13 *horrible* truths about living in London

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One thing that happens almost all the time when you tell someone that you live in London, who doesn’t live in London themselves is that they go, ‘oh but London is so… this or that, and people who live in London are so…. XYZ. There are so many opinions and myths about life in London that I have been doing my duty as a londoner for almost ten years, i’m going to truthfully answer the question, are all the horrible myths about london really true? Well, we’ll see.
I talk about:
is london expensive?
does london have bad weather?
can you trust people in london?
are people in london rude?
is london crowded?
the wealth gap.
london is dirty.
is london dangerous?
is it hard to find friends in london?
can you get tired of london?
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[@raheltd]

"My kind of people: The Movers" ohhh I felt that! I moved to Southern Finland 4 and a half years ago, from polluted and noisy Italy... Today I was thinking of how much I love the peace and quiet but also clean air and nature of my neighbourhood 💚 I don't want to leave!

[@gdok6088]

Very accurate assessment in my view. You can quite easily escape the crowds, even in central London with lots of big, beautiful parks where you can't even hear the city. London is made of 40% public green space, including 3,000 parks totalling 35,000 acres.

[@susanking6072]

As a Londoner I would love to hear more about living in Sweden aand Berlin and the differences between the 3 countries

[@DiMagnolia]

Me too!

[@Anne_mit__e]

You cannot learn anything about Germany by getting to know Berlin. It is totally different

[@amandinemanddyna2705]

@susanking6072. Why do you even ask her this? Her experience(s) and opinions are just hers. It will just be HER side of HER story. Just go there and live and see by yourself. Do not let yourself be manipulated by what you hear and see on the social networks.

[@nigelwatson2750]

I'm a Brit who moved to Finland four years ago - my thoughts kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWaQqX-shp5-fsk

[@DianaDang3]

I just moved to London from Toronto over three months ago. I absolutely love life here. London has been nothing but wonderful for me (despite a slightly rough start at the beginning). I can't wait to see what life has in stores for the next couple of years for me.

[@miarose9707]

Is a hole, an incredibly expensive hole.

[@pumpkinpatch5]

You’re lucky. I was born in London and now can’t afford to live there. I suppose it’s only the non-natives flourishing there now.

[@DianaDang3]

@@pumpkinpatch5 I definitely am living on a budget here in London. I doubt I would settle in London because the living costs are so high. I'm hoping to make the most of it for the next couple of years I'm here on a visa!

[@Steve-xl1en]

I lived in London for 6 years. And it was the best 5.5 years of my life. Ye,s the start was rough, felt like I was always sick and lonely. But once I got through that first winter (I am from Australia), made some great friends I absolutely loved it!

[@modavoga]

Me too! I'm still settling in but your video is so accurate, it is just such an amazing feeling in the city and such a blessing to experience living here.

[@juliats1]

I've been living in London for 11 years now and I agree with every word you said ☺️ London is home ♥️

[@jodywinter8171]

I am a New Zealander. I was born in Wellington and lived in London (and Bristol) from 1994 - 1996 on the under-30s working holiday programme. I now live in Auckland. London in the 1990s was obviously different to how it is now (pre-mobile phones, internet) but many of the things you mention were true back then. I loved my time in London (and have been back several times since) but I could never live there long-term. Auckland is a big city (almost 2 million people) but it's surprisingly not crowded and I really love it here.

[@elizarosalind]

I’m a native Londoner, from Camden ❤ I bought a place an hour outside London a few years ago as I couldn’t afford to buy there…. Biggest regret of my life. Even though I’m only an hour away, I miss London , it is always my home❤ nowhere compares xx

[@kimclenard]

I enjoyed your perspective on this topic. Thanks, Jenny! 💛 My twenties to mid-thirties were all about city life. The feeling of a hustle-bustle life fueled me. 🌆My forties and now fifties have led to decisions with fewer people and more space. 🏜️ Money is a key component to more choices, though. When people don’t feel they can make choices due to finances, that can create dissatisfaction with where and what life they live. 😔 Truly wonderful that you and David have created this beautiful life in London. 🙏

[@Anne_mit__e]

Yes! That is such an important take. I love living in Munich, it is a beautiful city. But I can't stay here. I could never afford a home. We need more space in the future, rent is just outrageous and buying something is not even an option for a commoner. So I feel like I have to leave, but where? A smaller city where neither I nor my boyfriend have any roots, friends or a job? A different country? I would love to go to Italy for the country and the weather, but the job market. I also like Norway, but it is so far away from our families and also so dark and cold.

