For most people moving to London from America snow is a normal part of the winter season.  With over half of the United States seeing at least one good snow fall each winter there is a good chance that an American expat is used to a good snowfall.  Unfortunately, London is not so well-equipped.  Many people mistakenly assume that since London is milder in the summer than most of the US (and very similar to the US Northeast) its winters are nasty and full of snow and ice.  The truth, though, surprises most moving to London – London sees very little snow.

London is in the south of England.  In the northern parts of England and in other northern countries in the United Kingdom, like Scotland, snow is a fairly normal occurrence during the winter months.  Farther south, however, snow rarely falls to the shock of most moving to London.  The winter days and nights are cool with the temperatures usually staying in the upper thirties and forties (in Fahrenheit).  This is not cold enough for snow.

Occasionally it does snow though but most snow storms in London produce less than two inches of snow.  Those moving to London often watch in amazement at the reactions of Londoners at this small amount of snow; something of a frenzy breaks out incredibly enough.  With as little as three inches public transportation has been halted and workplaces closed.  Anyone moving to London from the northern part of the States doesn’t even consider that a legitimate snowfall!

Even though it may not snow very often the winter days are wet.  Rain falls over half the days during the winter season keeping roads and pavements (sidewalks) wet constantly.  Even with temperatures well above freezing these surfaces can become slippery.  Anyone moving to England should not underestimate the London winter weather just because of the lack of snow.  Wet and dreary, everyone knows when winter is underway in England.  Although it may be rare those moving to London will probably see a Dickens’-worthy postcard picture of London covered in snow at some point.

As Americans moving to London begin the search for London neighborhoods for themselves, or their family, there are several factors that should be considered, only one of which is location.  Depending on the location of one’s employment and any schools children may attend choosing from the many ideal London neighborhoods changes.  One neighborhood that is a favorite among all of the London neighborhoods and should be looked into is Islington.

Islington is located in the Northeast area of the greater city of London.  In the earlier part of the last century it was considered a poor remnant of its once grand splendor. All that changed however in the 1990s as old Victorian homes (which fill Islington) became all the rage.  At that time a major gentrification project overtook the neighborhood making it now one of the premiere London neighborhoods.

Like many areas of London Islington offers quirky and unique shops.  Residents and tourists alike enjoy its impressive antique store selections and quaint cafes.  There are many benefits to choosing Islington as a possible place to live after an international relocation.

1)    Location, location, location – There are many Tube stations, train stations and bus stops in Islington making it accessible to just about anywhere in the city.

2)    Highgate Wood – a 28 hectare green space popular with the locals.  Especially if one is moving with a family living near a park is a bonus.

3)    Arsenal Football Club – One of the most famous London football clubs will be in one’s backyard if they move to Islington.  There is no better way to acclimate to a new city than to join in the local sports craze.

4)    Art galleries galore – There are several art galleries and workshops located in Islington making this a hot neighborhood for art enthusiasts.

There are probably a hundred reasons for a person or family to consider Islington when narrowing down London neighborhoods.  It is one of the few London neighborhoods well suited to both families and young couples or singles.  With housing prices ranging from very low to very expensive there surely will be something in everyone’s price range.  One can’t go wrong by considering Islington when searching London neighborhoods.

For many Americans moving to London there is no choice in the matter – they simply must go due to a corporate relocation.  They wonder, though, how to move to London when both the US and British economies are so weak.  While it may be difficult it is not impossible.  By arming oneself with the right knowledge the move to London can be done with as little financial output as possible.  Once in London a family can actually live quite well while pinching pennies.

How to Move to London Inexpensively – Transportation

Most people are a little overwhelmed when they hear they are relocating to London because the city is known for being so expensive.  While that may be true the cost of living is counted for in an international relocation and hopefully one’s company will compensate for the increase in costs.  One good thing for most Americans wondering how to move to London with everything being so expensive is that a vehicle will not be needed.  In most families everyone over the age of sixteen has a vehicle so that can be a significant savings right there.

