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," said one expat who made the move to UK.

"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.

"Bring plenty of starter money. Most homes and rental properties are out of reach for the average white or blue collar worker within Cambridge. They further out you go, the more affordable it gets, but then you have the commute time & costs to absorb," mentioned one in Cambridge.

"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!!! :)," explained one expat who made the move to Weston Super Mare.

"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!!!," wrote a member in Weston Super Mare.

"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," commented one expat who made the move to Leeds.

"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.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in England can be both exciting and rewarding. The country offers a rich cultural experience, as well as a diverse range of activities and attractions. Expats and digital nomads in England will find plenty of educational and employment opportunities, as well as affordable housing. The country boasts a large expat community, which makes it easy for newcomers to quickly assimilate and make friends. The United Kingdom also offers a vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, and entertainment, making it an ideal playground for those seeking an ever-changing and interesting lifestyle," said one expat in 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," said one expat who made the move to 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," said one expat in UK.

"Religious and racial differences are freely accepted. The dividing lines might run along educational/economic lines more," commented one expat who made the move to Leeds.

"England is a multicultural and diverse nation, with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. In general, people in England are extremely accepting of differences and work to ensure that all members of society feel welcome and included," remarked one expat living in 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.

"It's more multicultural than the rest of Somerset, but there is a white population prominently," remarked one expat who made the move to Weston Super Mare.

"Ackworth School is one of the most renowned independent international schools in England. Located in rural West Yorkshire, Ackworth provides teaching of an international curriculum that follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. It focuses on developing each student's individual talents and abilities while emphasizing the importance of cooperation and understanding between all cultures. Additionally, Ackworth offers extra curricular activities such as chess, debating, performing arts, and community service. The French lycee Charles de Gaulle is also a top international school located in South Kensington. It offers bilingual teaching in French and English within a curriculum based on the French curriculum, the National Education and the International Baccalaureate. Students between the ages of 3 and 18 benefit from a rigorous and diverse educational program, including music, arts, sports, and literature. The International School of London is another outstanding international school in England. Founded in 1978, this school provides an education based on the National Curriculum along with the International Baccalaureate, with the main language of instruction being English. The school is also known for its strong emphasis on helping each student develop their potential and encouraging them to be global citizens. The German School London is a private co-educational bilingual school in Hampstead. It offers classes in German and English, offering a wide range of academic, cultural, sporting and recreational activities. Special attention is given to international understanding, cultural diversity and social engagement. The International School of Oxford is an independent school offering a multicultural learning environment to students aged 5 - 19. It follows an international curriculum, and offer teaching in English, French and Spanish, as well as a range of extra curricular activities such as theater, jazz band and an international club," remarked one expat living in with children attending .

"Visit if possible; it is a great campus. Ask as many questions of TASIS as you need to - Admissions staff are extremely helpful & supportive. Read the web site and the school's Facebook page to get a feel for the spirit of the school. If you want a school that treats students with respect & as individuals, and helps them fulfill their potential, we highly recommend TASIS. My son is loving TASIS (& he came from a fab school in the US), and we are thrilled for him," said one expat in Thorpe, Surrey with children at TASIS England.

"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," remarked one parent with kids at The American School In England in Thorpe.

"This school is undergoing transition with a new administration They are experiencing growing pains, especially in the high school. If you intend your child to graduate high school within the next two years, I would look elsewhere," explained one expat living in Hillingdon, UK.

"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," commented one expat who made the move to UK.

"Rents vary depending on the area, with places notorious for drugs offering lower house costs," mentioned an expat living in Sheffield.

"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," said an expat in 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 who moved to 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," said one expat.

"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," commented one expat living in UK.

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

"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," commented 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 an expat in Sheffield.

"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," 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," commented one expat living in Sheffield, 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 living in UK.

"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 an expat living in UK.