[@elisabethhagspiel3695]

I am originally from Munich and whenever I return, I have to say it is a great place to be.

[@Anne_mit__e]

@@elisabethhagspiel3695 so I guess you have a lot of money then

[@elisabethhagspiel3695]

​@@Anne_mit__eoh yes. Shedloads of it. 😂But not enough to live in London again. Joking aside, I grew up there and my family is still in the Munich area.

[@Anne_mit__e]

@@elisabethhagspiel3695 yeah it was also a jome from me :)

[@haiji1996]

I am a Japanese person living in Tokyo. Here in Tokyo, I think there is a lot of entertainment and culture that I enjoy, such as many art exhibitions and classical music concerts and fancy restaurants, which I appreciate. It is also safe and convenient here. But ideally, I would love to live in Paris that I love, because I am so much into French cuisine and culture, fashion, historical buildings, etc. I have visited London several times too, and would like to visit there again. I love the art museums and historical buildings of London.

[@caryljones1450]

I would love to go to Tokyo!

[@Steve-xl1en]

A summers day in London beats anywhere else hands down. The sun sets late, the weather is beautiful (and not oppressively hot like Australia, where I live), the people become super friendly, there is so much going on. Ah I miss those days

[@kflecha1]

I want to visit London one day ❤ Positive vibes for everybody 😘💗

[@eve_in_paris]

Very interesting and so articulate! 👏 I wish I could be so insightful about my almost 40 years living in Paris. It’s become very tense and tiring here… Thank you for giving me food for thought!

[@nadia.lewis.]

I'm in Vancouver, which is very green + lovely in some ways (lots of coffee shops), but there's too too many cars now, and it's so expensive. So I'm moving to Paris in five years after I build my businesses up. I got a little choked up at the end, hearing how happy London makes you--I hope to feel that same way in my new city. :)

[@marinaolivia2533]

I live in Hawaii, in Waikiki in fact (I do not have a car and it's very walkable). It took me a while to get used to it (28 years ago) but I love it now!!! The summer is a little rough, but the rest of the year is wonderful!!! 🏝️

[@ChandraOrr]

I live in the middle of nowhere Michigan. It's a farm town with plenty of blue color families and lush farmland. I've lived in San Francisco, San Diego, Detroit and Colorado Springs, but I love this location the most. I often dream of going back to the big city, but as long as I can live vicariously through creators like you, I get that urge scratched so I can stay and enjoy our acres of hedgerow, aspen groves and wildflower fields. I loved watching your Berlin journey, and I can't wait to see what else London has in store for you both.

[@elenaackers4848]

just pre-ordered your second novel, whohoo! plus: the German version of Okay Days is now on bookbeat, so I think I‘ll „reread“ the audiobook tomorrow 💜💛

[@JennyMustard]

yaaay, thank you :)

[@rafalinares]

I moved to Stockholm coming from Madrid. The shock is real. But at the point of my life I’m in, Stockholm feels like a perfect fit. I’ve always found London a bit inhumane because of its size, crowds, prices and weather. But I know all places have their charm. I’m glad you found your place.

