Why I Left London!

[@janalavtizar4426]

I live Ljubljana, Slovenia, surrounded with nature (walking distance). I was madly, sentimentally in love with England for a decade or two. Then with Amsterdam. Now I'm planning to move to the countryside. We Slovenians are lucky to have so many great places quite close around us: magnificent cities in Northern Italy, Croatia with unparalelled Dalmatian coast, Vienna...

[@oscarwildrocks]

Slovenia is such a beautiful country and Slovenian people are very friendly and hospitable! 💜 I've been there twice and hopefully will visit it again 🥰🍀

[@rebeccaalves4796]

I could not agree more. Let’s keep it in between us so as the Lake Bohinj ♥️ could not get enough of the country when I lived In Budapest

[@zolawilliams1]

I have wanted to visit Slovenia for so long!!! I really hope to someday. It looks so beautiful and I hear wonderful things about the people.

[@mahbubeshhhh19]

How was the amsterdam?

[@janalavtizar4426]

@@mahbubeshhhh19 lovely. Still is.

[@RaluGabri]

I just moved to Stockholm 2 weeks ago. It's been my dream for the past 6 years and just like you i've saved up to afford about 6 months of rent while I look for a job...i'm really determined to stick around, Sweden is such a lovely, calm, unpolluted amazing place to live in. ❤

[@sweetygirl165]

I did the same! From London. Wishing you the best of luck ❤

[@isabelamartins6909]

This video made me miss the old podcasts, when you and David used to talk about your lives. I used to listen to it while commuting to university. I remember all the decision process of you going back to London, almost like if I was there as a witness 😅 so much nostalgia for those days!

[@anjalianthony1656]

The moral of the story is London is amazing if you’re wealthy or a nepo-baby. Otherwise life is tough - cost of living is exorbitant, there is rubbish everywhere, lack of clean air, constant dreary weather…London has its time but I don’t think its a forever city, and especially not suitable for families with young children or elderly or disabled people.

[@alguedemer]

I agree. I'm selling up my London flat after 26 years in London. I don't want to be old here. Want to go back to France, on my native seaside. I will miss some things from London, like the way people are, the politeness and delicate ways, but the exhorbitant price is not worth it anymore as the cost of life is too high and it's harder to make a living. The opportunities are less I find. To my surprise, I've had a lot of opportunities from France recently. So that's a good sign for me who wants to settle back there.

[@darthsaren6519]

im from Romania , I lived in London for 2 years in 2015. I came back to Romania and I would never want to live in London ever again - multiple reasons, but the biggest reason is I have discovered that big cities are not for me.

[@Soph-rv9tb]

I have no idea how I ended up here (thanks clever algorithm!) but this was such a precious thing to watch. Originally from Sweden, I've spent the majority of my adult life abroad. I lived in London for almost 10 years, but moved to Stockholm during the pandemic for a job, and everything I wanted in terms of quality of life I have here. I'm very lucky to own a flat in a beautiful area in central Stockholm, yet close to enormous green areas. Also no commute, ideal rent vs income situation etc. BUT! I miss London, so much, literally every single day. It was pure grief in the beginning, literally. I always felt so grateful for spending the pandemic in Sweden, as London was incredibly challenging with the lockdowns etc., but the thing I miss so terribly is the people. The kindness, the humour, the small talk and jokes with "strangers", the celebration of diversity, every single day. Due to the pandemic I couldn't visit London for 2 years, and I thought I had gotten used to Stockholm by then. First time back to London, it was like the energy just shifted in such an intense, positive direction. I was literally crying at the airport because of how much I had missed it, it just overwhelmed me. Didn't know you could love a city that much, but it's part of me on a cellular level - and trust me, I did NOT live a luxurious life in London and I've shared flat with mice (involuntarily) more than once so I know exactly what you're talking about! The hopelessness re making ends meet even with a good salary, it's taxing. The white paint on mouldy patches, dysfunctional boilers and fitted carpets with God knows what on them - been there done that, paying handsomely for it as well 😉Completely different story in Sweden for most people, and I love that we have fantastic social systems. That said, I don't know if I will stay, because to me, the London kindness and celebration of diversity is so unique (apparently, didn't realise until after I left), and knowing that exists, I don't know if I can live without it. Major therapy session here 😂 Thank you for "listening" if anyone made it all the way here! 🥰 Thank you for your lovely video!

[@CrisTina-tp2jg]

I did make it to the end, you have a lovely writing style that made it easy to read. All the best with your decisions.

[@Soph-rv9tb]

@@CrisTina-tp2jg Oh what a lovely comment, thank you very much and all the best

[@laroussik]

Living in London. Bought our flat around the same time as you guys bought yours. Feel the same about London as you do. Love London to bits but the wealth gap is very worrying to say the least.

