Ah London! This beautiful gem of the UK attracts hundreds of thousands of people to its glistening lights and fanciful style of living every single year. If you have every considered relocating to this magical city but just haven’t made up your mind then here are some great reasons to pack up your belongings and begin the process of moving to London from U.S.

Reason #1 – Great Sites – Both London and the UK are absolutely full of wonderful sites that are both historical and natural, most of which are accessible within a day’s journey. Many castles, cathedrals, homes, and more are unspoiled and still provide that eerie feeling that you have stepped back in time. Dozens of trips can be made by those moving to London from U.S. which will keep you busy exploring for years to come.

Reason #2 – Different Culture – Although the UK is an English speaking country, the culture is quite different than that of the U.S. By moving to London from U.S., you will learn to appreciate and enjoy an entirely different culture as well as pick up new customs and utter new slang. Plus, London is filled with sub-cultural classes of folks who have also relocated to the city from around the world so you will have the chance to interact with them as well.

Reason #3 – Beer Lovers Paradise – If you love sipping on great beers and ales then you will surely love this grand city. Local pubs lie at the heart of this culture and you can’t throw a rock without hitting one. Also, pubs are quite different from U.S. bars. English pubs are social meeting locations where mates can get together, watch football (soccer), throw darts and play snooker, and chat about social and political issues, all while chugging on a delicious ale. Pubs are an excellent place to make new mates!

Reason #4 – Exciting and Efficient Transportation System – Wherever you need or want to go throughout the city, an exciting and efficient transportation system will take you there. The London Underground (Tube), overland railways, single or double-decker buses and fancy taxis are all viable sources of getting around.

Reason #5 – Great Benefits – The UK offers those moving to London from U.S. a slower and more peaceful way of life as well as a much lower crime rate. The overall living pace is slower, people tend to get off work at 5pm and not work weekends. Also, those living and working in Britain get around six weeks of wonderful vacation that can be used to get out and see the sites and enjoy family and friends. Universal health care is also a big plus for living here.

Reason #6 – Cheap Travel to Europe – Once you’ve had your fill of British sightseeing, you can cheaply and easily travel to other countries within the European Union. Take a ferry to France and then enjoy the scenery as you travel to Germany, Italy, Poland, or other destinations by rail or plane.

If you’re ready to start your moving to London from U.S. adventure, contact one of our consultants for assistance with the entire relocation process. You won’t regret it!

Notting Hill is one of the most sought after places to visit by those moving to London. This extraordinary location offers a vast selection of activities, sites and cultural events that appeal to the masses and that rank high on many bucket lists.

This beautiful area of London draws an eclectic mix of fabulous celebrities, blooming artists, working families and fun-loving yuppies, all of whom find residing in and visiting Notting Hill an absolute pleasure. Notting Hill neighborhoods consist of vivid Victorian homes and blossoming private gardens which lie near booming streets where some of the world’s best festivities take place.

If you’re planning on moving to London then you won’t want to miss visiting this vibrant part of the city. Here are some of the many events and activities to look forward to.

Portobello Road Markets

Notting Hill is a wonderland for those who enjoy shopping. Those moving to London will find that Portobello Road Markets offer an exhilarating shopping experience. As you meander along Portobello Road you will find colorful homes and terraces dotted amongst a variety of shops where you can browse and buy such items as antiques, fashionable clothing, produce, and much more.

Food variety is another appealing part of strolling through Portobello Road Markets. When you shop up an appetite, stop by and indulge in a bratwurst sandwich, paella, churros, crepes, or dozens of other delicious delicacies. As you’re visiting this grand market, keep your eyes peeled for the Portobello Wall where an amazing display of public artwork can be viewed.

Movie Nostalgia and Entertainment

If you are moving to London and are a fan of the film Notting Hill and its stars Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, you will adore exploring and viewing the same locations featured in the popular picture. Stop by the Notting Hill Bookshop (renamed after the movie) located on Blenheim Crescent. Also, head to Craven Hill Gardens and check out the movie’s Hotel Hempel. Then move on for a viewing of the famous home at 280 Westborne Park Road which has had its blue front door painted black.