How to Move to London Inexpensively – Food

London may be a major world city but there is plenty of fresh, local food.  Buying from local vendors and farmers is a great way to save a lot of money.  Americans rely too much on fast and convenience foods.  In London, like much of Europe, families eat little fast food and cooking is an intricate part of the family experience.  Not only will a family’s wallet feel better by cooking more and eating out less, the family’s waistlines will as well.

How to Move to London Inexpensively – Activities

The best advice for any family or individual wondering how to move to London without breaking the bank is to enjoy all the history, culture and outdoor activities the city has to offer.  Being one of the largest cities in the world there is plenty to do.  Parks are located everywhere and are a great way to enjoy a beautiful day without spending any money.  There are also many museums and exhibits that cost nothing or very little.

Moving to London will cost some money but it does not have to bankrupt a family.  Rather than worry oneself about how to move to London during a bad economy families should see the move as a personal challenge to save as much money as possible while still enjoying their new town.

Many times families moving to London never think about who to call during an emergency until an emergency occurs.  Unlike the United States London, and the United Kingdom, do not call 911 to get access to fire services, police or medical care.  Also, unlike the United States, families moving to London have two emergency numbers to call depending on the urgency of the situation.  All members of a family should learn and memorize the important emergency numbers of their new country in order to be prepared in case of a worst-case scenario.

In the case of a fire or emergency requiring police families moving to London should dial 999 to be connected to an operator – similar to dialing 911 in the States.  This number can also be called for a medical emergency requiring an ambulance.  Unlike many areas in the United States 999 should not be called for minor incidents.  In cases where one needs to contact their local police department, such as to report a non life-threatening crime, 101 can be dialed.

For medical emergencies not requiring an ambulance all family members moving to London can go to the nearest A&E.  That is what the British call an emergency room (accident and emergency).  One of the worst mistakes an American family can make after moving to London during an emergency is to ask for the nearest ER.  Most likely all that they will get is quizzical looks.

Since healthcare is free in Great Britain there are more accommodations for emergencies.  A&Es are only for serious emergencies.  A family member with a minor emergency, like a broken bone or high fever, should visit a MIU (minor injuries unit) at a local hospital.  If an injury is not a true emergency A&Es will absolutely not see a person.  This is important to remember for families moving to London as most US emergency rooms will treat anyone.

Not all hospitals have A&E units and if they do have a unit it will not necessarily be open twenty-four hours a day.  Before an emergency occurs and a family is forced to move quickly it would be in their best interest to research nearby hospitals and their A&E hours.  Moving to London is stressful enough without compounding the move with an unplanned and unprepared for emergency.

Many Americans moving to London are confused by all the London neighborhoods and the contradicting advice given in regards to London neighborhoods. It seems that everyone asked has a different opinion as to the quality and value in a particular location. The Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is very popular with American expats making the neighborhoods of Earl’s Court a good choice when making a short list of possible London neighborhoods to move into.

Located between Kensington and Chelsea the small neighborhood of Earl’s Court has a history of being popular with expats. Originally Earl’s Court was all green space, a rural area outside of the city of London and popular with the royalty. During the twentieth century however Earl’s Court became popular with quite a different crowd. During that time Australian and New Zealand expats took over the small neighborhood due to its close proximity to the city and relatively cheap housing options giving the neighborhood the nickname Kangaroo Valley.

As gentrification of the area grew in force driving housing prices sky-high the Aussie expat crowd moved on to less expensive pastures. Today, Earl’s Court is one of the most lovely London neighborhoods in a highly sought after part of London.  Multi-million pound homes and apartments line the streets in buildings of impressive architectural significance.

Perhaps the most important development over the last one hundred years and puts Earl’s Court on the London neighborhoods map is the construction of the Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre.  The largest center in the city the Earl’s Court Exhibition Center has staged very impressive acts from Pink Floyd to the Rolling Stones.  During the 2012 Olympic Games which will be held in London the Centre will house the volleyball tournament.

Although Earl’s Court may not be at the top of the popular lists of must-see London neighborhoods for Americans moving to London it should be strongly considered.  With its beautiful homes and central location near many major parks (like Kensington Park) and Tube Stations Earl’s Court is an ideal London location.  Before eliminating smaller London neighborhoods such as Earl’s Court walk the streets and give them a chance to shine.