[@dr-mon-v3i]

O wow i am very shocked. I watch your videos for years now and i never knew tou had any struggles. You always seemed to live luxurious or at least comfortable :)

[@spirituallysafe]

Every human being has struggles. You think You Tubers put all their "stuff" on camera?!

[@ingwerkeks98]

I live in my favourite place in the world: Berlin. I fell in love with it the first time I came here and I am still in love 15 years later 😊

[@foggycraw6758]

What do you like about Berlin?

[@LittleKikuyu]

More power to you but in my experience Berlin 15 years ago was VASTLY different from how it is now. I think it’s totally overrated and the quality of life is pretty awful these days (way too crowded, for example). 😖

[@annasoer7558]

It is required by UK law that all bedrooms have an "escapable window", so the window must be fully openable. If there is a billboard in front of the window, it is no longer an escapable window and thereby doesn't comply with the law. Recourses are slow and potentially expensive - not mentioning the risk of losing your housing. So... the new tenants can definitely enquire about their rights!

[@ocelot9643]

How come most university dorms get to have windows that don't open fully then?

[@xLightningbolt]

And hotel rooms?!

[@Jg20-n9x]

Jenny thank you so much for showing honestly, that you had to build your job and that you and David didn't always have the money to buy to buy everything you wanted. It means a lot to hear that other people struggled too, but eventually time passed and so did the poverty

[@mariacorretge6615]

I'm in Edinburgh, I love it so, so much, I can't ever leave, which is annoying because taxes in Scotland are extortionate and the NHS where I work is going down the drain. But the city is beyond gorgeous. It's simply arrestingly beautiful. Every single day it awes me.

[@RikkeGade]

Would love to visit Edinburg! :)

[@nervousheadache]

We don’t have the NHS.

[@olga26100]

Edinburgh is literally like a fairy tale sooooo magic. Hope one day will go again ❤❤❤

[@spirituallysafe]

Please could you recommend a lovely hotel or guesthouse? Thank you!

[@mariacorretge6615]

The Black Ivy ! It's beautiful and in the best spot , far away from tourists but still in the middle of the buzz @@spirituallysafe

[@joannak1956]

I can't wait to hear the rest of the story :) I live in Kaszuby in northern Poland. Such beautiful nature! I lived 3 years in the Netherlands as well. The climate was great but I missed the wilderness of polish forests, mountains, rivers and lakes.

[@Mark-c9h3l]

I lived in London from the early 90s to just after 2000. I came away with the exact feeling you express; London is a fabulous place - for the wealthy. Yes, it must seem like heaven on earth if you have tons of money.

[@elizabethpage2912]

I am from London and lived nearly all my life in that amazing city … now I’m in Spain enjoying the warmth of the people and the sunshine … sending London all my love 🧡 she will always be in my heart

[@doomsdaypepper4269]

I started watching during the Mustard’s summer house days. Such beautiful videos with creative fashion and recipes. Jenny’s no eyebrow health goth days! Loved all of it and so happy to see your dreams coming true.

[@zolawilliams1]

Me too. Used to love all that fun, asymmetrical, baggy athletic wear!

[@isabellarno]

I live in Mexico City. Being from the north of France, OMG the weather is just so perfect, never too cold, never too hot, no heating nor A/C need, good for the environment 😊 We have many parks and trees in our area but it is still an huge city so I can really miss the quietness of France countryside. And the noises just fed me up sometimes, all day long we have street vendors shouting, selling fruits and prepared corn and tamales 😂

[@foggycraw6758]

How would you compare Paris to Mexico City?

[@valeriec3484]

I have lived all over the US, I grew up in California and I spent some amazing years in NY, but I settled on the Pacific Northwest. I really do love it here, I have a beautiful home, with a deck that overlooks a creek with trees and it is so nice. Sometimes I miss the shopping and restaurants and the fast pace of the city but it never felt like home to me.

[@franceshanna3724]

The inner west of Sydney. Leafy but close to the city, lots of cafes and restaurants, quite lovely really. Yes, I'm here to stay!

[@Granorla]

I used to love London, I lived there for 3 years for uni and kinda fell out of love with it. But now I’m back in my home town and I miss London, might move back for masters or work, but the stress of surviving is something else

[@pollyhg2826]

I lived in London for 10 years, then moved further North as accommodation was so expensive (my landlord doubled my rent when I moved out!), and working in London was burn out central! I worked back in London for a further 3 years, and I now live in the countryside with dogs and chickens, and can still get back to London for gigs and theatre when I want to. Balance.

