I've been here for almost 8 years and I love it. I think it's like any city - some days you wake up and it feels claustrophobic, gritty and mean. Other days you notice everything you love about it and it feels great.

I would say that with salaries being what they are in London, the cost of living doesn't feel too bad if you're careful. I shop in our local markets, I don't go out to eat too often, and I partake in the hundreds of free activities that are always available in a good city. I live in the East end, which some people might call a "bad area". I call it lively, colourful, diverse and green - I am so close to Victoria Park, Mile End Park, the canal system... it's heavenly. My council is Tower Hamlets, so the area encompasses some of the richest and poorest parts of London and I think maybe that makes them work extra hard - we've got good services, reasonable council tax, lots of good free entertainment, and did I mention the gorgeous parks?

I think just like NYC, London is all about it's neighbourhoods - friends from the West End wouldn't dream of moving to my neck of the woods, and I can't wait to get back here when visiting them. Same with the North-South debate.

London is eccentric - I have friends from all over the world, every kind of food is available, and as the UK is not terribly big, it's not too hard to get out to the country, the mountains or the seaside at the weekend.

The only downside for me is that I miss my family and friends from home, all the time.