[@katytallon1]

LOVE this for you. I feel the same about Glasgow. I used to live in London and had anxiety there but I have changed my relationship with it now I'm there on regular business. I think the Low Emission Zone has made SUCH a difference - it's no longer the 'Smog' but a clean, green city with stories to tell and of course - that lovely village feel. xx

[@TheNicoliyah]

This is so interesting for me as a born and bred Londoner, the point about all other cities seeming super quiet compared to London, is so true. I have a sister who lives in Leipzig so travel there regularly and its a decent sized city with lots going on but always feels like a ghost town in comparison. I have not been to any cities that come close to size and buzz of London, though Barcelona is close. In answer to your question, I love the buzz of London but its always a lovely break when I visit smaller more chill cities, just dont ask me to do the countryside! 😜

[@lorymontresor1551]

I live in Lugano in Switzerland, it is small, clean, safe and very beautiful. London is my favorite city 💜

[@slavkasmrekova7306]

I love Lugano❤ it's so beutifull

[@paulamedel11]

gilmore girls weather sounds lovely

[@ursulaclarke6066]

I lived in London twice, for 13 months as part of my Uni placement, then for 20 years when I left Uni. I loved London, I still do and I miss it all the time. It really is the best city in the world.

[@pumpkinpatch5]

It’s turning into a hole now though. Go back if you have money.

[@michellewall6748]

The traffic, and constant road works!!!!Urgh!! Nightmare….😮

[@amberellis8426]

I have been in London my entire life (25 years) and this year bought place over an hour away and OMG do I miss the social element of London. I used to take myself out all the time and now in a town I just feel like I would look like a weirdo. Out of London is lonely for sure!

[@minounah]

Lived in some of the loveliest cities in the world..but I'm somehow happiest in my home of Seattle, which ( like London) has a cozy rainy vibe and plenty of green which I absolutely adore. I would gleefully take my chances on London if I could though!! Every time I visit I am delighted through and through. Hands down my favorite home away from home !!

[@Galloway8786]

I think that London varies quite significantly where you are. I lived in the Neasden/Willesden Green area when I first moved to London and it was not very safe and I didn't like it at all (understatement), but around Tulse Hill/Dulwich and Angel/Islington where most of my London friends live today it is very nice. I prefer village life myself, but if anyone is thinking of moving to London then I definitely think it is something that they should try at least for a little while.

[@elisabethhagspiel3695]

I love London - I lived 10 years there and like you, I could not believe my luck. Brexit drove us out and meanwhile, considering the situation in the UK, life would have been unsustainable there. We, like you once, moved to Berlin, mainly because my English partner wanted to stay in a big city and me being German... it seemed to be an obvious choice. I still miss London. Or should I say the London I new?

[@alittlebitlaura]

I’ve only visited London once but it’s still my favorite city I e traveled to and I would love to live there. Enjoy seeing it through movers eyes as well. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@fu4realtalk952]

I’d love to watch a similar video about Stockholm and/or Berlin! I often joke that the only thing better than visiting London is leaving it, but for me it rings true. I love so many things about London: the unmatched cultural aspects, the green spaces, the architecture, the diversity of people, etc. But the crowds and the hustle and bustle isn’t for me. I live in another English big city and even here, I try to avoid going anywhere in town on the weekends. I think my great big love is my native/home city, but I immigrated from there for a reason so I doubt I’d get to move back some day. Maybe somewhere greener could be it one day, but for now I try to enjoy the idea of not having figured it all out yet.

[@TheMennomilist]

I really really don't like when people cancel plans. If they make plans, they should follow through or not make the plans to begin with. I am a follow-through person like you. It is good to hear about London's weather. I have never been to London, but I have always heard it rains or is foggy or not so nice, though I hear that from those who probably have never been there! I live outside of NYC and have many relatives and friends that have lived there. Sounds like a lot of how life is in London is similar to in NYC! I feel safe in NYC as people will help you if you are lost and such. It does look extremely different than it had in the 80s and 90s - where it just wasn't safe! It is so expensive to live there. I am thankful I DON'T live in the city, but we are a train ride, bus ride, or car ride in if we do go in (which we do). It has fun things to do and I enjoy walking around it. I am totally a suburban dweller and love that everything I need is like 5 minutes away or less. I also live around loads of nature, from rivers to lakes to mountains to the woods to the ocean (which is about an hour away but still). It is lovely here. New Jersey gets a bad rap but it is amazing. I always wanted to live on a farm though. haha. One of my best friends is Swedish and lives there. It is a gorgeous country. England is too. Thanks for sharing about your life in London.