[@annikaheller3489]

I‘m currently in the process of leaving Hamburg to live in a smaller town. I love the city but after 8 years of public transport, stress and always being in the middle of something, I can‘t wait to leave. Happy to hear you came back to London and seem to really enjoy it now!

[@CrisTina-tp2jg]

Excellent information! I like the clear projection of your voice and the pace, not to fast.

[@carlacabiddu1808]

I live in Shrewsbury, Shropshire (UK), after 8 years in Brighton. Like London it was too much of a transient place, difficult to maintain friendships, very little nature, the beach was nice to have though. Feeling more at home now, I am originally from Italy

[@TheZeyre]

Just stumbled onto your channel and glad of it! I am Canadian but spent almost 3 years just outside of London in Surrey with almost every weekend and lots of evenings there. It is a great city with a huge electric vibe where anything can happen and it is also all the other things you describe…. Stuck in the tube four levels underground in hot, humid, smelly summer and in queues for groceries that seem impossible. I recently applied for a job back in London so I totally have a similar drive to rehome there. I loved it when I am in the right mind state. Happy for you!!! Congratulations on getting your home there! That is fantastic! Look forward to your next episode! Xo J

[@chicfifty5067]

I'm on the south coast of England. Every morning I walk 10 minutes down to the shore with my beautiful canine companion Charlie before I commute 15 minutes to work. I nip up to 'town' (London) to visit friends and exhibitions. I'm very aware I'm lucky.

[@alguedemer]

Ohh, where are you? I'm curious. I'm in South-East London getting ready to move back to my native seaside in France, in or near Boulogne s/mer, I don't know if you know it.

[@susanfindell6154]

I live in Steamboat Springs, Colorado USA. It’s a small town with a big ski resort. I’ve been here almost 26 years, I love it 😊

[@Patricia_Small]

I was in London in 2010, too! I was in Stoke Newington and it had its moments but we left because we couldn't afford it and went to Prague for many years. Then Germany for several years. Now we have resettled in Worcester and it's pretty nice. Certainly a different experience than London/ Prague /Munich but the countrysidearound us is beauty and countryside in England is the reason to live in England.

[@stephaniefunrun]

I have always had Wanderlust. But we ended up in a town in Germany that I love beyond words! We ended up buying and there is no chance I will ever leave. Even if we live part time Somewhere else I will always comeback here for “home”

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

As a student I spent a couple of summers working in Germany. My cycle route to work was through the pine forests from the back of the garden of my Grandmother nearly into the factory. Decades later when I drove non-stop from Hook to Celle and first got out of the car the smell of the rain drenched pine made me feel back at home, Heimat.

[@judidetta]

I would love to hear more about how you two fell back in love with London after such experience!

[@foxtanii9056]

I remember your 1st videos both fro London and the Sweedish summer houses. I remember loving it

[@MihaelaClaudiaPuscas]

I lived in London for 2 years and left due to housing costs, way too high!! Yes, you touched on that as well!

[@jeanamedina5107]

We live in south Oklahoma. My husband calls it a huge cow field haha. We have one stop light and our town is the safest town in the whole state. The people are lovely and the cost of living is not bad. Our 4 bedroom, 2 bath house is 2,000.00 dollars a month. Not bad for 1800 square feet and a large fenced in back yard.

[@alguedemer]

Wow, I'm coming!!!

[@meissoun]

I moved to Zurich from a small Swiss town when I was 20. It's my favourite place in the world and I never want to leave. So wish me luck for finding an affordable new apartment next year - the one thing that is really bad here is how hard it is to find a place to live when you're not rich.

[@jasminealixandranorth]

And the Swiss ;)

[@alguedemer]

I wish you luck, I'm sure you will find!!!!

[@Heidey9860]

Live in Texas but am originally from Germany. Miss Europe and its lifestyle so much!

[@divinealchemy3078]

Is it more expensive than Germany in terms of housing, other living expenses, healthcare etc.? Can you name few benefits of living in America? I ask cuz I live in Germany, too, but I'm considering moving ...Thank you in advance for your answers!

[@Heidey9860]

@@divinealchemy3078In my opinion it is true that "Amerika ist das" Land der unbegrenzten Möglichkeiten" but it comes at a cost. Work/life balance is something that is almost none existent. Your job and making money seems to be dominating most people's life. I think opportunities are plentiful if you want to dedicate your life to work you can definitely make it here. I would say the "Lebensstandard" is higher in the US. I have medical insurance thru my employer, and pay about $80/month. Medical expenses are high though and your out of pocket costs, depending on procedure can be very high. Despite that I have a very comfortable life here, much better than I would have in Germany but miss the more simple life, or maybe I am just romantizising. Usually go back to Europe once a year. 🙂

[@NinaJoustra]

Lived in London together with my partner for a little under 2 years - I loved it soo much but we had to deal with the reality of visas and horrible housing every day (oh the landlord horror stories...). Moved to Berlin last summer and never looked back. It is just crazy how much your life changes when you are able to have (semi) affordable housing and you're no longer tied to visas. Next to that it was definitely the wealth gap that irked me the most - although that is becoming more and more prevalent in all larger cities unfortunately..

