Living In London As An American (Expat Advice)

It’s not easy to get bored in London.

This is one of the most exciting cities in all of Europe and continues to be seen as the heartbeat of England.

People come to London from all walks of life and that’s what makes it special. It’s a melting pot of cultures and offers a vibrant atmosphere that’s ideal during all times of the year.

You will fall in love with it if you are coming from America. Living in London as an American can be a lot of fun as long as you are aware of what you’re getting into.

Those with a plan are going to have a wonderful time in London.

This guide will take a look at moving to London as an American, the advantages of living in London as an expat, and how to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

Benefits Of Living In London

Diverse Community

This is one of the first things you are going to notice and appreciate about London.

There are people from all communities here. You can find almost anyone based on your heritage and background.

This is appealing to those who are looking to find a connecting point when moving to a new country. It is not just about the expats here but also the local communities with different cultures.

This is what makes London a welcoming place to stay in.

It is a bustling city and there is always something going on here. If you are looking to have fun, you are in the right city.

Loads Of Attractions

The attractions here are commonly cited as one of the reasons people like to travel to London.

However, in this case, we have to look at it from the perspective of someone moving to London from America. When that is the case, you are still going to want to enjoy the attractions and historic sights in London.

There are numerous sights and each one is dripping with history.

When you live here, you can slowly take your time to see all of them. This also includes sights in other cities close to London as it is quite easy to use the transportation system to get to them.

Vibrant Culture

The culture is exceptional in London and that’s what makes it attractive as a place to live.

Imagine being able to go to Chinatown one day and then stop over to an Indian restaurant before looking at a local farmers’ market.

Everything is happening nearby and you are going to enjoy being able to pick and choose how you experience London.

This is a part of the vibrant culture and you are going to fit right in here.

Good Healthcare System

The healthcare system is world-class in London.

The best medical professionals work here and the medical setup has been refined over the years. Healthcare is also free, which ensures people can stay healthy when they are settling in and/or beginning to age.

You want to move to a place that will keep you safe over the long haul.

If that is a requirement, London is a good place to be. It is going to offer world-class healthcare throughout your life.

This is useful for those who want to make sure they’re safe in London and can think about other things rather than medical bills.

Best Places To Live In London

Putney

Putney is a remarkable place in London and is home to a vibrant community. Its calm streets, welcoming nature, and general beauty is what make it a charming part of London.

For those who want to be in a city that’s going to allow them to explore a bit and still feel welcomed, you will want to put Putney at the top of your list.

This is a gorgeous area and one that is going to allow you to enjoy your time in London.

Camden

Camden is close to St.Pancras, which is a station in London and it continues to be cited as one of the most authentic neighborhoods in London right now.

It is packed with things to do whether it’s heading out to the market, cafes, or local eateries. There are numerous options and you are going to fall in love with your time here as soon as you settle in.

Camden offers remarkable beauty and it is also a safe place to live in.

A lot of people also come to Camden for sightseeing. This is due to the hills nearby, which allow you to see parts of London that you would otherwise miss.

North Greenwich

North Greenwich is a delightful part of London and is a great addition to this list.

London is an area that is well-regarded for being a top-tier area that is continually developing. A lot of money is being spent on construction in the area, which is ensuring it is becoming highly modernized with each passing day.

You are going to access top-tier restaurants, retail units, and more here. Everything is going to be accessible and that’s what makes it charming as a place to live in.

Tips For Living In London As An Expat

Get An Oyster Card

A good place to start is going to be getting your transportation needs in order.

How are you going to do this?

You will want to begin with the Oyster Card. The Oyster Card is going to make it easier to travel using the local transportation system while ensuring it’s affordable. This is a good deal for those who don’t have a vehicle and are going to be relying on this system over time.

Most people get the card and then have the cap set up to make sure they can use it without having to buy tickets each time.

This is going to save you quite a bit of money the more you use the system.

Open A Bank Account Right Away

It is also recommended to take the time to open a bank account as soon as you move to London.

A lot of people will do this immediately.

What are you going to need to open a bank account in London?

You should look to bring your proof of residence (i.e. bill) and passport. You might be requested to offer a credit card statement by the banking institution too depending on the situation at hand. If you have an existing bank account, this is a good step to take as it will save you a lot of time.

Explore The City

We highly recommend taking the time to explore the city.

When you move to London as an American, this does not mean you are going to want to ignore some of the touristy aspects of the city.

Take the time to pretend you are a tourist in London and see what the area has to offer. It’s a great way to settle in, learn more about the city, and just have a good time.

Network With The Expats In London

The expat community is massive in London.

Americans living in London are common and they are going to be spread throughout the city. Wherever you go, you are going to find expats.

This is appealing to those who want to network with them and find like-minded people. You will get the chance to learn about what works, what to look out for, and how to settle in.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity if you get the time to join a network such as this one.

Final Thoughts

Living in London as an American is a great decision.

It’s a vibrant, diverse city that’s well-regarded for being one of the most important first-world cities on the planet.

It is home to people from all walks of life, offers top-grade amenities, and a living standard that’s as high as you would want it to be.

Those who wish to live in a vibrant place will want to take a look at London.

We also recommend reading our guides on living in Spain, residing in Ireland, and living in Portugal.