Comments on: Guest Post: Best Places for Americans to Live in London – American Expat Areas of London

By: Ursula Clarke

Ursula Clarke — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:26:51 +0000

You should read the comment 5 messages above. Noor. Born and bred Londoner

By: Antoinette R. Banks

Antoinette R. Banks — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:03:35 +0000

HI Everyone!!

I currently work for a network that will extend its office in 2013-2014. I have the option of relocating to either London or New York and I chose London! ((hooray!))

I’m a little nervous, I’ll have a steady job…good income, I know they’ll most likely put the offices in Central London.

…I’m 25 and a single parent and I’m looking for a good family friendly neighborhood, good schools, activities, and of course good food. Obviously security is a must for me. I’m used to taking care of myself and have lived in some sketchy places, but I really would love to feel some “comfort.” I’m taking the time now to put things in order for my daughter before I make the move…so I would LOVE and welcome your advice.

By: Ursula Clarke

Ursula Clarke — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:59:47 +0000

I do believe Americans might be able to get American pancakes in England. However, in England they are called Scotch pancakes. Supermarkets should even have mixes for these. Cafes might serve this kind of pancake too.

By: Sophie

Sophie — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:50:02 +0000

Hi Jennifer,

I’m moving to London (from nyc) with two young children, and I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed with choosing a neighborhood. It’s so tough to move with kids, so I’m hoping to do it right the first time. Just wanted to thank you for this wonderful review of the Wandsworth area, which sounds like the perfect place for us! Do you by any chance have a realtor recommendation for the area?

By: jonathan

jonathan — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:53:34 +0000

Hi Eric - For Visa's I would get in touch with Migra & Co: http://migraco.com. For Flat rental I would get in touch with London Relocation Services: http://londonrelocationservices.com Cheers, Jonathan

By: Ed

Ed — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:34:36 +0000

Hello:

My wife and I have talked (countless times) about moving to London. We get on Google Earth, read online articles, pin point places in every continent and always zoom back in on London. I understand the process is so complicated for Americans since everyone seems to have a not so hard time getting in.

Can someone point me in the right way to get to planning and make the move? We are not afraid of moving at all, we have traveled all over the world and keep coming back to London (we will be there again in 2wks)

This is what I need assistance with…

1. Planning
2. Permits/Visas
3. Work opportunities
4. Flat rental (within London or Surrey)
5. Moving my home-based consulting biz

Please advise. Thanks

By: kyrsten

kyrsten — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:42:48 +0000

hey there, im a 25 year old female from toronto canada. Iv been looking into moving to london for some time now, but im trying to find the best area that would suit me. I am a graduate from an art school and i like easy going people and night life. Im not into the whole posh rich scene, but i want to find an area of london that is still someone close to central london. any tips would be great!
thanks

By: Whitney

Whitney — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 23:49:10 +0000

What about Canary Wharf? Is this a nice place to live. I’m looking for a place I can escape to in during the summer months until I have to go back to the states from fall until the start of summer. I really want a place with great public transportation, shopping and eateries. Is Canary Wharf a friendly, safe place to live?

By: Noor

Noor — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:09:14 +0000

Hi everyone,

I’m a born and bred london girl and I think I can offer some good advice. All the areas mentioned in the article are SO expensive even by london standards! For young people/students etc I would recommend camden (where I grew up and am still here!) Which is a very edgy and cool area with a very very active night life and music scene (mainly indie/rock music) but its also good because its still close to more posh areas like hampstead and primrose hill. I’d also recommend hackney (east london) which is also edgy cool and cheap to live – good place to live if you’re really into fashion and modern urban art. For families I’d say primrose hill – v pretty, charming, stunning boutiques and cute shops, great resturants and of course the hill itself which offers a stunning view of london. Also hampstead is great for pretty much the same reasons. I’d also recommend highgate and muswell hill which are v family orientated areas. In response to those of you asking about local clubs, yoga places, kids activities you can do etc one of the greatest things about london is that literally ANYWHERE you live you will have access to these kind of things, so I’d find an area you like and I guarentee whatever yoga class etc will be very near you and easily acessed. Generally you might get a bit of culture shock when you come here – we are notoriousely ‘unfriendly’ – I’ll say this in our defence, we are an urban city and we do have problems and londoners are cynical by nature for the most part but I promise if you ever go into a pub you’ll be well looked after and welcomed as one of our own. London is a great place to live and you’ll enjoy it if you love experiencing different cultures as we’re a very diverse city – no place for racists here thank god! Hope that’s been a wee bit helpful x

