13 *horrible* truths about living in London

[@akbender]

I am a German living in Ireland for 5 years now. I've lived in Rotterdam, Düsseldorf, London and Zürich and I always thought of myself as a "city girl". Turns out I am not! I would never ever trade this life, living in a small Irish coastal town, surrounded by the sea, mountains and so soo much green. Irish people are the kindest, friendliest and most caring people in the world (by my opinion) and I have never felt more at home anywhere else, not even in my hometown.

[@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!

[@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

[@mattburrito]

im american i never been to the uk or europe in general money talks 1st.!

[@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.

[@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.

[@c_j_01]

I would love to go to Tokyo!

[@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.

[@Kate-lk6tw]

Are they safe for women by themselves? The travel advisory says not.

[@SarahBaker-q9k]

Yep, try and escape the crowd when you commute to work.

[@iamelizarosalind]

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

[@Kate-lk6tw]

Didn’t Dr Johnson say if you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life.

[@iamelizarosalind]

@@Kate-lk6tw Oscar Wilde said it too

[@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. :)

[@auntyjo1792]

Class system is unsurmountable in the uk, if you are working class, hence the need for pride. If you are foreign you get a free pass on it all so enjoy!

[@VerdenAvGlass]

I live in the village in western Poland, near German border. I bought old cottage house from 19th century with some land and this is my place on the earth. I used to live in southern Norway, in northern Germany, but now I am where I wanted to be. It's quite wild place, far from civilization, but it's extreamly beautiful. The forest, lakes and rivers, ruins in the woods, old german roads heading to nowhere. There is no second place like that and I love to be here.

[@benburndred2226]

Sounds great

[@stackorlee6053]

You should start a KZbin that sounds interesting.

[@VerdenAvGlass]

@@stackorlee6053 I actually tought about it. Maybe I really should...

[@shushuchan2913]

I expirienced almost a physical whiplash when you said you moved to London ten years ago because I still remember that move!! No way it's been this long already! I'm having a little freakout over how fast time passes.

[@sarah.gabriella]

I'm an American living in London and have been here (on and off) for 12 years. When you said that to make friends in London, you have to be introduced by a common friend, it was like a lightbulb went off for me. I'm recently back in London after a few years away, and this is such a good reminder to keep reaching out to people. Thanks for a great video!

[@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!

[@bodenealice]

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.

[@petitenoire]

It was my teenage dream to live in London. I've lived in two cities in the UK not too far from it, but never ended up living in London. I'm currently in Bristol and feel like this is my place, it's not too far from London so I can always visit :) . I agree with part about making friendships as an immigrant, after living for 7 years in one city I have my friends circle, but beginnings in a new place were more difficult. I also love being surrounded by 'The Movers' :) one of the reasons why I wanted to live in London was to meet people from different cultures and I have it in Bristol :) .

[@Blue_22511]

Bristol is great as well

[@katrinav.8503]

As a 7 years Londoner, 100% agree on all !! First years are the most difficult- the city is testing if you will survive, literally. Every aspect of your life, financial, moral, social, health… And as a proof to the last point- I’m on a holiday now and I have no a half thought to go anywhere as just stay right where I am, go for a walk in a park and grab myself a nice coffee on my way and enjoy the moment, because I still cannot believe I live in this city and feel so grateful for that opportunity!

[@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.

[@danila5631]

I love London, I also moved here about 10 years ago. I love the business, the art/culture, the sense of being somewhere globally important. But I’ve decided to move away for a bit to have a break as I’ve fallen a bit out of love with London. So… I decided to take a job in Hong Kong which will be even busier and more frenetic and expensive. Wish me luck! 🍀

[@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.

[@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

[@irinap.5507]

Agree 100% on every single point. We moved to London almost two years ago after living in Finland for 10 years, and I love London! It has everything that you need - the hustle and bustle of the center, the green areas, the quiet neighbourhoods… culture, food, cinema, the best concerts… Plus, if you want to travel, it’s so easy from London. What more do you need? And the weather is definitely not even remotely as bad as in the Northern Europe. The only thing I wish was different here is education system. I have kids and the way the whole schooling system works here is nuts. Other than that, a lovely place!

