Young Londoners feel the city has become more unsafe, more expensive, and offers fewer opportunities for career progress, according to new research. Two in five young adults are likely to leave London in the next five years due to crime levels, stalling career opportunities, and high rental costs.
Quality of Life Decline
A report from the London Heritage Quarter suggests that 18 to 30-year-olds are experiencing a sharp decline in their quality of life. Some young Londoners describe life in the capital as a matter of 'survival' rather than opportunity. The research, conducted by Public First, found that a third of this age group expects to leave London within the next two years, equating to around 600,000 people, and 800,000 in the next five years.
Cost of Living Crisis
The report states that young Londoners 'feel the city has become too expensive to live in, too hard to get ahead in, and for many, too unsafe.' 81 per cent say the city is more costly than expected, while 61 per cent believe the cost of living has worsened since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Career Prospects Stalling
Ambitious youngsters are questioning whether moving to London is worth it for their careers. Two in five lower earners—those earning under £30,000 a year—say prospects have worsened in the last five years. Employers, hit by increases in National Insurance contributions, have less money to hire young people, leaving many 'stuck in lower-paid roles for longer.'
Remote Work and Crime
The rise of remote and hybrid working has prompted half of young adults surveyed to say they would be more open to living outside the city while working within the capital. Crime is also a major factor, particularly for young women. Overall, 51 per cent say the city feels less safe than in 2021, and almost four in five have been affected by crime in some way.
London's Magnetism Remains
Despite these challenges, London has not lost its 'magnetism' for young people. 38 per cent of 18 to 30-year-olds living outside the capital say they are somewhat or very likely to move into the city in the next two years. However, the increasing population churn suggests young Londoners are unlikely to use the capital as anything more than a stepping stone before moving back out.
Call for Action
Ruth Duston OBE, Chief Executive of London Heritage Quarter, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'City Hall has a critical role to play in making London a place where young people can build a life, not just start a career. Our research shows the biggest pressure is housing. Rents have risen sharply, and many young Londoners feel the cost of living is far higher than they expected. If we want to retain talent, we need to see more homes delivered at scale.'
She added: 'From a business perspective, this is about London's workforce. If young people can't afford to stay, or don't feel confident about living here long term, employers will find it harder to recruit and retain the talent they need. London's future success depends on keeping young talent.'
The Mayor of London declined to comment.