Shortly after confirming an international relocation families often buy a map of London neighborhoods to help prepare for the upcoming move.  While that can never hurt it is best to truly understand what the map says and how to use it best once the plane lands and a family is left to fend for themselves in a new country.  One of the most useful maps a family can get is a Tube map of London neighborhoods.

One of the first challenges facing families fresh to London from a corporate relocation is the lack of a personal vehicle.  In America almost every family owns at least one car, often with every member of the family over sixteen owning their own car.  In a city the size of London that is just not possible. Even if a family does have a car in London it will probably spend most of its time in a parking garage. That is why a good Tube map of London neighborhoods is a must-have.

Anyone moving to London having never relied on public transportation will have an adjustment period where map usage will be necessary.  For the newcomer to the Tube (or any major system for that matter) the first glace at a Tube map of London neighborhoods will look like a colorful display of lines and they’ll probably think they will need an engineering degree to ever make sense of it all.

Do not despair new Londoners.  Learning to make sense of a Tube map of London neighborhoods will come eventually and then become second nature.  The first rule of thumb for those new to London transportation is to not be afraid to ask for help.  Second, figure out far in advance what route one needs to get somewhere.  Lastly, those just moving to London from America should not be afraid to wander out of their comfort zone and explore London via the Tube. They just must remember to bring their handy Tube map of London neighborhoods with them!

London neighborhoods vary in personality and cost of living.  Because of that no one can say with certainty which one of the many lovely London neighborhoods is right for each family.  Before an international relocation families are encouraged to discuss their home needs with a London relocation service where London relocation agents will explain the subtle differences between favorite London neighborhoods.

One of the best kept secrets in London neighborhoods is Greenwich.  Located in South London this lovely community seems to be in a world of its own.  With no tube station it is in the city but outside of it at the same time.  Beautiful Georgian and Victorian homes line the small streets alive with quirky boutiques and unique restaurants.

On top of being an affordable place to live after moving to London families can enjoy many of London’s most significant historical sites and museums in Greenwich.  Some of the more famous are:

1)    The National Maritime Museum:  home to the national collection of artifacts of England’s long maritime history.  The buildings located at the museum are of great historical significance.

2)    The Royal Observatory: This is home to the center of the world. Literally. In 1675 Charles II declared that it represented the middle of the world.  Today, the Greenwich Median Time (GMT) is still the starting point of each new day.

3)    Greenwich Park: Most famous for the views of the city of London from its hills.  It is also home to the Royal Naval College, National Maritime Museum and will house stadiums for the 2012 Olympics held in London.

4)    Greenwich Market: One of the larger markets in London.  It is comprised of several markets such as the Greenwich arts and crafts market, Flea Market, Antique Market and Central Market.

Any family or individual moving to London who values historical landmarks and trying to decide between London neighborhoods should consider Greenwich.  With its reasonably priced housing, close location to the city of London and beautiful Greenwich Park anyone would do well if living there.  With so many choices in London neighborhoods it is best to narrow the list before discussing housing with London relocation agents and Greenwich would be a great addition to that list.

One of the benefits of moving to London is the ability to learn about other cultures.  In particular, Americans fresh from the states can learn a lot about India since Indians make up the largest minority group in England.  Beginning in the early twentieth century Indians began moving to London and other parts of England for educational purposes and employment opportunities.

By definition a British Indian is any person of Indian ancestry whether they are from India, Pakistan, East Africa, the Caribbean or Fiji.  Today, there are almost 500,000 Indian people living in London, alone.  British and Indian cultures are intertwined due to years of British rule over India.  In the early twentieth century wealth Indians sent their children to be educated in England.  Muhatma Ghandi , who studied Law in London, was one of the most famous.

Today, the Indian culture permeates many aspects of life in London and those moving to London will see its influence everywhere.  Indian cuisine is quite popular and there seem to be about as many Indian and Pakistani restaurants as there are immigrants!  Most families moving to London have never been to India making their time in England ideal for learning more about the fascinating culture.