[@Aplaceformermaids]

Having lived in london for 3 years I definitely don't think it's a long term place.. It's like living in a Circus. I think I've had some of the best times of my life here but even with a lot of money the wheels just keep on turning and I find it's a hard place to feel at peace and content in. It's like constantly being mid breath haha omg...

[@Guest-1000]

Can’t wait to hear about how you fell in love with London again! I’m from abroad but moved to London to study, after studying we moved to the country side to raise the family where it’s more affordable. I work in finance and earn six figures now but most of the jobs are back in London so I’m considering moving back there with the young family but not sure. Maybe my problem is the grass always feels greener on the other side!

[@alguedemer]

Interesting. Look at Beckenham, it's in SE London, that's where I am. Lots of parks and schools etc.

[@nnekandibe]

You know I have always love to you. I Had A Very Good Experience with my Swedish before I left him because She didn't want to children But we are still Good Friends. This Is why I can relate With You

[@gracesimplified3860]

Im living in the Monterey Bay Area of California. I love the mild micro climate of my neighborhood and the home I own. However, limited access to specialized healthcare, traffic, and cost of living have me wondering if I would enjoy a change to living somewhere that would be less of a tourist destination and would have more amenities for a senior citizen. However I would miss the Redwoods.

[@nataliadeja9600]

I live in Bydgoszcz, Poland , and plan to move to Sweden ,Skane :). I started to check the rentals there, and without Swedish language I am little lost for now ;),but - together with my partner we love the idea to live in Sweden for a while .

[@adrianamercer6623]

West Hampstead, London. Lots of trees here ❤

[@visitingstatue171]

if you can afford it haha

[@zolawilliams1]

Is that where the zoo is? so lovely.

[@alguedemer]

Yes, in Beckenham too, SE London.

[@kylefarrell8166]

I loved this video Jenny! I just visited friends in San Francisco, and watching families take their babies and dogs to coffee shops high up in the hills above the city made me yearn to move there (or to somewhere else with hills and flora and coastline). I think it's time to say yes to a new home for a while!

[@alexhika]

London is my favourite place in the world - the only thing it's missing is the sea in my opinion. I lived there for about a decade (from university onwards) and now I am travelling full-time with London still being my "base". It's such a loving, welcoming city but it also takes up so much of your energy! I am happy to hear you were able to leave while still remembering why you liked the city, it makes me sad when people don't or are unable to and end up hating it. Sweden is one of my favourite countries in the world 😍 I hope I'll get a chance to live there for a while ❤

[@claraayroza3]

I spent my entire life moving from Salvador (Bahia, Brazil) to São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil) and vice-versa. It took me a while to figure out where I'm happier living in the long run. Turns out I love Salvador, I was born here, but it's a very difficult city to live in, in my opinion. São Paulo is easier to live in, but harder to love... Thankfully, I love and admire that city nowadays and I plan to go back soon. I also love love love London and Buenos Aires... Funny how both of them are somehow similar to São Paulo.

[@janette6]

As someone living in Berlin for too long, am looking forward to part 2 "Why I left Berlin"

[@Karincl7]

I live in a little town in Belgium surrounded by family and my past, going on holidays great but always returning to my safe space.

[@ruthsdyspraxiacontent]

I agree, that's what I love about living in a small place near family - getting the excitement and difference in holidays, then returning to my safe space

[@Sandra-in9cz]

LOVED reading OKAY DAYS, which I finished this past weekend! I wondered how much of it matched your irl experiences with London, and I can now say that it's your love letter to the city. I can't wait for your next one 👀

[@Helenemonblogdefille]

That is very interesting, thank you so much Jenny ! I've been living in Paris my whole life (I'm french), and it always surprises people when I tell them I don't like it here. Of course the architecture is beautiful, but i miss nature so much... And it's busy, noisy, exhausting...

[@alguedemer]

Ohh, mais je pensais que tu aimais Paris, je suis ta chaîne depuis des années. Tu as l'air d'adorer. Comme quoi...Je t'ai vue une fois à Thônes, c'est beaucoup plus 'nature' indeeed. Et je sais que tu adores l'Islande et la campagne anglaise. Anyway, moi je vais quitter Londres pour aller à la mer en France. Bises Hélène!

