It is common knowledge that more British people are leaving their own country in the more recent years. Out of those who still remain in the country, many are already planning to emigrate. In fact, according to a study done in 2006, there are more than 5.5 million British living abroad. 

Rising Costs

With the British pounds gaining strength made evident by the fact that London has become the second most expensive city in the world, rising costs is one of the top reasons why the British are moving abroad. There are many who wish for a more comfortable life than what their money could give them in Britain. Out of those who wish for a better quality of life by moving abroad, many are retirees who want to make the most out of their relatively small pension checks. After all, what is small in Britain could give them something better in a country where everything's cheaper. However, recent surveys indicate that many in the 18-25 age bracket are actually already planning on moving to another country.

A reason which impels the younger generation to leave Britain is the high taxation laws that cripple those who are only starting in their lives. Another is the increase in fuel costs which in turn causes rise in commuting costs, forcing the ordinary Briton to work longer hours to compensate for the money spent. Bottom line is; the younger generation seeks a place where they could lead better lives.

A new trend is being followed by British retirees nowadays. They either sell or rent their real estate properties. Mostly, they sell or rent to their own children, which is a tactic that has become dual-purpose since many of those only starting in life could not afford houses in Britain because of the extremely high prices. Properties being sold to kin are of course priced lower than the market value but sold for enough money so the retirees could settle abroad. Those in the lower age group usually dream of a new life in another country with the intentions of building their own small businesses.

Increasing Crime Rate

Another reason why the British are moving abroad is because of the increasing crime rate in the country. Many citizens are concerned about their safety in the country especially since their own authorities admit to being fretful about the recent increase in crime. Two of the issues the Britons are currently wary about are violence and teenage drunkenness. Not only do they have to worry about their safety when walking at night in a dark alley, they also have to worry about their own children being addicted to alcohol.

Twenty-seven percent of British youths are regularly drunk, according to the Institute of Public Policy Research. This percentage is the largest in all of Europe with Britain's neighbors France and Italy scoring only three and five percent respectively. British medical authorities are expressing concern over this increase in youth alcohol consumption as the years go by. A fourth of all recorded offenses with regards to drunk-driving are attributed to people within the 17-24 age bracket.

Other Reasons Why the British Are Moving Abroad

Other than the wish for a better life in a place where their money would stretch further as well as the concern for the increasing crime rate in Britain, there are other reasons why Britons are being lured out of their country. These include the search for a better and warmer weather, job relocation, search for a new adventure, dissatisfaction about Britain's current situation, the desire to start anew, dislike of Britain's taxation laws, and the disapproval of government interference in all aspects of life in Britain among others.

Where the British Are Moving To

Many British desire to move to a certain place because of a desirable element in that location such as a warmer climate, lower crime rate, or perhaps the exotic appeal of the place. The biggest populations of Britons outside their country are located in Australia, Spain, USA, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Germany, and Cyprus. 

The Britons Abroad

Britons abroad exhibit similar characteristics anywhere. In other English-speaking countries such as the USA, Australia, and Canada, they tend to be dispersed and intermingled with the rest of the populace. Whereas in places where English is not widely used, Britons tend to flock in a single place, forming small British villages of their own.

Why Some Britons Come Back

Despite the fact that one in ten Britons have already emigrated, there are those who come back home after quite some time. Reasons for going back to Britain include language barriers in new home countries, new business/job/enterprise has not worked out, and the yearning to be with family and friends again. This percentage, however, is small compared to the number of Britons who permanently settle in a new country.