[@gabrielehohne9525]

I am a German moved from Berlin to London 10 years ago. Agree with everything you said in this video.

[@elianas6722]

Such a nice video about London! I've visited London a few times because a friend of mine lives there. I'd love to live there but rent prices make it impossible. My friend was able to buy a one-bedroom apartment in Notting Hill after working in investment banking for over a decade. The flat cost 1M pounds about 6 years ago. Before that, she's was paying around 1,000 pounds/month for the tiniest room in an apartment she was sharing with roommates. I don't see how it'd be possible to have a nice life there if you're don't have a super high salary.

[@darlenemahaney1258]

Great video! And I love when David comments🙂

[@edus82]

I loved London when I moved there from Hungary : it was everything Hungary wasn’t . But then again I had just left school and I just wanted to be the boss of me so it was of course perfect. And the nightlife that I enjoyed back then was pretty amazing too. After two years I started dreaming of going elsewhere but life happened and I stayed for about 15 more years. In that time I built such resentment about London that I now cringe just at the thought of going to London. The crowd, the air, the lack of greenery (I know there’s actually a lot, but not like in a countryside)…On the flip side, ever since I moved out to the countryside 5 years ago (still in England) I just can’t get enough of life here! And I can’t believe how lucky I am to live where I do. Before I equated England with London! I know, it’s a silly mistake! Anyhow I’m glad you like it and indeed you found a very amazing spot there! I love those huge windows!

[@janic54]

Born and raised in France, I chose Vancouver as my home and I feel about Vancouver the same as you about London. Vancouver is where I belong!!!

[@LM-fn6qb]

I feel the same way about my city in Australia. I come out of my building in the mornings and just want to hug it all!

[@debcomly2481]

I love boring. I live in Florida.I'm an introvert. Live on 8 acres in the woods with Animals. I can't stand people for very long. If people are nice they want something. Love the video ❤

[@amandalapanda394]

I am an Australian who has been living in LA for 6 years and you could pretty much replace the word London with LA for all your points! Especially the one about everyone having an opinion about a city they don’t live in, and often a negative one. The only London myth that doesn’t work for LA is the sidewalks are always empty here lol. 😂 Love you Jenny, come visit me in LA!

[@bernitajenkins7581]

Except for the homeless...

[@DiMagnolia]

I’m planning on moving abroad again after I finish my degree I’m about a year and a half. I grew up in the US and Mexico, I’ve bounced around between the two quite a bit, but I am looking forward to somewhere entirely new and different. Sweden is actually one of the countries I’m considering ❤

[@katerose8393]

Your flat and neighbourhood looks incredible, i think i’d feel the same if i lived there. However i can only afford East London, which has a lot of great people but a significant minority of selfish, loud, horrible people who make it hard to live here. You’re only ever one flat away from a wannabe DJ who likes to treat people to their choice of soundtrack 12 hours a day, or one street away from someone screaming past on a violently noisy motorbike. Oh and ten steps away from broken glass on the ground where someone chucked their bottle to smash!

[@pinakkoladaa]

I worked in Leicester Square about 5 years ago. I am female. I used to go home around 4 a.m. and NEVER felt unsafe (to those who say London is unsafe). Yes, there was one time when I saw a person who was on serious drugs and looked like a zombie, and I felt scared for the first time in London. In general, I never had any issues. Sure, guys would try to talk to me, but I would politely say "no" and go on my way. I also lived in Barking once (which is considered a rough area, full of crime), and I STILL never had any issues, never felt unsafe or scared. Most of my life, I lived in the Docklands - Royal Wharf, Canary Wharf - and it's the best and most beautiful part of London to me. I believe feeling safe is all in your head. If you start overthinking, then yes, you will feel unsafe everywhere.