By: Richard Kane

Richard Kane — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:05:04 +0000

Hello Ms. Charles,
My name is Richard, and I was wondering if I may ask you a few questions. I am an American who is interested in moving to London. I saw that you are looking for Americans for a pilot. Now, I’m not necessarily interested in being in front of the camera, but i do have some background in set building and grip work. My significant other has a magna cum laude degree in visual communications from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. What positions are you looking to fill?

Thanks for your time

By: Joelma

Joelma — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:34:49 +0000

Hi there, I live in Kensington area for 7 years, and I really love. I am Brazilian though, but I love americans, and anything to do with America, can’t live in America just yet because am stuck with a phd in London and can’t really live and work in america… I noticed that there are a lot of Americans in this area… and they seem happy, always with big family playing with thier kids around Holland Park.
I would love to spend some time there, since I hear good things about Manhattan and someone mentioned Kensington is more expensive, i was wondering if there would be more affordable if I wanted spend six months out there? Thanks

By: Amelie

Amelie — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:22:57 +0000

Chiswick, in west London, is a green, affluent, really family-friendly area. Chiswick boasts many shops and restaurants, good schools (both state and private) and quick and easy links both to the West End and Heathrow.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:57:51 +0000

My husband and I have lived in London for 6 years and in that time we’ve had flats in Clapham, Balham, Hampstead, Notting Hill, Marylebone, Ladbroke Grove, and Highgate. We’ve finally decided to buy a home in Wandsworth – super kid-friendly (its been nicknamed Nappy Valley) with the great boutique high street (Northcote road), small Whole Foods in Battersea, and great schools in between two big parks. I would say that if you want a neighborhood feel and can afford a great big rent, Hampstead is the place to go. But it is full of Americans. If you can afford slightly less rent and want a more non-expat feel, south London, especially Wandsworth area, is the way to go….its kind of the like the Brooklyn of London. Richmond is also lovely, but its pretty far out there. For those who have families, avoid the typical “urban hip” spots like Notting Hill and Chelsea/Kensignton. Beautiful areas, but its more Manhattan with skyhigh rents and younger singles.

By: Find a Hood

Find a Hood — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 07:27:20 +0000

http://www.findahood.com is a good website for you. You tell it from what you want from an area and it will find a place that matches your requirements. At the moment it only finds property in London but this looks like this is what you need.

By: Cynthia Charles

Cynthia Charles — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:45:11 +0000

Hello Everyone,

I work for Renegade Pictures and about to shoot a pilot show for BBC America. I am desperate for some good American contributors.

The show will be a rich mix of British History and the Paranormal.

If anybody is interested, or knows anyone who may be, please contact me asap on the numbers below or by email. I’ll be in the office until late.

Please note this is not a hoax, please feel free to check out the website for Renegade Pictures. http://www.renegadepictues.co.uk .

Thank you

Cynthia Charles
Tel: 0207 449 3293
Mobile: 0753 8466757

By: Cynthia Charles

Cynthia Charles — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:39:58 +0000

Dear Teri,

I work for Renegade Pictures and we are about to shoot a pilot programme for BBC America. The show will be a rich mix of British History and the Paranormal.

If you are interested in more information and having a quck chat, please contact me on the numbers below or by email.

