Living in England

"Before retiring in England, expats should research the local housing market, cost of living, exchange rate, annual income tax bracket, eligible pension schemes and healthcare options. It is also important to explore visa and residency requirements and investigate whether a UK bank account is necessary. When considering working after retirement, expats should familiarize themselves with the labor laws governing their employment and any other relevant regulations. Lastly, to ensure a smooth transition, expats should embrace the local culture, language and lifestyle," wrote one member in UK.

"Depends from where you are moving.. if its from abroad... English culture is a challenge, it takes a lot of time to make real friends, but once you are in, you are in!!! :)," remarked one expat who made the move to Weston Super Mare.

"Think carefully of what part of the city you would want to live in. Public transport is good but most people drive their own vehicles. Parking is scarce however," explained one expat living in Leeds, UK.

"Join The Leeds Library (private) because the public libraries are not so hot. Hang out in local cafes and you soon meet the regulars. Same goes for pubs. Take classes at Swarthmore or any number of colleges," said one expat who made the move to Leeds.

"There is a BME Black & Minority Forum that meets every tue at lunch time in the Badger center.. it is a good place to start meeting more expats... they have free English classes if needed and have lots of excellent activities... Weston Super Mare is more multicultural than other parts in Somerset. There is an African Shop where I found out plantain and beans :) happy days!!!," explained one expat living in Weston Super Mare, UK.

"From what I've observed is either you're working very hard to make ends meet, or you're with the university as either a student or facilty member, again working very hard. The younger set does play a lot, especially on weekend nights. In fact, they almost take over the streets till about 2am," said one expat who made the move to Cambridge.

"More and more life revolves around work, I would say. And as more people are out at work all day there is less interaction with neighbours," explained one expat living in Leeds, UK.

"Weston Super Mare (WSM) used to be a touristic spot but it has gone down a bit and now they are rebuilding it. It has a new Pier full of attractions, a lovely place to come and spend the day with the family. On the other side, 17% of services for drug addiction are based here so there is an eclectic mix of people here. Live revolves mainly around socializing," mentioned one in Weston Super Mare.

"Crime in England is a major problem, with illegal activities ranging from theft and fraud to drug-related offences. The number of offences reported in England and Wales has increased in recent years, as has the severity of the punishments handed down for those found guilty. Despite the increasing cases of crime, police officers have worked hard to reduce levels of crime and are supported by neighbourhood policing teams and neighbourhood watch initiatives," explained one expat living in UK.

"Religious and racial differences are freely accepted. The dividing lines might run along educational/economic lines more," remarked one expat living in Leeds, UK.

"Overall, Cambridge is a very diverse town culturally, religiously & racially. Most folks get along very well, however, there are -- like most places, some who will cause some trouble. But, this is very minimal in Cambridge. Not like other cities such as Manchester & London. They always have racial attacks in those towns," wrote one member in Cambridge.

"Of course, a personal visit to the school would be in the best interest of any family. Be up front with any concerns you may have about your child. As with all the private schools we interviewed, TASIS offers virtually no special needs programs for kids beyond mild ADD & Dsylexia. Until the corporations realize that their employees face a tremendous hardship in this area and push for these private schools to add special needs to their curriculum, unfortunately, nothing will change. However, TASIS has been very supportive by providing textbooks, counseling and academic guidance to our family which deals with special needs issues," commented one expat when asked about The American School In England in Thorpe.

"The cost of living in England depends on the city and region you live in, however, in the larger cities such as London and Manchester, the average costs are generally quite high. Living costs such as rent, food, and transportation may be more expensive than in other parts of the UK, however, wages and salaries also tend to be higher. Depending on the lifestyle you choose, England can be an expensive place to live, but with careful budgeting, it is possible to enjoy a comfortable life," said one expat who made the move to UK.

"The cost of living in England is relatively high compared to other countries in Europe. The bigger cities such as London tend to have much higher prices than the rest of the country, with bigger price tags on rent, utilities and food. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in England would cost around $1,600 – $2,000 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment will cost around $2,000 – $2,500 USD per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant is also relatively expensive, on average costing around $30 USD for two people," mentioned one expat inUK.

"Rents vary depending on the area, with places notorious for drugs offering lower house costs," commented one expat who moved to Sheffield, UK.

"In England, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, gardens, beaches, and sports facilities. Parks are a popular destination for picnics, walks, and outdoor activities. Gardens are often used for leisurely strolls and admiring the beauty of nature. Beaches are a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Sports facilities are available for a variety of activities, such as tennis, football, and cricket. There are also many cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theatres, which provide entertainment and education," commented one expat living in UK.

"There are lots of parks that have tennis courts, fields, table tennis and facilities for the whole family. There are a couple of swimming pool/ leisure centers throughout the city," remarked one expat living in Sheffield.

"One never knows what the weather in England will bring! Sheffield is hilly, windy and it rains a lot," remarked one expat in Sheffield.

"The weather in England can be quite unpredictable, ranging from sunny days to rainy days. It is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day. Generally, the summers are mild and the winters are cold. Rainfall is common throughout the year, but the amount of rain varies from region to region," wrote one expat living in UK.

"The Wolseley in London is a popular restaurant in England. Located in the heart of Piccadilly, the restaurant offers a classic British menu with a modern twist. The restaurant is known for its high-quality food and excellent service. The atmosphere is elegant and inviting, making it a great place for a special occasion. The Ivy in London is another popular restaurant in England. The restaurant is known for its modern British cuisine and its chic atmosphere. The menu features a variety of dishes, from classic British dishes to more modern creations. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and a range of cocktails. The Fat Duck in Bray is a Michelin-starred restaurant in England. The restaurant is known for its innovative and creative dishes, which are inspired by traditional British cuisine. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and a range of cocktails. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it a great place for a special occasion. The Hand and Flowers in Marlow is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in England. The restaurant is known for its modern British cuisine and its elegant atmosphere. The menu features a variety of dishes, from classic British dishes to more modern creations. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and a range of cocktails," remarked one expat living in UK.

"Supermarkets in Sheffield offer excellent service and standards with big names such as: Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Asda, Tescos etc," said one expat.

"People living in England typically buy groceries from supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons. Other shopping can be done at department stores like John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Debenhams, as well as smaller independent shops. Shopping centres and markets are also popular places to shop for a variety of items. Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular, with many retailers offering delivery services," commented one expat living in UK.

"Visa requirements for England differ depending on the individual’s nationality, the purpose of travel and the length of stay. When planning a visit to the UK, the first step is to check the visa requirements and make sure that you have the right visa by the time of entry. There are several types of visas available, including visitor visas and student visas, which must be obtained before arrival. The application process involves completing an online application and providing the necessary documentation, such as a valid passport, past travel documents and a current photo, to verify the purpose of travel. The process for applying for permanent residency in England varies depending on the individual’s particular circumstances. In general, an applicant is usually required to have lived and worked in the country for at least five years before applying. The process begins with the submission of a permanent residence application alongside supporting documents, such as a valid passport and documents that prove an employment history in the UK. Further evidence to support an individual’s long-term commitments and intentions to remain in the UK ,Such as property ownership, may also be requested," remarked one expat in UK.

"E.U. residents have no problem staying in England, and Commonwealth countries have an easier time getting a visa, but a huge crackdown on many nationalities have made visa applications difficult for them," wrote one expat living in Sheffield.

"Healthcare in England is generally considered to be of a high quality and is free at the point of use for all UK residents. However, health insurance can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and the provider. Private health insurance can be costly, but it can provide access to private healthcare services, such as shorter waiting times and more choice of treatments," mentioned one expat inUK.