[@foreverwinona]

London has changed a lot in five years. It’s not nearly as safe now unfortunately.

[@carmenpotgieter676]

Loved the honesty!

[@pinakkoladaa]

Great video, I completely agree 💛💚💙

[@xrubyxlightx]

I visited London last year in late September. Idk if i was just lucky but it was mostly sunny and warm (To me, at least). It only drizzled in the morning. I mostly stayed in West and Central so I'd love to visit again but this time stay in South

[@sarahk5916]

I live half my time in the north east of England and half in London and the differences are huge! The flakiness thing is so true. the problem is Londoners make plans waaay too far in advance then don't want to, or can't, do it when it arrives. In the north east this never happens. Geordies are far friendlier than Londoners. And there are no nice middle class areas in London where professionals live, like in the north. It's either super posh or a bit shabby.

[@LM-fn6qb]

Geordies ... I tripped over in the street in Newcastle and the whole city rushed to help me up. Gorgeous people and the loveliest accent on earth. I live thousands of miles away now but I still remember 'haway pet!' and 'why aye'❤.

[@DavidMustardFilm]

should we leave again?

[@xochilguevara3429]

Why? Do you want to?

[@JeffJensen55]

Anything you want, as long as we get to come along! 😊❤

[@AM-bm2xw]

My city of 40,000 people has become to crowded and busy for me 😅 we simply do not have the infrastructure to cope with the traffic, etc. So I would love to move to a residential area or a small town nearby. That being said, after 20 moves in my life and 6 years here (cumulatively), I can't see myself moving far away again.

I'm a Swede as well and have been living in the UK since 1998. I have, however, never lived in London. I came to Sheffield first and then lived in Staffordshire for seven years before I moved to North Lincolnshire. I am a small town girl though. I'm originally from Ångermanland but lived in Stockholm for 15-odd years (before I came over here). I must admit, I don't think I've ever felt at home in a city so London would be a big no-no for me - I'm even stressed in Stockholm (hahaha). As always; it's each to their own and that's irregardless of wherever you want to stay. We're all different and have different needs. I need the small town mentality in order to thrive and I've even fond photography work in my small village of Brigg - something I never did living in a bigger city. *If* I go to a bigger city up here, it's normally York or Sheffield but I also have a love of Manchester and Liverpool. One might say that I've become quite the northerner. But I like that.

[@notaclue822]

In Vancouver, it rains for days on end.

[@darrylbannon8933]

So true on the non-commitment of English people to meeting up. All my European friends find this bizarre and actually very rude. While I say English, I see those from outside London being less flakey, at first. However after time in London, they will pick up this habit. I have to warn so many Irish kids who come over to be careful about their time and find people they can trust. This also goes for work opportunities, being very guarded about recruiters etc is something to be very mindful of. Question everything:) As with any big city, you just have to be smart about avoiding dodgy areas. Keep your phone in your bag etc. Walk with purpose. London can be fantastic, you do not have to live in zones 1-2. Find a place on a tube/night bus route to keep rent costs down. There are plenty of free things to do in the city. You can join sports teams or choirs to meet new people. Find groups to join that suit your interests. At the weekends, book train tickets to various country villages to explore hiking trails etc. You'll be surprised just how friendly people are outside of London.

[@frankfrantisek]

I've been living in London for 17 years and I wouldn't change. It's the one place on Earth I truly feel like I belong. SO many interesting people and things they do. And I totally agree with the weather. I am an outdoor person and hardly ever have an umbrella. It's important to note, though, that I do not buy into the conditioned believe that beach life is the only good life. I find beach incredibly boring. Very much a cultural curious city creature I am. All the bad myths about London are rubbish and most likely being told by miserable people.

[@ulrikecaplin1854]

I live in Wales and I wish we had the nice London weather 😜 😅

[@winterburden]

Thanks Jenny Mustard!

[@notaclue822]

Listening to neutralize my envy. Lol.