Three excellent cinemas are also located in Notting Hill. The Electric is one of city’s oldest operating venues which still reeks of vintage charm. The Gate Cinema is well known as a specialist of independent films, and the Coronet is supposedly haunted by an old attendant’s spirit that committed suicide by jumping off a balcony after being caught raiding the till.

Notting Hill Carnival

If you’ve always wanted to attend Marti Gras, the grandest carnival in the world located in Rio de Janeiro, but have decided you will be moving to London instead, you’re in luck. The Notting Hill Carnival is the second largest celebration of this kind (after Rio) and draws as many as two million souls during late August of each year.

For two party-packed days, the streets surrounding Notting Hill are filled with costumed participants, various bands playing reggae music, calypso, and soca, and food vendors serving up practically any food you can think of. Notting Hill Carnival even includes a Children’s Day for the youngsters to enjoy.

For assistance with moving to London, contact London Relocation and let our skilled consultants provide you will all you need to make your move a pleasant experience. Don’t forget to ask for more information on great places to live and visit in London!

London is considered one of the major financial capitals of the world and, therefore, is quite attractive to a variety of businesses looking to relocate in order to gain the advantages of reaching Europe markets and beyond. Employees who relocate with such companies require London homes in which to move families and belongings.

However, housing prices are quite high in most of the city and finding deals can be difficult at best. Problems with searching for London homes are compounded by the numerous boroughs that all contain residential areas where available homes might be found. It can be extremely difficult for those relocating to successfully find good values on homes in good areas. Therefore, we are offering some tips on how to determine what is a good value on London homes and where to look in order to find them.

How to Determine Value

It is difficult enough for Londoners looking for good values on homes in the city let alone those coming from other countries or even areas within the UK. Prices are renowned for being high in the UK’s capital so the only way to know what is a fair price when searching for London homes on your own is to determine the fair value price.

In order to determine if you are getting a fair price on a home, you need to know the square foot value. Both real estate agents and developers use the square foot value as a set measure on a property’s overall worth. When it comes to London homes, square foot values are typically around £400 per square foot in lower priced areas such as Lewisham and can be as high as £4000 per square foot in upscale neighborhoods such as Mayfair.

Those relocating with companies should research the square foot values instead of the solely relying on the asking prices of London homes. This will help you in determining average value of the various areas and keep you from paying too much above the true worth of a home.

Where to Find Bargains

There are some noticeable shifts in the housing market occurring throughout London due to housing price fluctuations. For example, those in Chelsea are moving to Fulham while residents of Fulham are picking up and moving to Balham and Battersea to find better values on homes. It can be difficult to keep up with such shifts and know where the best values lie in your price range.

At the moment, the central zones have some value areas such as South Bank riverside, Elephant and Castle, and even the triangle located between the Bermondsey/Borough/Bridge areas. These are excellent places to look if you want to nestle into the downtown area.

Developments in other sections of the city are also sparking residential development and, thus, good deals. Westminster, Farrington, Victoria, Murano and Holborn are good places to search that lie in or around booming technology, financial, and fashion sectors. Those desiring to find London homes near the waterfront may find pleasing properties near the Royal Docks where a huge 12 mile area is being developed close to Stratford and Canary Wharf.

Leave the Home Hunting to Us

If you don’t have time to search for properties in the city before making your relocation, contact London Relocation Services for help in both locating and negotiating the best prices on London homes. Our representatives have a keen knowledge of the various boroughs and neighborhoods and can find available homes in areas you want to settle.

We also offer a variety of relocation services that can save your both time and hassle. Count on us for such services as moving, document assistance, orientation, and more.

So, you’re relocating to the fabulous city of London and are looking for some fun things to do. Of course, you can opt for the usual classes of yoga, dance, art, etc, but that is just doing the same old, same old. If you’re going to move to a completely different part of the world then you should get out there and try something fresh and unique to really make your move exciting!

