After months of lockdown in London, with its raucous neighbours and sky-high rents, I made a life-altering decision to leave the capital for good. Having lived there for about three years, I had reached my breaking point with the constant noise, chaos, and grime that seemed ever-present. Before the pandemic, London was a vibrant hub of activity, with bustling eateries, packed pubs, and coffee shops filled with commuters each morning. It was the perfect place for late-night adventures, culinary discoveries, and socialising with friends.
The Turning Point: Lockdown and a New Perspective
When lockdown hit, everything changed. Like many others, I became disenchanted with the city. The once-bustling metropolis fell silent, and we were confined indoors to avoid COVID-19. Unable to see friends or family, with only daily trips to the supermarket and local park, I found myself reassessing my priorities. While I once enjoyed bar-hopping and staying out until dawn, I began to yearn for open spaces, stunning coastal views, and fresh air—three things London sorely lacked.
Even as cafes and restaurants reopened for takeaway, London's allure had faded for me. So, I took a drastic step and relocated to Deal, a charming seaside town in Kent that I had only visited once before. This move brought unexpected financial benefits: leaving my one-bedroom flat in South East London for a property twice the size in Deal saved me £275 a month on rent alone.
Three Reasons I'll Never Return to London
The Cost: A Financial Drain
In London, it can feel like breathing costs 10p a minute. Cash seemed to vanish from my bank account, making saving incredibly difficult. While I could have cut back on takeaway coffees, meals out, and dining, these are integral parts of the London lifestyle. A night out with friends could easily turn into a £100 evening when including transport costs.
I loved the variety of restaurants in London, such as trying Eritrean cuisine for the first time, but the endless options were sometimes overwhelming. Public transport also caught many off guard financially; my daily commute cost around £10, quickly adding up. Now, working mostly from home in Deal, I walk everywhere, saving significant money as most shops, cafés, and restaurants are minutes away.
The Noise: An Overwhelming Hush
I hadn't realised how noisy London was until I left. The perpetual hum of sound—from the Overground at the bottom of my garden to distant sirens and neighbours' chatter—became normalised. Moving away, I was astonished by the silence. In Deal's town centre, there's occasional noise pollution, but nothing compared to London. My main complaint now is seagulls squawking on my roof in early summer hours.
The Scenery: Seaside Serenity
For me, nothing beats seaside views. Raised on the Dorset coastline, that bright blue horizon feels like home. London has its stunning vistas, like the view from Blythe Hill Fields towards iconic skyscrapers, but after years, I longed for the beach, ocean, and crisp air. No matter how many parks I explored in London, the atmosphere always felt dense and polluted.
Embracing Coastal Life
Everyone predicted I'd regret moving to the coast, but it remains one of my best decisions. Yes, there are drawbacks: summer brings holidaymakers, fewer facilities, and friends are further away. Yet, I'd accept all that over living in London. The lower costs, peaceful environment, and beautiful scenery have transformed my life for the better.