[@Etherealisme]

I live in NYC, this is a bit of a love-hate relationship, but somehow after living in other countries and cities like South of France, Normandy, then Berlin Germany, NYC is a bit like London for you, a special kind of love. It's hard to go back anywhere after experiencing every good, bad and ugly in the city. Maybe one day I'll be in nature, I don't know...

[@skincaremakeup40]

Exactly!to me London was more an experience to live than a real place where i really wanted to live and call it home so,after 6 months i left.I left my small vibrant flat in Soho and my interesting job at Harrods' and back to Italy where i had my last very difficult 3 exams in 2 months and final paper at the Uni and started my adult life.Today i'm a teacher😔 i still wonder if i did the right thing in 2000

[@darlenemahaney1258]

I was looking back to find old Sweden blogs and didn't see any, but was so surprised to see a vlog with you and Justine LeConte! I guess you were one of the first vloggers I ever followed. Thank you for sharing

[@BridgeOfLifeStudio]

I live in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Have lived here all my life. I would love to move to the country side in the future but for now I am quite enjoying city live and having everything so close (including family and parks to walk in)

[@anahavana931]

Definitely agree, I love London but worried about pollution and health!

[@Alyssa-Shen]

It’s my dream to live in Sweden. I hope it will come true.

[@blue...]

Really interesting video about your London struggles. I do miss your old videos ( that are not longer on your site) when you were in Sweden and Berlin when you had short bleached hair. Like the one you were in living in a cottage and you are David were having lunch from thermos bottle lovely served near the lake 💕

[@melblack]

I lived in London for 3 months and loved it. But after having lived in Yorkshire for over two years, I wouldn't leave North England again. It's more affordable and people are friendlier (plus great nature).

[@zolawilliams1]

People really actually say, Good Morning! Good Day! Good Afternoon and Good Evening! in the countryside. It's lovely.

[@alguedemer]

I love Yorkshire. I visited 2 or 3 times in the 90s for linguistic exchanges, it was amazing. People were so welcoming. An amazing memory. It's because of this and other things that I moved to London in 97. I'm still here, even though, it's time to leave now and go back to France.

[@RikkeGade]

Great video Jenny! I live in Aarhus in Denmark and I'm so fed up with it. For so many years I wanted to move to Amsterdam with my dutch boyfriend but we broke up and that dream of mine changed.. I just turned 30 and I'm sure not where I even want to live anymore. Everyone in my close family except my step sis, lives here. I'm kind of tired of Denmark. For now im stuck in Aarhus due to health issues but I'm feeling better every day so the doors of opportunities will be open at some point!

[@anasam2258]

I've been to Aarhus twice. I love it so much, but it is quite small. Have you been to Cologne Germany? That is also a fun lively city.

[@RikkeGade]

@@anasam2258 Glad you liked it and yes indeed, it is quite small haha. No I haven't but I do have an old friend that I'm been wanting to visit for a few years and she loves living there. Are you from Cologne yourself?

[@_voyageuse]

Good luck girl, I hope you will reach your goal of living in Amsterdam. It seems like a really pretty city which I'd love to visit one day. However, my wish is to move to Vienna and I won't stop working for it until it becomes reality.

[@florawinter4721]

I live in Vienna and moved away last year and returned. I also fell in love again with the city. Also the things that people might despise about Vienna I grew to love. It adds to the charm in away. Especially in spring time you can see people getting more friendly and happier. Vienna is very green but when I do sometimes miss nature I just go back to my childhood home in the alps and freshen up. But I don´t think I would leave this place for the long run... Might have to visit london again thogh ;)

[@Kringeladida]

I take a walk in Prater at least once a week. That helps a lot. 😂

[@florawinter4721]

Prater is super Leiwand but my favourite is Türkenschanzpark@@Kringeladida

[@hummmusqueeen]

We need the story of why you moved back to London! This was such an interesting insight into your life. I've been following you for a loooong time (I remember you with bleached white hair and no eyebrows, what a time!) and I've always been amazed by the elegant aesthetics of your videos. It's all the more impressive to think you were struggling so much financially while making such artful and inspiring content-i would've never guessed.

[@wendybeattie6935]

My husband and I LOVE London! Everytime we fly from Canada to Ireland to see family we always stop in London for 3-4 days on the way back

[@SLloyd-p2x]

3-4 days as a tourist is a very different story from living in there. 99% of London is hell on Earth. Post card London is a cartoon. The generations of family who lived there who made London 'London' are al but gone, my own included. Of all of us, only 4 remain. trapped by circumstance. Our family history there goes back as far as we can find (my DNA markers were traced back to the area for almost 11,000 years). i escaped to rural England and would never, ever, ever, ever go back except to visit the tourist trap areas.