Here are some rather odd but very fun workshops and classes that you can participate in from flats for rent in London.

Learn to Tickle Funny Bones

Take the London Comedy Course and you will learn how to effectively make audiences cry from laughter as a standup comedian. You have the choice of selecting a two-day workshop or longer courses. Workshops include written material that is to be delivered by students as well as help with booking gigs for those ready for the limelight.

Become a Poker Pro

Head over to the Grosvenor Gloucester Casino nearby South Kensington flats for rent in London and gamble on their Learn to Play course. These free evening classes will have you playing poker, blackjack, and roulette like a pro in no time. When you think you’re ready to try your new skills, simply swagger over to a table and place your bet!

Make a Pizza Pie – That’s Amore!

Learn to make world-class Neapolitan pizzas from a well known name in the business, Franco Manca. His chain of successful restaurants offers traditionally handmade pizzas slowly baked in wood burning, brick ovens. His Neapolitan-style pizzas have been named the best in the United Kingdom by famous royal food critic Tom Parker-Bowles. Stroll over to Chiswick branch from flats for rent in London and indulge in a 2-hour class by the maestro.

Cabaret Is Calling

This ten week course will have you strutting your stuff across the stage like Liza Minnelli. The art of cabaret is taught by award winning performer Marisa Carnesky who has performed in many shows as well as starred in Carnesky’s Ghost Train. The only catch to this cabaret course is that you are required to be 25 years old or younger.

Excel at Street Dance

For the younger crowd living in flats for rent in London or for those who have teens, check out the exhilarating Street Dance classes at the Battersea Arts Centre. No experience is required, only a passion for the hip hop style of dance. Choose from courses lasting either six or twelve weeks, depending on how much you want shake your booty, and the focus is to learn a stunning routine set to a specific track which is provided or you can choose yourself.

Fly Through the Air with the Greatest of Ease

For the very adventurous, Circus Space teaches adults and children alike the art of circus performance. Get out of flats for rent in London and take up such exciting endeavors as rope performance, trapeze, acrobatics, and more all of which focus on increasing flexibility.

Whether you’re a tourist traveling to the UK to sight-see or a future UK resident relocating to London to live, I have a message that bears repeating. I’ve spoken before about the expat dilemma of not knowing exactly where you fit in anymore either at home or abroad, and part of that spiel addressed fitting in with locals while still being proud of where you come from.

I still say be proud of your nationality, but please, oh please be tactful in conveying that pride. This post is directly inspired by my train ride to York, England last Saturday, during which I wanted to absolutely crawl into a hole and hide. You see, it’s one thing to stay confident in your national identity inwardly and to politely defend it outwardly to deflect criticism when prompted (rather than being apologetic if you don’t really mean it), but it’s quite another to cater to the stereotypes that the locals can and will use against you, not to mention against everyone else of your same nationality. As an American, I certainly see the stigma that our country has abroad, and while I refuse to be apologetic, I also thankfully don’t fit the stereotype of “Ugly American.”

The Ugly American is the tourist or expat striding through foreign streets who wears arrogance and close-mindedness like a bad suit. And this last weekend, I sat across the aisle from hands-down the Ugliest American I’ve yet to encounter over here since moving to London. We’re stereotyped as loud-talkers to begin with, and this man was no exception. Despite the fact that he and his partner (wife or girlfriend, I couldn’t tell) were seated directly facing a young British couple and might have therefore made a point to keep their conversation that much quieter and to themselves, this man blasted his voice through the entire car for the entire two-hour ride. What was worse, he decided it was a good idea to interrogate his partner on her political perspectives and insist on the rightness of his not only at the expense of her patience, but at the expense of other foreign policies, including those of the UK. While he interrupted himself now and then to admire the height of old church steeples scattered across the English countryside, he continued to (loudly) speak his disdain of certain foreign systems and views. If I could have evaporated into the upholstery of my seat, I would have in a heartbeat. I was mortified to hail under the same flag as this man who so grossly mistreated his right to freedom of speech.

