Want some information on the different parts of London (UK)

TheInsane · #1 04-09-2008, 02:48 PM

As the topic says I would like some information on the different parts of London (north, soth, east, west, central). Which parts are seen as the best, which parts are most poor, which are most posh. Stuff like that. I've been thinking of moving to England even though my first reason for wanting it doesnt exist anymore (a relationship to a woman - of coure) Im still looking to eventually move. So I'd appreciate some general info and comments that may relate to my interests. Im not all set on London either (the originl plan was Birmingham since she lives there) but thats out of the question now.

misrule · #2 04-09-2008, 03:01 PM

Hmm, London's a big place and it's hard to generalise.

Much of west London (Chelsea, Mayfair and so on) is super-expensive, the east is generally poorer, further north and south are mixed (places like Islington and Wimbledon are a mixture, some posh, some not).

I'd tend to look at the property and surrounding area before making a decision. Most people warn you to avoid Hackney (in the east) but I lived there for a few years and really liked it.

If I were you, I'd visit and have a good look around.

Oh, and the best bass shop is in Camden (north west-ish). You could get a nice place in trendy Kensington or Hampstead nearby, if you're loaded

Cheers

Mark

TheInsane · #3 04-09-2008, 03:05 PM

Yeah, this is not something I will do this year but sometime in the future and I usually dont give in for whims so this is a part of the planning process. I would definately travel to London and have a look around before I decide.

I wanted comments just like yours. Just general stuff on what people think about different parts. Im probably looking at not living in the poorest areas but I wont be able to afford anything expensive either so...

**bassybill** · #4 04-09-2008, 04:19 PM

Try the "Rough Guide To London" guide book.

Wait... you say there a recently single girl on the rebound in my town just now who's into bass players?

Brummie · #5 04-09-2008, 04:57 PM

Ealing is quite nice, I can be in the centre of town in 25 mins. There's a broad mix of rich and poor parts but mostly safe if your sensible.
I'm from Birmingham originally and fond of it, you can do a lot in a small area on a Saturday night up town.
Let us know if you need more info on either place.
cheers
Col

Mark Latimour · #6 04-09-2008, 05:04 PM

I live in Shoreditch in the East. Its the coolest place to live, no doubt, for one very good reason. Bruce Lindfield would never live here.

Seriously, I am on my way to sleep, but I will try and post a better summary in the morning. Where you live is pretty much going to be determined by three things:

1. How much money you have;

2. What sort of "scene" are you into;

3. Where you friends live.

To recommend good spots for you to live in London, I would need to know a little bit more about your situation and what sort of "lifestyle" you are looking for.

Brummie · #7 04-09-2008, 05:08 PM

That looks like you have East and West London covered, Just the North and South to go.
Cheers

TheInsane · #8 04-09-2008, 10:32 PM

Ok my situation right now isnt anything special really. Im a worker, a mailman (in sweden that is), got my own appartment, doesnt live big, doesnt spend loads of money etc. Im a metal head and play in a metal band so if I do move sometime in the future I would want a new band to play with. Thats basically it. So Im not loaded with cash or anything allthough I do own my own home (I do not rent) so I think I will make a win once I sell it.

I welcome an other posts with suggestions on what to look for. I will look at that book you recomended me. I have also planned to buy a book thats called "flytta till england" (translated "move to england") to get some ideas and "support".

On Birmingham I love that town as I've been there alot but I dont think its a good idea to move there when my ex lives there. I just think it inappropriate. In that city I am most familiar with the city centre and northfield.

Then again other cities in England arent out of the question. Im going to coventry in June so I will have a good look around there as well.

Thanks for all replies so far and please keep em coming.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

Wait... you say there a recently single girl on the rebound in my town just now who's into bass players?

Nah, she's not single unfortunately (for me)

MakiSupaStar · #9 04-09-2008, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheInsane

Ok my situation right now isnt anything special really. Im a worker, a mailman (in sweden that is), got my own appartment, doesnt live big, doesnt spend loads of money etc. Im a metal head and play in a metal band so if I do move sometime in the future I would want a new band to play with. Thats basically it. So Im not loaded with cash or anything allthough I do own my own home (I do not rent) so I think I will make a win once I sell it.