The first way to experience Indian culture for any family just moving to London is to visit one of the spectacular restaurants.  Indian food in the States is a growing cuisine but regional.  Many parts of the United States have no Indian representation at all.  Also, not all British Indians are from India.  Many other countries are represented in the city making that many more restaurants on the list to visit for any family moving to London for the first time.

Listed below are some of the most popular restaurants featuring traditional British Indian foods:

Tayyabs – A top restaurant featuring Pakistani food, located in Whitechapel

Hot Stuff – An Indian restaurant with a cult following, located in Vauxhall

Rasa – Featuring South Indian cuisine they specialize in vegetarian dishes and are located in Stoke Newington

Triphal – an Indian restaurant with a diverse menu representing all regions of India, located in Southfields

Once the job has been taken families often begin to wonder how to move to London and are eager to start their new life in England.  Many though have no idea where to begin and quickly become over-stressed and begin to resent the new move.  In order to prevent a meltdown occurring in your new home follow these easy ‘how to move to London’ steps to make the transition from the US to England as smooth as possible.

How to Move to London and Get Settled Step 1 – Before moving to London families should have completed a detailed list of everything coming with them from the states.  If that has been done, great, if not do it! Pronto!  After that list is created another list of what the family needs for everyday living can be created.  Go through your new home room by room to make sure nothing is overlooked.

How to Move to London and Get Settled Step 2 – At this point families are ready to get some shopping done.  Rather than go crazy at a market or department store try looking for pre-owned merchandise before buying new.  Much of the expense of an international relocation is in settling into a house.  Buying furniture alone can cost as much as an entire month’s salary!

How to Move to London and Get Settled Step 3 – Now that all the necessities are in your new home take the time to organize them.  It is very tempting to live out of a suitcase or box for far longer than necessary.  Spending a Saturday or Sunday thoroughly unpacking everything and creating permanent homes for each item will go a long way in making you feel settled.

How to Move to London and Get Settled Step 4 – As soon as possible upon arriving to London everyone in your family should register with a General Practioner as this is the rule for healthcare in London.  A London relocation agent can help with finding a list of open doctors in your neighborhood.

How to Move to London and Get Settled Step 5 – Once your new home is in some sort of order and a doctor has been chosen it is time to get out and explore your new city.  Regardless of what time of year you are moving to London there is plenty to do.  Try and avoid spending all your time alone in your home.  That only makes the transition that much harder.

After moving to London many families like to explore and discover cultural traditions of their new home country.  England is deeply steeped in ancient traditions and beliefs and many are still practiced today.  With the New Year upon us and families often looking for ways to celebrate every family after moving to London should consider a visit to the Twelfth Night Festival.

The Twelfth Night Festival takes place outside London’s Globe Theatre, best known for being home to Shakespeare’s plays.  On the twelfth night of Christmas, also Epiphany in the Christian calendar, a celebration with its roots in ancient English tradition takes over the streets.  Many moving to London enjoy this celebration as they are able to take part in a truly British experience, one not found in the States.

Many moving to London do not realize that much of the Christian calendar was taken directly from Pagan holidays.  Such is the case with Epiphany.  The Twelfth Night Festival aims to celebrate the Pagan rituals that saturated the country long before Christianity moved upon its shores.  This event is free and besides the cold temperature makes a wonderful way to end the Christmas festivities after moving to London.

The festival begins with Green Man arriving by boat from the Thames River.  This Green Man is not unique to British tradition.  He appears in many customs from cultures around the world like Canada and Belgium. For the twelfth night festivities he is covered in holly making him known often as The Holly Man.

Once he lands upon the shores he is greeted by the Mummers, a cast of actors who perform a play in celebration of the Holiday.  After the play small cakes are handed to the crowd.  Hidden inside two cakes are a pea and a bean.  Whoever finds the hidden pea and bean inside their cake is crowned king and queen and leads the procession to George Inn in Borough High Street to continue with the merriment.

With January being such a dreary month in London it is no surprise that those moving to London enjoy any festivity they find.  With just a little effort and an open mind families from the states can make the most of their time discovering interesting cultural practices after moving to London.