When you’re a guest at a party, while you might engage in amicable debate as part of an intellectually stimulating conversation, you do not condescend to other guests nor insult your host. So while we’re guests of this country, we shouldn’t knock it either. I’m not saying you should swallow your opinions by any means—being an “expatriate” doesn’t have to literally mean “non-patriot”! But perhaps don’t broadcast differences in opinion in an antagonistic manner sure to offend when no one has provoked you in the first place. If there’s no debate, let’s coexist in harmony and celebrate all we do have have in common with our gracious hosts. It’s curiosity and respect that surely brings us to another country in the first place, so whether as tourists or expats making the London move, let’s foster positive international relations and be gracious guests

There are more than 155,000 Americans living in the United Kingdom according to the United States Census Bureau, but the figure is thought to actually be closer to 225,000. According to the Bereau, the majority of Americans in the UK are White (74.7%), followed by Hispanics (14.5%), Black (14.1%), Asian (4.3%), and Native American (0.9%). Those classified as belonging to ‘Other’ consist of 7.9%.

All of those classified in the above figures are Americans who have become legal UK residents or are seeking UK citizenship as well as temporary workers and students. Most everyone moving to London from U.S. are doing so for an extended stay and will most likely look for some type of work to sustain them while they are there. If you are anticipating working in London then the following information on obtaining a work permit will come in handy.

Applying for a Work Permit

Before moving to London from U.S., you will want to apply for a work permit. Such a permit allows you to work for longer than six months anywhere within the UK. Employers in the UK are also required by law to only hire foreigners who hold work permits.

However, there are a couple of tricky catches to the process of obtaining a work permit. There used to be a Tier 1 Visa which allowed holders to start a business or find work freely throughout the UK, but that visa officially ended 6 April 2011 and is no longer available. Therefore, the only other option is the Tier 2 Visa or UK Work Permit which requires UK employers to be able to prove to the government that they could not fill the advertised job by a qualified worker from the United Kingdom or European Union.

Secondly, those moving to London from U.S. cannot directly apply for Tier 2 Work Permits. It is the responsibility of the employer who requires the foreign worker to do so. This process can take months to complete as there are various criteria to meet. Therefore, you either should wait before moving to London from U.S. until a contacted employer obtains the work permit for you or have enough finances to remain in the city for an extended period without work until you can locate an employer in need of your skills and receive a work permit from them.

Jobs That Require and Don’t Require Work Permits

Job opportunities for foreign works are listed in several option categories, one of which needs to be selected when obtaining a work permit. These sectors are:

• Business and Commercial
• Training and Work Experience Scheme
• Sectors Based Scheme
• Global Agreement on Trade in Services
• Sportspeople and Entertainers

There are, however, several types of jobs which do not require a work permit. If you are moving to London from U.S. and are skilled in one of the following jobs then you are good to go.

• Owner of an overseas company located in London or other part of the UK
• Teachers and assistants of languages who are part of an approved exchange program
• News and broadcast representatives
• Graduates of science or engineering
• Airport operational staff of foreign owned airline companies
• Seasonal workers in agriculture
• Members of a religious order, including ministers and missionaries
• Foreign government employees
• Dependents of these types of workers

If you require more information on work permits or the various visas available, or need help in moving to London from U.S., contact London Relocation Services.

London is a lively city and there is no lack of fun events and activities to enjoy in the capital of the United Kingdom and largest city in Europe. If you are relocating to London in 2013, there is a long list of new events planned that are entertaining as well as provide the chance for new comers to taste of British lifestyles and meet new friends with similar interests.

Browse over this menu of some of the events scheduled for the first half of 2013 and see which ones are close to your choice of London apartments for rent.

