Where to Live in London as an American Expat | L'Essenziale (2024)

Moving to the UK? It is easy to see why many Americans make the move across the pond as the UK has so much to offer, especially when it comes to London. London is one of the most iconic cities in the world filled with tourist attractions, cultural highlights, great food and drink, history and much more. Deciding where to live in London can be daunting, especially if you have never been, as it is split up into different areas. This post will look at the main areas that would be good places for an expat to live so that you can find somewhere and arrangeshipping of your belongings from the US to the UK.

West London

Generally speaking,West London is known to be an affluent region in the capitalhome to museums, luxury shopping, galleries and a Royal Palace. Upmarket places like Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and South Kensington are where you will find the rich and the famous, but there are some more affordable places in this region. Areas like Fulham, Putney and Hammersmith are all worth looking at.

Where to Live in London as an American Expat | L'Essenziale (2)

North London

North London is a popular area to live in the capital as it can be more affordable and quieter than other areas. North London tends to have a more liberal, laidback feel to it and there aremany attractions here, including Camden Market, Regent’s Canal and Hampstead Heath along with some of the best green spaces. A few places worth looking at in terms of living include Islington, Camden and Finsbury Park.

East London

These days, East London is considered to be diverse, vibrant and artistic and this can make it a great place to live as an expat. There are also areas in East London that can be more affordable than other areas, but there are also some trendy and expensive areas like Shoreditch. A few of the best places to live in East London include Canary Wharf, Bethnal Green, Hackney and Walthamstow.

Where to Live in London as an American Expat | L'Essenziale (3)

South London

South London is another lively area that has many affordable neighborhoods with easy access to the centre, including Brixton, Clapham and Greenwich. In terms of the best places to live, Crystal Palace, Forest Hill and Battersea are all worth looking into.

Hopefully, this post will give you an idea of what London is like and how each area has its own distinct character and personality. There are great places to live all over the capital, but it is helpful to know what each region is like and what some of the more popular neighborhoods are before you start looking.

Where to Live in London as an American Expat | L'Essenziale (2024)

FAQs

Where do most Americans live in London? ›

Which postcodes do Americans moving to London tend to favour, and why? UA St John's Wood is a high-value part of town, so many Americans look at nearby Swiss Cottage or West Hampstead. Egham and Cobham in Surrey are popular for a more suburban lifestyle.

Where do most American expats live in UK? ›

The largest single local cluster of Americans in the UK recorded by the 2001 UK Census was in Mildenhall in North-West Suffolk—the site of RAF Mildenhall and nearby RAF Lakenheath. This is because of the legacy of the Cold War and NATO cooperation. 17.28% of Mildenhall's population were born in the United States.

Is London expat friendly? ›

Friendly, welcoming, hugely diverse, and full of stuff to do, it's pretty easy to feel at home in England's capital city. Expat life in London is fantastic, and it's of course one of the best places to live in the UK.

Can I live in London as a US citizen? ›

Americans hoping to move to the UK will need to obtain a visa. The most common type of visas are the UK work visa and family visas.

Is it cheaper to live in London than the US? ›

Data shows that the cost of living is 0.49% lower in the UK than the US. This difference is even greater in cities that are expensive to live in. New York City and London are generally considered the most expensive places to live in the UK and the US.

Is it easy for an American to move to London? ›

Moving to London as an American can be relatively straightforward, thanks to strong US-UK relations and a common language. However, ease of relocation can vary depending on factors such as visa type, job prospects, and housing availability. Planning and research are key to a smooth transition.

Is it worth moving to UK from USA? ›

The odds are that you'll have a fantastic time working in the UK. The country was ranked 3rd in the world for best places to work in 2023 – namely because of its job market. In August of the same year, the employment rate was 75.7%.

Do US citizens living in UK pay US taxes? ›

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen or a resident alien living outside the United States, your worldwide income is subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where you live. However, you may qualify for certain foreign earned income exclusions and/or foreign income tax credits.

Can I retire to England from USA? ›

Although the UK government recently closed its retirement visa program, it's still possible to retire in the UK through other visa types. Here's how to do so and how to weigh the financial implications of retiring outside the United States. A financial advisor can help you plan for retirement, wherever it may take you.

What is the average expat salary in London? ›

The HSBC Expat Explorer Survey reports that expats in London are earning slightly higher at USD 107,900 versus the global average of USD 99,900. However, this varies greatly from expat to expat as not all relocation packages are the same.

What is a comfortable salary to live in London? ›

The cost of living in the city, particularly housing and transportation expenses, tends to be higher compared to other regions in the UK. Taking into account these factors, a salary range of £50,000 to £60,000 per year can be considered a good salary that allows for a comfortable standard of living in London.

Can I move to England from USA without a job? ›

Yes, Americans can move to the UK without a job if they're eligible for a student visa, ancestry visa, or spousal visa. A lot of the other jobless visas are mainly eligible for Commonwealth nations, so the US isn't included, but there are definitely ways for US citizens to move to the UK without a job.

Can I rent an apartment in London as an American? ›

You'll need your passport. Make sure it's valid because you'll have to show it as proof of your identity and nationality. You'll need a visa or a residence permit that allows you to stay in the UK legally. It is essential for any foreigner planning to get several weeks' rent.

How hard is it to get a job in London as an American? ›

While the competition for many jobs remains high, with the right experience, language skills, qualifications and professional attributes, you will find that finding a job in the UK is more than achievable.

Where do Americans go in London? ›

Their continued love affair with our British monarchy is evident through the dominant visitor numbers we see at royal attractions. The American pass holders take top spot at London's most regal of residences, such as Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace.

Where do American families live in London? ›

10 Best London Neighborhoods for Families
  • Richmond. Located in the South West of the city, the neighborhood of Richmond is one of Lonon's most affluent residential areas. ...
  • Maida Vale / St John's Wood. ...
  • Chiswick. ...
  • Stoke Newington. ...
  • Hampstead. ...
  • Notting Hill. ...
  • Kensington. ...
  • Primrose Hill.
Feb 17, 2021

Where can I find Americans in London? ›

Here are a few suggestions:
  • American-themed bars and restaurants: London has a variety of establishments that cater to American cuisine and culture. ...
  • Expat communities and social groups: London has a vibrant expat community, including various American social groups and organizations.
May 17, 2023

Which US city is London most like? ›

Boston, Massachusetts

New England holds on to many of its roots as an early home to British settlers, and it shows.

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