Expat Survey: Nearly 90% of Expats in the U.K. Report Loving It There

Expats in the U.K. recently reported their opinions about living there in our survey to help determine the best places to live in 2022.

An amazing 88% of expats in the U.K. who responded to the survey stated that rate themselves as being either Extremely Satisfied or Very Satisfied with the expatriate experience there.

When asked about their entertainment options (movies, concerts, museums, etc.), 82% of expats, retirees and nomads reported that they were either Extremely Satisfied (46%) or Very Satisfied (36%), which is a full 17 percentage points higher than the global average.

As for local dining options, 90% indicated that they were either Extremely Satisfied (42%) or Very Satisfied (50%). That is an amazing 21 percentage points higher than the global average.

Survey respondents were also asked about Local Grocery Shopping options, and 78% of respondents said they were either Extremely Satisfied (41%) or Very Satisfied (37%), and 81% were either Extremely Satisfied (50%) or Very Satisfied (31%) with the local fresh food.

When asked about the quality of their local water, 82% of expats in the U.K. reported being either Extremely Satisfied (47%) or Very Satisfied (28%), which is 7 percentage points higher than the global average of 75%.

Overall, two-thirds of Expats in the U.K. (67%) reported being either Extremely Satisfied (25%) or Very Satisfied (42%) with their social life, and 64% said that they were either Extremely Satisfied (27%) or Very Satisfied (36%) with making friends locally. These numbers are right at the global average.

Here are some direct quotes from Expats in the U.K.

"Londoners are very polite, in general. That said, this politeness can be mistaken for an openness to new friendships and this is seldom the case."

"Re making friends, it's a process. The English are more reserved and are slow to become friends with people they view as temporary residents. That said, once friends, they are very considerate and loyal! Re opportunities for self education and growth, ther e are many opportunities. London offers fantastic theatre, music, dance and museums, gardens, historical buildings and the like. One favorite is Open London, a weekend every autumn when many historical and architectural buildings open to the public."

"Very difficult to meet people."

"It's difficult to meet singles here as everyone seems to have a partner."