March 16 – Nov 30

Once – Although a low budget production, this fun play caught the attention of the Oscar board. The tale follows a weeklong romance between a Czech single mother and an Irish entertainer. Location: Phoenix Theater

March 22 – June 29

Kaffe Fassett – A Life in Color – This exhibition contains over 100 works by one of the top names in the venue of contemporary textile and knitwear. Kaffe Fassett’s last London exhibition was back in 1988 and experienced record-breaking attendance. Location: Fashion and Textile Museum

March 28 – September 29

Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum – This interesting show and display explores the history behind the AD79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius which buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The event was so intense and happened so rapidly that most people didn’t get away and were buried in ash that has preserved their bodies and property intact for nearly 2,000 years. Artifacts from the event are on display. Location: British Museum

April 2 – April 20

A Doll’s House – This 2012 smash hit play is an adaptation by Simon Stephen of an 1879 Henrik Ibsen flaming critique of the real issues underlying polite society. Location: Young Vic

April 8 – April 21

Huguenots of Spitalfields Festival – A cultural event that celebrates what the French Protestant Huguenots contributed to the Spitalfields area after their mass migration to the area in the latter part of the seventeenth century. Attend Bishopsgate and Row Synagogue tours, weaving workshops, historic walks, and more. Location: Various places in the borough of Tower Hamlets.

April 19

Milton Jones – On the Road – Comedy is the name of the game with Milton’s bizarre sense of humor delivered in hysterical one-liner fashion. Location: Hammersmith Apollo

May 3 – May 6

Camden Crawl – You won’t want to miss this exciting indie-style event that showcases the newest and best presenters of music, visual art, spoken word and comedy. Location: Various places throughout Camden

May 4 – May 6

This annual gathering of colorful and eye-catching boats makes for a wonderful weekend away from London flats and London apartments. The event, organized by the IWA (Inland Waterways Association) is free to attend and has plenty of British culture, activities for children, Morris dancers, and fine ale. Location: Little Venice

May 18 – November 30

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – This is the musical version of classic story of a boy who wins entrance to Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. Location: Theater Royal Drury Lane

May 25 – May 26

Muse – Two night concert appearance of the diversified orchestra-style with a dubstep layer of rock band Muse who has recently released their sixth album entitled “The 2^nd Law”. Location: Emirates Stadium

This represents only a partial listing of 2013 events which occur earliest in the year. Once your move to London is complete, you can find out information on upcoming events.

If you require assistance with your London relocation, contact one of our relocation consultants who can assist you with finding flats for rent in London as well as provide other valuable information about the city.

If you’re relocating to London and love music, you are about to be whisked away to music heaven. The city has always been a rich breeding ground for British crooners and also embraces great bands, shops, museums, and hangouts that deify music from around the world. Nostalgia, history, dancing, big stars and, of course, great music are all just a short hop away from new London apartments.

Daytime Treasures

If you’re into musical instruments and vinyl records then Tin Pan Alley is a must visit soon after your London relocation. Located on Denmark Street, this festive stretch contains a variety of guitar and instrument stores, record shops, and several fun venues such as Alleycat and 12 Bar Blues Club.

Tin Pan Alley also has quite a bit of history as numerous famous names have hung out and recorded there including Elton John, David Bowie, Sex Pistols, and The Clash. Try catching their vibes by visiting the Giaconda Dining Room where such talent used to frequent.

Classical music buffs will enjoy roaming through the Handel House Museum. Not only did George Frideric Handel call this place home for 35 years, but Jimi Hendrix lived in one of the London flats for rent next door.

A fun interactive museum stop is the British Music Experience located in the o2 Center. Here you will find such interesting items as a pair of glasses worn by John Lennon and a gorgeous vintage dress that belonged to Amy Winehouse. When you’re done beholding the goodies, duck into a booth and create your own music or writhe and wiggle to dance tunes like the Locomotion.

Venture to South Kensington and discover instruments of old at the V&A museum, or stop off at the Royal Academy of Music and behold original manuscripts written by famous composers from as far back as 600 years ago. Kew offers a selection of old organs at the Musical Museum, and the Horniman Museum has various interesting instruments from around the world on display.

While out and about, catch some lunchtime live music at Southbank where groups playing classical, folk, Latin, or jazz are constantly sharing their tunes. When summer arrives, strike out from London homes and attend exciting music festivals. In Victoria Park you’ll find the Lovebox with electronic sounds, Hyde Park’s Wireless offers rock and pop, and Clapham Common hosts top DJs during the August Bank Holiday.