[@alguedemer]

Ohh, where are you? I'm still in London but escaping soon to the French seaside@@SLloyd-p2x

[@alittlebitlaura]

Sounds like NYC. I wanted so badly to live there in my 20s but it was just not feasible. And now that I can afford it, I want more for my money. So I guess it was not meant to be, though I love to visit. :)

[@essentiallyann2650]

I lived in London for 2 years in the 90's, I came on a Commonwealth working holiday visa as a newly qualified doctor and while I didn't have financial worries, I recognise a lot of what you say. One thing I adored about your book is that the transient London expat life you describe in the first chapters are "exactly like the late 90's, only with better internet" LOLOL. I meant to be transient though, so after the absolute time of my life, during which I also travelled to many other parts of the world, I went back to Cape Town (the actual best city in the whole wide world) to specialise. Since 2002 I've been living in the Netherlands; I came for a year and stayed for love LOL. I despise the weather and will probably never get used to the unspontaneous nature of the people, but this is my home now; my family is here, our life is good, and the travelling still happens.

[@TheLisalisa03]

I lived in South Texas most of my younger life and your cockroach story just took me back! ooof! I currently live in Colorado and love the mountains and nature, tons of trees, animals and lots of outdoor living. I do miss the humidity though, very very dry skin! I always imagine myself living in a place where the mountains meet the ocean. (not sure where that will be just yet) Glad to hear you and David have found a place that you can call HOME. xoxo

[@schavjk]

As a child, me and my mom lived in our Swedish cottage for almost 7 years due to my mom wanting to live in the countryside while not affording a proper house. Your story brings me back as we also didn't have running water, but a creek for water and an outdoor loo (which was very very cold in the winters). Today, I feel like I'm not very picky on my living situation thanks to that experience. It was also the most precious time, to have mom and that place all to myself

[@olga26100]

I live in cyprus just by the sea and I love every bit of my life ❤

[@oliviabrisvallrydqvist4061]

I live in Malmö, Sweden, and really enjoy it😊 The cultural mix, big city vibes in a small format and close to Copenhagen/Europe. I’ll be very happy if I stay, but as a freelance musician I’m also open for that my job might move me somewhere else one day🤷‍♀️😊

[@MCC0599]

I so love this video. I can absolutely relate to the struggle. Been there done that too. You have been such an influential and empowering woman to me. I only wished I had found your videos many years ago. Wishing more blessing for you and David!❤

[@Kringeladida]

For me it‘s not only the trees, I also need some type of a water surface nearby to feel really at home. I grew up next to a small river. We moved next to the Danube and I love it.

[@nathaliedrinkstea]

The cockroach story send shivers down my whole body and then I left my body and died for a few seconds and then my soul returned to my body and I had some more goosebumps haha

[@zolawilliams1]

You will... not survive in New York lmaooo 😩

[@mirelap]

🌳Islington, London, love it! there are lots of trees lining the streets, some even taller than the buildings themselves

[@latristessdurera8763]

Renting in the UK is horrific and buying has become an impossible dream for many normal British citizens especially the working class. We’re short of space and the gap between the rich and poor widens everyday. I’m glad you had a lovely time here.

[@Naoko1875]

Greetings from Yokohama, Japan. Yokohama is very calm and clean and not super expensive, although it’s next door to Tokyo. I’ve been living here for 15 years now, and don’t want to go back to Germany, where I’m originally from.

[@mahbubeshhhh19]

Can you speak japanees?

[@Naoko1875]

@@mahbubeshhhh19 はい、日本語が話せます。

[@ginniemess]

I lived in London for two years. Met my partner there, then went back to our home country. April we are visiting for the first time after 13 years. 🤍

[@thelmalg9439]

I’m in my hometown Mexico City. Such a cool vibrant city but after being here 2 years after living in the suburbs of Chicago for 17 years, I am going back on August. I can’t do city life much longer than 2 years. 😅

[@PennyBlanche]

Originally from Edinburgh I lived in St John’s Wood a fairly central London for 37years! I left and bought a house in the SW Somerset on the Devon borders. I was terrified to leave London after so long, it’s the best thing I ever did. We have a beautiful garden and lovely house. Sandwiched between to beaches and a river in front, it’s so peaceful and friendly. I was young in London and it was good, this is another chapter for me. I wish you well.