[@meskal3lie678]

I really like your videos ❤❤

[@TheSmash308]

I’d love a similar video about Berlin!

[@natalierosekohl]

radom question. what color paint is your place? It's exactly that light yellow cream white I'm looking for, farrow and ball? thanks

[@NoraTKD]

You should come to Budapest, you would love it😊

[@xochilguevara3429]

I love the big city! But I’m happily a home in my little jungle town.

[@emu9520]

Lived there for 2 years…unless you are earning a fairly hefty wage…it’s a nightmare…..it’s hard to move around ….it’s grey…and pretty soulless in my opinion….give me paris any day

[@MakeUpWitch]

London is one of my beloved places in the world. I miss it within a few days of leaving and I usually plan my next visit. I have a very specific lifestyle, I'm not a social type and so I can live my own kind of life basically anywhere. As far as it is a city. Because yes, I'm a city girl as well. I love London for it's culture, history, food and parks. Thanks to being a quirky crazy weird me I never really cared about social classes or stiff upper lip. Plus, I'm brutally honest so if I ever felt mistreated for my assumed "class" I'd tell the person exactly what I think. In a properly posh accent of course If I ever had enough resources to be able to afford it I'd love to live in London part time. Part time meaning I will always be coming back to Prague where I have my mental anchor.

[@bca-2257]

❤

[@pumpkinpatch5]

😂

[@jannatara5685]

“A Londoner” ❤❤❤

[@linkash4167]

Sunny??? I guess compared to Sweden 😅

[@tinachristine4573]

I visited Stockholm and fell violently in love. I drove further south to Gothenburg and it wasn't charming at all so the fantasy was bruised a little but I still like the socialist way of doing things in Sweden that ensures that life generally works.

[@caryljones1450]

Thanks for this great video which I feel really highlights the nuances of London life. And YES to bringing some Swedish socialism to the UK! After the second world war social mobility improved in the UK but since Thatcherism/Regeanism/Neoliberalism and a spate of incompetent and greedy public figures (no names mentioned) there has unfortunately been a reversal in conditions which doesn't look set to improve. However I do like how London has cleaned itself up since the 90s but now it has become a playground for extremely rich people. I totally understand why so many working and middle class people are moving abroad. Sadly this is to the detriment of the country in the long-term but why would the elite ever want to relinquish their power and assets. Sad.

[@bernitajenkins7581]

I couldn't wait to leave London. I was mugged on my first day. Give me OZ 🇦🇺, any day.

[@kallie_w]

It’s also my dream to move to the UK, but now that I’m not a student anymore it’s just so hard as someone who’s not a EU citizen :( I need to get a work visa by getting a job *in my field* but it’s almost impossible…. After all why would they sponsor a foreigner when there are plenty of British people in my industry looking for jobs? Sometimes I feel like I’ll just have to give up 😔

[@gdok6088]

Don't give up. Companies and firms recruit people from other countries all the time. London is a melting pot of people from all around the world.

[@kallie_w]

@@gdok6088 true but I work in nonprofit which I feel like doesn’t necessarily do a lot of that due to limited budgets 😭

[@MyMagicalHorizon]

I think you can make it happen 😏

[@mona-elf]

Which areas of London are actually safe?

[@alexandrayabrov7456]

New York! Forever👍

[@elisazouza]

Are you still living London? I wanna move there to be closer to my boyfriend and because I live in the middle of nowhere ❤

[@sofiareyes7745]

❤

[@jacobsalter8653]

Love London

[@JimenaBlack]

I would love a video about the swedish socialism ❤

[@raspberrykissable]

I am from sunny Colorado and am currently in London. The weather here is quite dreary I think it depends on who you talk to. London definitely has its charm. Could I live here unfortunately no.

[@keira127127]

Really interesting video!! And so right about what you said about London needs more socialism! Tax the rich!

[@cristinapiano6190]

🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

[@captainhml3868]

I'm not a city girl.

[@gail1249]

Ready to move