Nighttime Hotspots

If a festive nightlife powered by live music is what you’re after then head to Camden upon relocating to London. Practically every taste can be experienced here with guitar bands rocking out at the Barfly and Blues Kitchen, trendy electronic rhythms beating at the Roundhouse, and head banging rock artists making noise at the Dublin Castle. Big names can often be found at the Koko where you will also find indie tunes at Club NME.

Dynamite dancing can be indulged in at the Shoreditch which dishes up electronic while house techo is the name of the game at Corsica Studios. The best sound system in the city is located at Plastic People and newly created experimental tunes are exposed at Café Oto. The capital’s largest nightclubs, Ministry of Sound and Fabric, offer a musical mix from week to week, and Plan B is well known for rocking DJs and dancing.

Practically every type of music as well as musical shop, museum and activity can be found nearby London flats and apartments.

On 9 January 2013, the London Underground system, affectionately called the Tube by Brits, celebrated its 150^th year of service. The Tube saw its beginning in 1863 and played an important role in protecting London citizens during WWII German bombing raids. The Tube continues to shuttle passengers to and from work and London homes, apartments, and flats at the astonishing rate of one billion annually.

If you are relocating to London, the Tube provides fast and secure transport between various zones of the city. The Tube consists of 12 lines that run through and service 9 zones. Zones 1 and 2 cover the center of the Capital with almost all sites and a majority of hotels contained within zone 1. Zones 6 through 9 include all outer areas of the city.

Besides taking the Tube, you can also utilize other means of transportation from London flats or apartments. Hop aboard a bus, take a taxi, or strike off bicycling or walking if the distance isn’t too great and the weather’s good.

Here are 10 handy transportation tips that will help you get around the city after your move to London.

Tip #1 – The Tube consists of 9 zones and pricing is based on how many zones you need to travel through in order to reach your destination. Travel time is also calculated based on zones. Each Underground station provids zone maps for reference. Maps can also be viewed, downloaded, and printed from numerous websites.

Tip #2 – Speaking of maps, it is a good idea and common practice when you are traveling around the city from London apartments for rent to carry a map each of the Tube, bus routes, and walking routes.

Tip #3 – It can be a bit confusing when taking the Tube upon first relocating to London. The key is learning to utilize the color-coded stripes that lead to and from the correct loading platform. Each colored line represents a destination and station name.

Tip #4 – There is a proper etiquette that is observed in the Underground which you should learn and observe. For example, stand on the right side of escalators, or stand aside and let important personnel pass when a barrier “Seek Assistance” light is flashing.

Tip #5 – Although trains in the Underground zip to and from their destinations rapidly, it can sometimes be time consuming when boarding them (especially during 6:30pm rush hour). Therefore, keep in mind that buses arrive more frequently and are both cleaner and cheaper than the Tube.

Tip #6 – If you are traveling or sightseeing along the Thames River, take advantage of the River Bus that provides express 20 minute trips between Tate Britain and Tate Modern.

Tip #7 – It is advisable to purchase an Oyster card upon moving to London. The Oyster card stores credits that are used for public transportation. They can be recharged with various amounts and can even be automatically recharged by utilizing your bank account or a credit card. Oyster cards allow you to skip ticket lines and avoid the hassle of having to sort through coins.

Tip #8 – Some savings can be had over regular taxis by booking minicabs either over the phone or internet. Minicabs don’t have meters and operate by setting a fee during the booking (make sure you establish a fee). It is advisable, however, to never take a minicab without booking it first. If you require a cab instantly, take a regular metered taxi.

Tip #9 – Cycling excursions from London flats for rent are an excellent way to enjoy the city if the weather is nice. You can rent a bicycle from Barclays docking stations located across the city.

Tip #10 – Walking is another excellent transportation option if the weather is good. This is an ideal way for those relocating to London to get out, get to know their neighborhood, and meet and socialize with people.