[@ЮлияСуходоева-л6о]

Thank you for this video! I've heard so many awful scary things about London and it's so nice to listen to smn with a fair and honest perspective.

[@albiesspace]

I know this is an incredibly privileged thing to say, but. I can deal with busy, loud and overcrowded places and old apartments. But living my life among unkind people who lie, scam you, flake on friends and don't care about public space enough to take the trash that they brought to the next bin, and be expected to follow suit myself... I don't think I quite understand.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@stuck-in-the-80s-e5h]

Sounds idyllic where you are ..

[@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.

[@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

[@Kate-lk6tw]

Australia has a bit of space, hon. Summer in Tassie isn’t Melbourne or Sydney or Northern WA. You misrepresent Australian summers this way ; they vary.

[@gabrielehohne9525]

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

[@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!!! 🏝️

[@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!

[@RedArtistx]

One of the things noticable in the upper class is the way they cosplay being working class, like it's fancy dress. The women commonly wear large, athleisure jumpers (always proper brands like ADIDAS, not just market stall stuff). They wear them with dainty gold bar necklaces & earrings (often multiple to make themselves feel more 'hood). It's a very recognisable look that's desgined to make them feel like they're regular people, but that clearly signals to other upper class people that they're not really working class. In men, you might find them adopting the 'cockney geezer' look, wearing sovereign rings, sometimes multiple of them.

[@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 :)

[@rassoronmore8931]

I was born and live in Karachi, Pakistan. Because I've lived here all my life, there is a certain sense of attachment to the city. Karachi is a very big city and like London (but prob worse), Karachi's population also has severe income disparities. I hate the humid heat here and we barely get any winters. When it does get slightly colder it's also extremely dry which is unpleasant. And it barely rains. Lizards and cockroaches are very common too, lizards frequently sneek into the house and hide in places like the kitchen :( Soo, I would definitely love to experience living in other places! I'd also like to experience living in at least 2 or 3 different kinds of environments (urban/rural/different continents etc) before deciding if I want to settle elsewhere permanently, provided my parents come along.

[@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.

[@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?

[@stuck-in-the-80s-e5h]

My feelings exactly - I miss the London I knew

[@Kate-lk6tw]

Brexit. Cruel to British young ppl, and any young European. No vision.

[@arrow1-b2v]

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

[@gabers]

As a Brit born in Sweden and living here, welcome to London, you are very welcome!

[@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'❤.

[@Pinerocks]

I live in London and still enjoy it after 40 years! I do dream of living somewhere else specifically Berlin or Paris but I doubt that will ever happen.

[@sommer1982official]

Instead of permanently moving to Berlin or Paris, you could stay there for a few months to get a kind of local experience 😊

[@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! 😜

[@Kate-lk6tw]

Paris?

[@lilliangray2113]

I was visiting London for the first time ever when you uploaded this video! What an amazing city! It's incredible that despite the population you really can find quiet spots very easily. There's a gorgeous park in every corner!

[@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!

[@lauraholland347]

I live in the East End and I love it but I have seriously considered migration to Greece.

[@belladonna9224]

Me too.

[@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 :)

[@annaliberated6137]

Thank you… loved this and welcome! I’m a Londoner born and bred and you got it right… the good and the bad. But it’s the best… “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life!!” - don’t know who said that but it’s true!

[@dorottyabiro6743]

I thought I'll be moving countries/cities a lot but I started with London and now I don't want to leave!

[@mona-elf]

Which areas of London are actually safe?

[@jimsteinberg9291]

What a lovely essay, mostly consistent with my experience; what also makes London truly extraordinary are the free museums, excellent transport and world leading theatre

[@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.

[@theukyankee]

I think also that different people have different views of what is a comfortable (or safe) place to live. I had friends who saw Kilburn as unsavoury but I really enjoyed living there and felt perfectly safe as a woman. So, some areas that are stated as 'unsafe' may be only in certain parts but not the entire area.

[@Kate-lk6tw]

Yes, I lived in Willesden for the time I was studying and it got a bad rap from ppl who didn’t live there (or visit!), but I adored it and I still do. Zadie Smith has immortalised Willesden and Kilburn in her novels and I saw her world there. I feel so lucky to have known it.

[@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!

