10 Reasons Why London is the Best City in the World to Live in

There’s truly something irresistible about life in London.

Last year, research showed 34% of movers wanted to move out of London, against 54% who wanted to remain in the city.

Now, with interest in London apartments, flats and second homes booming, the most important things on every house-hunter's list include private outside space, like a garden or balcony, and proximity to green space.

Fortunately, London has it all!

“Most London property experts agree, the mass exodus everyone was talking about last year didn’t really happen. Right now, interest in apartments, first-time properties and second homes in London is booming.

At Douglas & Gordon, we’ve seen a 34% increase in enquiries for properties in London, with areas like Battersea, Clapham and Notting Hill most in-demand right now. Online activity mirrors this interest, and in January 2022 online searches for ‘buy a house in London’ were up 51% compared to last year.” - Gary Howorth, Area Director, Douglas & Gordon

10 reasons why London is one of the best cities in the world to live in

It’s the most diverse city in the UK

More than 950 million people call London home. Around 37% of people currently living in the capital were born outside the UK, making it home to a staggering number of diverse nationalities and ethnicities, with some estimates putting the number of different languages spoken at more than 300 – more than any other metropolis. This makes London one of the world’s cultural capitals.

History in London extends over 2000 years

It is showcased through iconic architecture, museums and galleries that are largely free to attend. Some of the most visited London attractions include the Tate Modern in Southwark, the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, the National Gallery in Westminster and Southbank Centre.

Read: Fascinating finds that remind us why we love London boroughs

It’s home to some of the best schools and universities in the country

Imperial, UCL and LSE rank highly on international leader boards, and there are a total of 40 higher education institutions in London (excluding foreign universities with London branches). There are 427 Ofsted Outstanding Schools in London, more than in any other city in the UK.

London is the most connected city in the UK

Whether streaming Netflix or working from home, London is the place to be. Ranking 1^st on the list of the Most Connected Cities, London boasts the best overall stats when it comes to strong Wi-Fi and broadband. There are around 698 people per hotspot in the capital, fewer than most of the UK’s largest cities.

Transport in London is world-class

London ranks second in the world for the quality of its transport system, outranked only by Singapore but ahead of Stockholm, Hong Kong, Paris and New York. No matter where you are in London, every district is easily accessible via overground trains, airport transfers, buses, trams, the DLR and, of course, the London Underground.

It’s the nation’s favourite city

According to YouGov data, London is in the top three most popular cities in the UK, ranking 1st on the list for millennials – one of the fastest-growing segments of property buyers.

There is green space everywhere

Around 47% of London is green space, and 60% is classified as open space, which means you can get your fix of fresh air and nature easily. There are around 3,000 parks across London’s boroughs, and there are plans to make more than 50% of the city green by 2050.

Job opportunities are endless

With over half of the UK's FTSE companies and over 100 of Europe's largest businesses having their headquarters in central London, the capital is a massive talent hub. It is also one of the most entrepreneurial cities in the country, with over *200,000 new businesses launched in London in 2021.

It’s the best place to socialise

London is a great place to work, but it’s also the perfect place to relax with friends. There are about 40 pubs per 100,000 people in London, which is just slightly lower than the national average of 58 pubs per 100,000 people. With restaurants, theatres, galleries, parks, gigs and traditional British pubs to be found on every corner, there’s no shortage of places to socialise.

London is one of the safest cities to live in

London is home to the highest number of police officers in the country and is ranked as the 4^th safest city in the UK to live in alone or with family. There are also plenty of pet-friendly properties for your companion animals.

Demand for property in London is on the rise

The city offers something for everyone, from characterful period homes to stylish, contemporary new builds. Whether you’re looking for a London apartment or family home, D&G can help with 60 years of experience working across London.

*Data from the MediaVision Companies House Dashboard