Looking to move and not sure where to go? There are a number of fantastic reasons why you should consider the South of England. In this article, we’re going to tell you 7 reasons why the South of England is a great place to live.
The south of England has plenty to offer its inhabitants. Wherever you choose to locate to in the south, we can assure you you’ll enjoy its perks. From the thrill of the city, including London and Bristol, to the beachy coasts of Devon and Cornwall, the south has so much to offer anyone looking to move here.
Whilst London may not be for everyone, there are many places on the outskirts that have an easy commute into the centre. Take Hounslow, for instance – a London borough in the West of the city. Seeking local Hounslow legal advice will help you to decide which borough is for you, if moving directly into the city isn’t for you.
That said, London isn’t the only gem in the south, which some people internationally may forget! Keep reading to find out why the South of England is a great place to live, not forgetting the Home Counties, the South Coast, Wiltshire, and more…
1. Outdoor Experiences
If you relocate to the south of England, you’ll soon come to learn of the many experiences that are on your doorstep. From day trips to the multiple beaches the south has to offer, to visiting an old castle, there’s so much to see and do.
Some of our favourite outdoor experiences perfect for all are:
- Dartmoor National Park
- Ringstead Bay
- Glastonbury Tor
2. The Coastline
You can’t get a better coastline than the south, with countless beaches to visit. The South West, in particular, is known for having some of the best beaches and coastal walks in the whole of the UK.
From Cornwall to Devon, you can expect to see some stunning sights, many hidden away and waiting to be discovered. Many of the beaches are safe enough to swim in, and you can expect to see swarms of people sunbathing and enjoying the sea in the hotter months. That said, don’t be fooled by the enticing look of the sea – it is freezing even if the weather is at its hottest.
3. The House Prices
While we have to admit that the south of England is certainly not the cheapest place to live in the UK when it concerns buying property in comparison to the north of England, all is not lost.
There are many parts in the south that are much cheaper than buying in London and the surrounding counties, and you can get significantly more for your money, such as a larger property and more land. Some of the cheaper areas in the south to buy property include Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, Bedford and more.
Take a look at Leaders who have created a list, including the size of the property and the average cost to purchase.
4. Higher Salaries
Depending on where you move from, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that the South of England has higher salaries. However, this can be because the cost of living in these areas is slightly higher.
It’s undeniable that London is where you can expect to find a well-paid job, with the average take home weekly pay being £728 and £660 in the South East. This compares to the humble £547 in the North East. Let’s just say you’re unlikely to see the benefit of that extra cash down South, as living expenses soar.
5. Low Unemployment Rates
You needn’t be concerned about finding employment in the South, especially when many of the cities have the lowest unemployment rates in the UK. This includes well-known cities such as Exeter at 2.7%, Cambridge at 3%, Aldershot at 3.3% and Oxford at 4.4% from 2021 figures.
So, whether you’re moving after finishing university, or are looking for a new place to set up a family unit, the south could be the perfect place for you.
6. Lower Crime
There are many places across the South of England that are recognised as safe areas to live in due to their lower crime rates. For example, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall and Surrey are areas with the lowest per capita rates of crime for the year ending March 2021. The only other top areas that are located outside of the south with low crime rates were North Yorkshire and West Mercia.
7. Higher Career Opportunities
Compared to the north of England, the south has an array of job opportunities due to big commercial cities like London and Bristol. It is also considerably easy to commute in the South of England. If your place of work is in London, you can live on the outskirts and easily catch a bus or train into the centre – you don’t have to live directly in the chaos of the city.
Take The Chance and Move to the south of England
What you can see from our list is that the South of England has many benefits to offer its inhabitants. So, if it’s on your list as a potential place to move to, it’s worth taking a look at the tons of beautiful towns and villages that are located in the south.