[@Blue_22511]

Yes! ❤

[@paulamedel11]

gilmore girls weather sounds lovely

[@Bronwyn_Dennis]

I'm so pleased you love living in your space and neighbourhood. While I crave a much cooler climate (I live in glary, humid, beautiful Sydney, Australia), I haven't yet found a way to move back to the UK. So I have a constant hum of wrestlessness permeating everyday living. However, since moving to a larger old flat, in a beautiful, leafy harbourside suburb, I do now know the feeling of not wanting to leave home. I like to work outside my home in a dedicated office, but I find myself more and more not wanting to leave home on weekends because it's a great space , neighbourhood, and I have room for creative hobbies. I don't think is just because I'm older. Congratulations on buying and creating a beautiful space for yourselves. It's a huge achievement (I'm still yet to achieve).

[@TheSmash308]

I’d love a similar video about Berlin!

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.

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@juliats1]

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

[@ARTcreat13]

Well yeah you compare it to Stockholm weather...that is why you love it. As a Greek I suffer here as far as the weather it concerns.

[@sommer1982official]

Southern Europeans definitely feel different about the weather, I’m from Germany - I know the perspective of Spanish and Italian friends. It can’t be sunny enough 😅 PS: I’m currently living in Spain and get spoiled by sunshine but I miss snow in winter 😌

[@DavidMustardFilm]

should we leave again?

[@xochilguevara3429]

Why? Do you want to?

[@JeffJensen55]

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

[@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...

[@carmenpotgieter676]

Loved the honesty!

[@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

[@Kate-lk6tw]

Yes, Paris is glorious. But Europeans don’t realise London is grey. Because Europe IS grey.

[@velvet6187]

How much is "hefty,wage "to have decent life

[@RS-mu9cw]

About £70k a year (my partner and I earn that between each other and we have money to do fun things - but our rent is about £1500 a month for a small one bedroom flat)

[@NightinGal89]

All cities are shit, imo. I'd take living in the country/woods or at least on a farm any day.

[@velvet6187]

@@RS-mu9cw 70k each of you,or together?

[@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.

[@Kate-lk6tw]

They might say yes just to be polite and not mean it. But people are free. Their lives don’t revolve around you.

[@ellzbellzellzbellz]

hey this is my first of your videos and it just really reminded me how much i love london. i grew up in a town an hours train ride away and having then lived all over the world, i'm back an hour away. life is so much more affordable being just a little bit further out, and i was able to buy a flat, but i really hope in the next 5 years i'm able to afford to move to an area like yours, in london proper, with greenery and the veiws of rooftops. I do love london, but i've always loved leaving it just as much because it gets so overwhelming, but if i had my own peaceful flat to return to I think i'd probably be similar in never wanting to leave. It's a known phemomenon that when people move to london they never come back to visit, and when people move out of london their london friends never come to visit them, london has it's own gravitational pull for sure

[@debragoring]

Very enjoyable coverage! X yes please to more info on quirky culture and also Stockholm x

[@bernitajenkins7581]

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

[@VHope94]

I just moved to London, been here less than a month, so starting to know and learn how to survive the madness of a big city. Coming from a little island in the Atlantic...

[@TimelordUK]

Jenny, I haven't seen any of your videos for years. Such a shock to see you with long beautiful hair!! It was short and white last time. You are so very pretty and always look so wonderful and stylish in your clothes. I am a native UK resident and have never ever liked London. I once had to live there for work, I was an actor in the West End, and I was the only person in the company who did not already live there. I hated every minute of it. Dirty, noisy, cold, unsafe, and lonely, oh and if course everything was very very expensive. However I suppose it is all about personality types. I am not a city kid. My dream home would be off grid in a log cabin in the woods, or high up in a lighthouse with all the dramatic waves keeping everyone away from me! I am so happy you love London and what this country has to offer. It is quite flattering to see this as I would prefer Sweden anyday! Your home looks lovely in this video, I think you were still renovating your previous home abroad in the last video I saw. Have a lovely Christmas Jenny. Glad to see you are doing so well xx ❤️

[@Katharine-000]

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!