[@thebonniewong]

I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and have been living in LA for close to 15 years now. While we have the most moderate and comfortable weather, I am starting to feel like I need to challenge myself and be in a different scene. We have great diversity in culture, food, music scene, but maybe I am wanting to be in nature more. I am also wanting to drive less and be able to take public transportation. How do you know when it's time to move??

[@alguedemer]

You know when you just can't stand it anymore, when you feel your time is 'done' there. You feel called by somewhere else. It happened to me last year, I felt I had to leave London after 26 years. I'm now selling the flat and waiting for the sale to be done to go back to France. A new experience. I don't feel the connection anymore with London. Driving is nearly impossible and restricted, that was the last straw with ULEZ and 15-minute cities.

[@basakozen3113]

Hi! My husband and I have been living in Amsterdam for a year. It's lovely and quite safe here, but I just can't warm up to it. I don't feel alive here. My husband, on the other hand, absolutely loves it here. So, I'm a bit confused.

[@Juststudiothings]

They say it takes up to 2 years to really feel at home in a place- personally I have had a lot of different experiences. It takes me a few months to fully acclimate to a new city but I'll know if I like it or not within a day or two. In your shoes- I would give it time because of the feelings of my significant other - but people have different "homes" sometimes. I think you have to decide what's most important to you in life and if you can fulfill that where you are. I wish you luck!

[@MindOfMine.]

If you don't like it in a year, just try Utrecht! It's a bit the same but also a lot smaller and much more cosy. Maybe it can be a compromise. I live here for almost 18 years now and I love it. Would never want to live in Amsterdam.. Too many awful tourists and stuck up Amsterdam people, who think they are on top of the world. That's just my two cents..

[@lzlzlz347]

Feeling at home somewhere is very dependant on finding likeminded friends. I've lived in Amsterdam for my whole life and I love it. But I have most of my friends an family here as well.

[@lzlzlz347]

As a stuck up person from Amsterdam who thinks Amsterdam really is the best city in the world, I'd say Utrecht is lovely too ;) Very cosy and small. Also, surrounded by nice forests and parks. Great place to live. Oude Hortus is my favorite spot@@MindOfMine.

[@MindOfMine.]

@@lzlzlz347 Hey thanks for responding! Nice to hear a positive sound from Amsterdam. The authentic Amsterdam people I met, are most of the time not stuck up. But I maybe accidentally encountered a lot of people who originally come from a small place and now live in Amsterdam and look down on everything else. But hey I just overgeneralized myself as well :)

[@JaroslavP]

That was so intelligent and informative! Thank you!

[@TheDavidMustard]

My bags are packed!

[@ruthsdyspraxiacontent]

Ooh you've lost me, wondering what this means aha

[@christineinhonolulu]

Visited London this past summer from my home in Honolulu. Like London, Honolulu has a massive turnover population, with people constantly moving here and leaving here. Maybe this, too, is because of the cost of living. My spouse is from here, which is probably one of the only reasons we’re still here, but many of the reasons you listed here for leaving London are reasons I’ve heard from people who leave Honolulu. Fascinating that there are similarities, given the differences in geography and culture! 😮

[@Sjudit84]

Love your view on the wealth gap and that transcience! And then how you described feeling in the quiet after the city... But then again hearing about the dark winter swedish cottage life, rent free or not, makes me feel very anxious HAHA but I was never someone who enjoyed darkness and winter myself.

[@IdiomofSad]

please more story time videos. absolutely loved this so much. i remember your channel when you were hopping from place to place. i can't recall how long ago that was exactly, but i've been following you for that long, and have always been so grateful to have found you. i hope you continue the story and share it all with us. beautiful video jenny. xo

[@lindagray1809]

I remember white blonde hair and no eyebrows😊

[@IdiomofSad]

@@lindagray1809 i adored this look on Jenny. I honestly miss it at times. But then again, I think she always looks incredible.

[@EMSpdx]

In Portland , OR. I love it here- surrounded by mountains and forests, excellent food and plenty of cultural things to take part in . But it can also be a hard place to live if you don't have a well paying job, housing has become increasingly expensive, and like most of the West Coast we have a severe drug addiction problem. I am seriously considering moving back to the home city of my birth, NYC- equally hard to live, but with better paying jobs.

[@pageslieahead]

I do love story time with Jenny 🩷

[@Micahangelina_]

Loving life in Basel, Switzerland 🇨🇭…sometimes miss my former home in N. Italy 🇮🇹 and would never go back, except for vacation, to where I grew up, TX

[@samanthaayer]

I've been living in New York City for 6 years and have loosely considered the idea of leaving many times. I constantly feel like I'm missing out on nature and like I could be saving more money, but ultimately I still love the diversity, the architecture, and living in a walkable community.

