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Pros and Cons of Living in UK | Expat Exchange
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Croydon, London

Pros and Cons of Living in England

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 07, 2024

Summary: The UK is a great place to live, offering a high quality of life, excellent healthcare and education, and a vibrant culture. However, living in the UK can also be expensive, with high taxes and the cost of living in some areas being particularly high. Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable and the UK is often subject to long periods of rain. On the other hand, the UK is a diverse and multicultural country, with a wide range of activities and attractions to explore.

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What are the pros and cons of living in England?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in England responded:

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the rich cultural heritage of England, as well as the vibrant cities and beautiful countryside. They also enjoy the excellent public transportation system, the wide variety of restaurants and pubs, and the friendly people. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the weather in England to be too cold and wet, and the cost of living to be quite high. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who are not native English speakers," remarked one expat in UK.

"I enjoy the wide open spaces, seeing cows and people horse riding nearby. I like that I am 30 minutes or less to London. I like that museums and galleries are free," explained one expat in Welwyn.

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What do expats in England appreciate most about the local culture?

"The main plus for me is the NHS. I was lucky to have good health insurance in the US and was close to top-notch hospitals and doctors. But many Americans have had to live with poor health care or none. The Affordable Care Act is in the throes of changing that, whereas the UK has provided full coverage for everyone for a long time at no point-of-service cost. The other thing I appreciate is good public transportation," said one expat in Leeds.

"Expats in England appreciate the friendly and welcoming attitude of the local population, the rich culture and history evident in the many architectural monuments and buildings, the diverse and vibrant music, art, and cultural scenes, and the excellent public transportation system. They also enjoy the fact that England is a safe and tolerant country with a wide array of social activities and services available to all," said a person living in UK.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in England often find the social behaviour and etiquette challenging, as it can be significantly different from their own culture. Many expats find it difficult to understand the concept of "reserving" where topics of conversation are avoided, such as religion and politics. Additionally, expats may be caught off guard by how little personal space is given when in social situations, compared to their home country. The UK's dry and often subtle sense of humour and sarcasm can also be an adjustment for expats who are accustomed to direct or more explicit ways of expressing themselves," said a person living in UK.

"Many stores not being open in the evenings. All shopping, other than grocery, needs to be done on the weekend or during the workday," explained one expat living in Hereford.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Croydon, London
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