Moving to London is a big step and can be challenging. It’s also an exciting prospect. Life in a big city opens up a plethora of opportunities with no end of things to do. If you want to experience a bustling, social and multi-cultural lifestyle, then London may be the perfect place. However, if you want to be based in London but away from the center, Teddington may be a better choice. It’s thought to be one of the happiest places to live in the country, so what should you know about living in this area?
Housing
Living in central London is appealing but costly. House prices and rents are higher than anywhere else in the country, so it isn’t surprising why many people opt to live on the outskirts. Living outside the center gives you the best of both worlds: cheaper house prices combined with accessibility.
Teddington is an appealing location, and house prices are the cheapest in southwest London. It’s a popular choice for families and has a large offering of housing from brand new homes and renovated Victorian premises to luxury flats and houses overlooking the river. House prices tend to stay consistent with little increase, making it a stable option for home buyers. There are also lots of places available for renters. Renting is a good choice if you want to take some time deciding on the right home to invest in.
Location/travel
Perhaps the most appealing feature of living in Teddington is its riverside location and village atmosphere. You could easily forget you’re in London and be seduced by its charm, pretty streets, and green landscape. It’s great for family life and has parks and green spaces galore.
The Thames is right on the doorstep and an idyllic version of it. The Thames, at its best, can be found in Teddington. If the UK is blessed with a long spell of dry, hot weather, you can head down for a picnic by the river and cool off in its calm waters. What’s not to like?
One of the conveniences of living in Teddington is the ease of travel. If you work in central London, a bus journey is a mere 35-minute commute. Heathrow is a stone’s throw away too. For 24 hour travel and personalized service, you can find a company, such as premierminicabs.com, which provides a taxi service for a variety of needs day or night, a great choice after a night open on the town of a swift journey to the airport.
Teddington is close to major motorways such as the M25 and M4, making it easy to get away for weekends or longer road trips.
Entertainment
When it comes to entertainment Teddington has lots on offer. The large green spaces attract wildlife you wouldn’t see in the built-up areas of central London. It’s not unusual, during quieter times, to see deer roaming around the park, making a great adventure with the family. You could also head over the footbridge to the Landmark Arts Centre to enjoy festivals, concerts, and other summer events.
If you love history, there are several stately homes you can visit, such as Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham with its amazing architecture and landscaped gardens. A rare treat for the eyes.
The riverside location is home to several rowing and canoeing clubs if you’re a watersports enthusiast. After messing about on the river and building an appetite, you can choose from a variety of restaurants that cater to all needs and friendly pubs with a friendly community spirit.
With easy access to central London, you can hop on the train or grab a taxi and head to the Westend to enjoy a theater show or look around some of the attractions the city has on offer. Wander around Hyde Park, head to the Zoo, or if you’re passionate about history, book a tour around the British Museum for a day of artifacts, mummies, and bones.
Perhaps the main reason why people relocate to Teddington is the opportunity to work in central London. London pay scales are higher than elsewhere in the UK, with the average earning around £41,000 PA. Of course, wages are counteracted by the high living costs in London, which is why settling on the outskirts is a tactical choice. Earning a Central London wage while enjoying the benefits of cheaper living on the outskirts means there is more money in your pocket at the end of the month.
Part of the reason for higher wages is that London has a higher number of skilled workers than anywhere else, so if you have high-quality skills to offer, you could be enjoying higher than average earnings. Having said that, London will always offer more money for the same job in different towns or cities.
Community
Teddington is known for its community spirit and is a determining factor in families relocating here. A shared love of the outdoors brings people together, and it’s not hard to make new friends whilst enjoying everything Teddington has to offer. There are many independent shops, and supporting local businesses is important to the residents. It’s easy to get on first name terms contributing to a feeling of belonging.
Many enjoy a daily walk along the Thames with the dog or running and cycling, which is a great catalyst for making new friends and establishing connections.
There are lots of good schools to choose from that are accessible and local. You can check out the government website for schools and talk to long-term residents for recommendations.
You can also find social clubs and leisure centers that offer a variety of classes and functions to help connect with the local community. The local council is planning a new community hub to bring people together and provide a space to use for social and business purposes to support locals.
There’s no doubt relocating to the lovely town of Teddington has many advantages. It’s cost-effective, pretty, friendly and accessible and the people are great too. It’s time to start searching for the right home, packing those boxes, and looking forward to your new life. You won’t regret it!
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