[@littlemisslaybee3528]

EXCELLENT video well explained thank you

[@rosalindmason9242]

What a great story! I often look around my own city and reflect on all the completely different lifestyles and qualities of life that people can have wherever they live. For instance I might be walking past a house or apartment and wonder about the lives of the people there. Even people who live in the same street as you can be experiencing something completely different to you depending on the amount of family they have around, their financial circumstances, their job, their interests, the quality of their relationships and friendships. It's fascinating but not fun if people suffer hardship or intense loneliness or ill health wherever they are.

[@ruthsdyspraxiacontent]

Amazing point thanks for sharing, good reminder of course!

[@SLloyd-p2x]

i was born and bred in London. It has become an absolute dump and is unrecognisable from the place it was in my childhood. I escaped in 2004 and would never ever go back.

[@DR-it9fm]

I’ve been in San Jose, CA for almost 30 years, yes, I’m old, lol. I love that this massive city has everything I need, I love the accessibility to again, everything, but I cannot (on my own) afford to buy a home here (even a small condo is out of my budget) and therefore I’m not sure this is my forever home. We’ll see. 🙃

[@mdhazeldine]

Yes, London is one of those love it/hate it cities. I'm British and grew up living about 30 minutes outside of the centre. I cannot spend too long in it without going mad, and I cannot be away from it for too long without being sad! For me, the best solution, and the only way to make it bearable is to live on the edge of it, in the suburbs, with good rail links to the city and to the countryside. That way you can have both, without spending too much.

[@sagash9411]

I love in Tromsø, in Northern Norway 300 km north above the arctic circle. The nature here is amazing and seeing the mountains when I bike to uni every morning is so beautiful. Fjords, and mountains, can it be better?

[@peppi4210]

I live in London :D and even though I would agree with most of the reasons you've stated, I love living here. I would also add that Soho and Shoreditch are not the cheapest London boroughs to live in, so if you are looking for more affordable yet decent ish standard housing, definitely don't go looking there. There are many other such nice neighbourhoods in other London :)

[@alguedemer]

Yes, I was going to say the same. Soho and Shoreditch are the cool/hype, therefore very expensive. I'm in Beckenham, SE London, very leafy and nicer, cheaper and you get so much more space for your money. And so many parks around. I'm near South Norwood Country park. And you Peppi?

[@LeylaPeeran]

Jenny, you definitely are living out my dream of life in London! Thank you for sharing and when I become a millionaire one day, I will buy a flat too! Currently living in Indianapolis and will stay put for the next 10 years for my school-aged children's sake and stability. Have also found an incredibly supportive and loving group of friends here too that keep me here. It can be challenging since I lived most of my life outside the US and it can feel very provincial living in the Midwest but I think every place can be like that if it's not a global city. Thanks for posting this!

[@lanag8336]

I live in small town east of Seattle, WA, USA. Moved to Seattle in 2008, and loved it. The water, the weather, the food. But in the last few years I will not even go into the city. 2022 a family member was taking an Alaskan cruise and wanted to see the city. It's a very walkable city so we played tour guides. We walked around the man exposing himself, the dozen people with needles still in their arms and detoured around were someone was just murdered. All in an afternoon. I love the little town we live in about 30 minutes from Seattle. There is so much nature to enjoy. Thankfully we were able to buy a house with land before the prices went crazy. It's costs a lot to live here but the natural beauty is amazing. And yes I love the weather. Do I think about leaving, yes, but I can't find anything that ticks the major boxes.

[@niamhmckernan908]

You did live very central. You could try a quieter more settled part of town. It could change your view?

[@JaJaHerSelF]

I live in Vienna and I absolutely love it here ...but I was also born here and although I've seen many places (in Europe mostly) I think it's about time I leave for a while and experience actually living somewhere else

[@HairByJamesAnnabel]

Lining in Australia, trying to decide whether to move to London or New York.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

Beautiful photography capturing some of the best of London's set pieces. I moved to London from Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire (where I spent two years at college) for university off the King's Road Chelsea. I stayed another 3 years teaching and then as a computer programmer. Our flat was cheap, not great with it very close to the District Line rattling the walls as the trains got up speed from the station. I cycled the 12 miles to work along the North Circular road and developed joint pains due to the levels of pollution. When I left, moving to Cambridgeshire I recovered. I still miss some of the delights of London but not the traffic that taking hours to drive just a few miles. My later contracts took me back to London often running to catch the last train home and endless delays just to get into work.

[@alguedemer]

I feel you, I'm in London. Plus the price of trains...

[@gregthompson-wr4qz]

I live in Anahein, California USA. I have lived here for a long time. I really like it. E cept for the really bad traffic.