[@sarahowick5456]

Montréal, born and raised, and could not ever bear the thought of leaving. It's European, stunning, green, cozy, bustling, gorgeous change of seasons, culture, food, everything you could want in a big city with a smaller city feel. Extreme cold (for a month or two) and not-so-great politics are a bummer. Excellent public healthcare but sometimes hard to access and long wait-times. High taxes, but affordable. Every place has its pros and cons, but the pros outweigh the cons here for sure!

[@Niphredyl]

I lived in the UK (not London, though) for 2.5 years, and English companies definitely are trying to rip you off or scam you, I was lied to my face multiple times, no idea how this came to be here. The only company who didn’t try to rip us off was a family business of mechanics of a family of Indian ancestry.

[@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. ❤

[@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 !!

[@TheEmzies]

I moved to a small town (pop. 100,000) and really miss the big city buzz. Its a lot harder to find cool arty things - you have to seek out things to do rather than those things being everywhere

[@lemonylife]

Hi ladybug! My husband and i are looking to relocate to london with our two boys and a dog. Because i love your videos and take on London, would you be able to recommend the top 3 kid’s friendly neighbourhood to consider? We are relatively young parents and have lived in asia for the past 12 years. Budget is relatively high and with chance to buy.

[@notaclue822]

In Vancouver, it rains for days on end.

[@charlotte4178]

A different perspective… I moved here 8 years ago to kick off my career as all the good jobs are in London… and I’m desperate to leave 🥲 I’m an introvert who loves nature and quiet places. My commute is my own personal hell. It’s just not worth the crazy prices when I don’t love it! Now I have a decent amount of experience I’m hoping to move away soon to a quieter part of the UK or Europe (suggestions welcome!). There will be things I’ll miss but it’s not for everyone. Love the video and your honesty. ❤️

[@Kate-lk6tw]

It’s so important to be in a place that’s authentic to you.

[@victoriawilsdon3691]

currently reading your first novel - loving it

[@ulrikecaplin1854]

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

[@meskal3lie678]

I really like your videos ❤❤

[@siouxgerowsays]

Crowded? Jeez where do people get their info? London has so much Park space. People were super friendly whenever I visited. I live in Boston which has a LOT of London-y vibes, but less friendly people, so maybe that is why I thought everyone was so nice :) We have started thinking about a trip overseas and London is definitely on the list

[@noligray5828]

Wow. Londoners are saying hello to you? My neighbours, which who I go out to the local pub sometimes, are so friendly in the pub (especially when drunk), but then they do not say hello, when we meet in the corridor of our house... You can have a deep, heart to hear conversation with a londoner, and the next day, he will pretend he doesn't know you. And it is not only my experience.

[@Blue_22511]

London and Mykonos are my best vibes places ❤❤❤

[@Lamyfrog1]

Think I need to find some Swedish friends so I can actually get out and do some things!

[@darlenemahaney1258]

Great video! And I love when David comments🙂

[@xochilguevara3429]

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

[@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 ❤

[@KC-ye8rx]

OMG your flat is so refined and sophisticated!

[@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.

[@elina_havr]

I don't want to leave my motherland, but I really fear that I might have to. I have never wanted to immigrate and have always loved my country. I didn't leave even when the war started almost 3 years ago . Still hope that I won't have to...

[@michellewall6748]

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

[@alvaroodeh4794]

Everything is relative as you mention on your video, the weather in London is fantastic if you dont know otherwise. London on Holiday is completely different to living here, be prepared to give up your quality of life, in exchange for underpaid work no matter what field you are in, lets leave it as that and lets not discuss the consequences that come with unhappy citizens and a mental health rate of above 50% of the population. Guys, sad to say, after 12 years living in London pre and post Brexit, London is not a great place to live.

[@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.

[@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!

[@lauraholland347]

Absolutely agree about the making plans- but I think it is mostly younger people- I find it infuriating if people change their mind last minute.The wealth gap has got so much worse in recent years, especially since Covid, definitely agree about taxing the rich to even things out.

[@marycahill546]

Canada here. I have been to London mny times but won't be visiting again. It's just too expensive.

[@linkash4167]

Sunny??? I guess compared to Sweden 😅

[@pinakkoladaa]

Great video, I completely agree 💛💚💙

[@hermanstrauss]

Gilmore girls weather is such a perfect way to describe it haha. Definitely true.

[@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.