I welcome an other posts with suggestions on what to look for. I will look at that book you recomended me. I have also planned to buy a book thats called "flytta till england" (translated "move to england") to get some ideas and "support".

On Birmingham I love that town as I've been there alot but I dont think its a good idea to move there when my ex lives there. I just think it inappropriate. In that city I am most familiar with the city centre and northfield.

Then again other cities in England arent out of the question. Im going to coventry in June so I will have a good look around there as well.

Thanks for all replies so far and please keep em coming.

Nah, she's not single unfortunately (for me)

Coventry is generally pretty run down, but areas outside of Coventry are really nice. My family lives in Allsley. But near Coventry within a 15 - 20 minute drive is Rugby, and not much farther is Warwickshire. Both are cool farming areas. Might be a little slow for a metal head. Personally I dug it. Great pubs.

TheInsane · #10 04-10-2008, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

Coventry is generally pretty run down, but areas outside of Coventry are really nice. My family lives in Allsley. But near Coventry within a 15 - 20 minute drive is Rugby, and not much farther is Warwickshire. Both are cool farming areas. Might be a little slow for a metal head. Personally I dug it. Great pubs.

Im not about going crazy during the weekends so a slow part of town or a slow town isnt out of the question. It would be nice to live near a place with a nice and healthy metal scene though. Easy to go to gigs and to get gigs when I find a band to play with etc.

DrayMiles · #11 04-10-2008, 07:43 AM

do you have your visa/work permit in order?

TheInsane · #12 04-10-2008, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrayMiles

do you have your visa/work permit in order?

I dont think I need one. Both Sweden and the UK are members of the European Union. It shouldnt be that much trouble to move.

TheInsane · #13 04-10-2008, 10:25 PM

Oh, and comments on other cities in England are also welcome as well as suburbs of London and such.

IconBasser · #14 04-10-2008, 10:38 PM

what's wrong with Sweden?

Mark Latimour · #15 04-11-2008, 01:52 AM

Based on your info I would be looking around the Camden / North London area. It has a good metal scene and is a bit more "alternative" than the west and less trendy than the "east". The south is, well, you know, the south.

Baryonyx · #16 04-11-2008, 05:59 AM

You know as soon as you get the UK you'll be calling that girl who dumped you.

Unfortunately for you, she's probably in bed with Phil Mitchell right now!

Jazz Ad · #17 04-11-2008, 06:04 AM

UK is great but you should avoid London if you can. Way too expensive, way too hard to make a living.

Baryonyx · #18 04-11-2008, 06:13 AM

It's not a bad tourist spot but I wouldn't want to try and live there. Not even as a student!

TheInsane · #19 04-11-2008, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IconBasser

what's wrong with Sweden?

Personal reasons. I need to get away and I've been dead set on moving from Sweden for a while now. When my relationship ended (which was why I was going to move in the first place) I gradually realised that I still wanted to move, girl or no girl. And besides if things doesnt work out I can always return but if I never try living anywhere else I will kick myself when I grow older for not trying.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Latimour

Based on your info I would be looking around the Camden / North London area. It has a good metal scene and is a bit more "alternative" than the west and less trendy than the "east". The south is, well, you know, the south.

Cool, I'll look into it. Sounds good. And no I dont know about the south

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

UK is great but you should avoid London if you can. Way too expensive, way too hard to make a living.

What other areas would you suggest?

I do know that people in general make less money in the north of England but I tend to think that the standard is alright anyway.

What about other parts of the UK? Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Cambride, Oxford etc. Just looking for general info and comments. I have been to Liverpool for one night and what I saw of the town I did like but I cant really judge it on what I know now.

hallo · #20 04-11-2008, 07:19 AM

Have to admit, London is extremely expensive to live as is Bristol. I know the girl lives in Brum but why not live by Brum, loads of places around and you can get to pretty much any part of the country quite easily. Brum is a huge city so there isn't much chance you'd bump into here. Tne music scene in brum is slowly starting to take off with many venues offering all types of music, Digbeth is really good for unsigned bands. if money isn't an issue tham Camden Town it is (my favourite place in london), otherwise id looks more northwards where it gets cheaper to live.