out there. You can also use the filter option to restrict search results to your desired

@okeoghenetriumph First we need to figure out WHERE to look for someplace to live - which is why I asked nice neighborhoods with good schools that aren't too expensive.

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

The issue you face is that within Greater London, the areas that aren't too expensive are generally not nice places to live.  There is something known as the London Metropolitan Area (link) which is commutable and may have some cheaper homes and decent schools.

My advice would be to do your research around London, find places with a train and or a bus service that would enable you to commute to work, then find an Airbnb in that area and try it out before you spend a lot of money on rent and deposits, only to find out you hate it.

I was born and raised in London, I loved the area of NW London where I was raised, but today, it is a tip that I wouldn't send my worst enemy to.

One other tool that may be useful is the Numbeo website, it has both a cost of living and quality of life index; it's a bit behind the curve in terms of cost capture, but it will certainly give you a good steer on potential places to check out; this link will take you straight to it.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

Expat Team

@Cynic

Thank you for that information. I would be working from home, so no commute for me. But my partner is a boxing instructor so he would need to be able to commute (tube, preferably) to work once he found a position.

    @Cynic
Thank you for that information. I would be working from home, so no commute for me. But my partner is a boxing instructor so he would need to be able to commute (tube, preferably) to work once he found a position.
   

    -@PhillyJR

It begs the question then ................ why London?

When we moved back here 25 years ago, I could have chosen any part of the UK to live in (including the part of London where I was born);  I would be based at home because I had an International regulatory role and the important things then were good access internet and to roads, rail and air travel.  After a great deal of thought we chose North Yorkshire - if only for the amazing scenery and air quality up here, plus the schools were good - our kids thrived and went on to Uni/College.