Regards

Cynthia Charles
Tel: 020 7449 3293
07538 466757

By: Ann

Ann — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 02:13:47 +0000

My husband, 2-year old son, and I are heading to London for a work assignment. We’re not necessarily interested in finding housing in an expat community, nor are we avoiding it. We are seeking a flat in a safe, kid-friendly neighborhood–green space, conveniently located markets/farmer’s market, etc. . . No car, so walking and tube stations are key. For us, our year plus will be an adventure and one filled with exploration and CULTURE! My husband’s office is located on the West side so travel to and from work is a consideration for him. Thoughts??
Added bonus: close to some yoga studios and a preschool for our little guy as well.

By: Teri

Teri — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:52:40 +0000

The neighborhoods listed are the most expensive areas! Geez! I lived in Camden town. I’m a poor graduate student and stayed in a nice area in a nice flat in Camden town. Not that expensive, trendy, very centrally located.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Sat, 28 May 2011 14:43:03 +0000

What part of the city would you recommend for a family with three kids? It has to be a bigger place, at least a 4bdr/2bth. We homeschool for now, so don’t care much about quality of local schools and definately don’t need an American school neaby, but we do need a half-day preschool for a 3 y.o. Plus an easy access to kids activities: swimming, gymnastics, chess club, a playground or two. We DO NOT need any American stores, but Russian, Ukrainian or Polish would be nice.

By: Claire

Claire — Tue, 17 May 2011 14:05:27 +0000

Rachel, I’d suggest south east London. I’ve lived there a long time. Perhaps head to Bermondsey, which is slowly becoming more artsy but it’s laid back and great for easy living. It’s very close to the city, but far away enough to feel peaceful. Great cafe and bar scene on Bermondsey street! Plus you’re right in the middle of the edgier East London and South London areas which are great for going out in the reggae/rasta scene.

By: Claire

Claire — Tue, 17 May 2011 14:01:38 +0000

This made me laugh – my friend married an American and they immediately moved from Bermondsey to Notting Hill! I also used to walk as a dog walker there; every client was American, all of them in Kensington/Notting Hill. And whenever I walked around I’d hear so many American accents! But then a lot of Americans who move to London do so for work, and why WOULDN’T you choose to live in Notting Hill? Also, you can find common London areas for all nationalities – I’m Australian and I know most of my fellow countrymen head to Clapham and Shepherds Bush when they come to London. Not me though – I’d rather live in the mini-America of Notting Hill… at least there I can understand the appeal!

By: Tessa

Tessa — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 23:24:52 +0000

I’m British but work for an American company in central London. Most of our staff are from the US, and from what I know the majority of them reside south of the river. Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Barnes, Putney. Family orientated towns with independently owned shops and boutiques alongside generic high street chains. Although they’re not that close to central London (about 25 mins by train), and not as trendy as NH or Islington, there are numerous parks and commons, great restaurants, and schools. Wimbledon Village is were the tennis stars live during the tennis tournament in July. Houses in this area are in the millions.

Rachel: With regards to the rasta/reggae scene, check out this site http://www.universityofdub.com/

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:52:11 +0000

I would rather hear from locals… where should a young 30yr old couple move to? We are not stuck up Americans… the opposite as a matter of fact. I am looking for warm friendly people and my boyfriend is looking for the Ratsa / Reggae scene… any suggestions?

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:50:12 +0000

No Fulham Broadway? I’m from the US and that’s where I ended up. Right outside Chelsea – just as nice and much more affordable. Tons of young people and easy access to central London.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 01:19:36 +0000

My sentiments exactly. I’m from Chicago, born and raised in Hyde Park. I am NOT looking for replicas of Chicago neighborhoods in London…at all! So all of these places I’ll be sure to stay very very far away from, especially considering that these are the most expensive places also.

Maybe you could do a guide for those more frugal American Expats looking for lots of diversity, hmm?