Wanting to move to the UK from the USA

[matthkd]

I was thinking about London (I know that it is the most expensive city). Thanks for the links. I will check them out.

[jwissinger]

Hi matthkd,

I just moved from New Jersey to London last August. My wife is a British Citizen and so I was applying for a Spouse Visa. I'm sure the logistics are somewhat different, but it sounds similar. Are you applying for a work visa or permit?

As far as the address, there are probably some explanations for this. In our case did not have our own place, however we were staying with my mother-in-law. We were required to submit a copy of her letting (rental) agreement and a letter signed by her stating that we could reside with her until we found our own place. It may be possible to connect with someone before moving there....for example a roommate or such. Additionally, if you are able to find work in advance that will make your case much stronger. Also, they will require your bank account details.

I travelled to London many times over the last 9 years. Living here is extremely exciting, but also very expensive, so you will want to be careful and wise about it so you don't corner yourself. I've recorded some of my experiences to date at my TravelnWork Blog and will post more in time to come. I hope this is helpful.

[matthkd]

Thanks for the thoughts. I am hoping to find employment before i get over there. so, will see. I'll check out your blog though. it could be very helpful.

thanks again

[marc]

im not sure on the visa process here in UK, best thing to do is to go onto the Homeoffice website, and look at their answers or email them, if you need any help with finding a property in london and want to know cost of living, and rent/buy costs please do ask me, as im in property here.

Thanks.

[hells_bells110]

I would recommend deciding where in the UK you wish to live and work and then contact companies in that area to see if you can get work.

Bearing in mind that London and the Sounth will be more expensive than the midlands and the north.

Birmingham is a vibrant city, which has all the atmosphere and excitement of London, but it is a lot cheaper to live.

[matthkd]

Thanks. Can anyone tell me the safest places to live over there? I have only been to London. I know that that is the most expensive to live. I would also like an area that is pretty young (professional 20's - 30's).

Thanks for all of the wonderful advise!

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by matthkd

Thanks. Can anyone tell me the safest places to live over there? I have only been to London. I know that that is the most expensive to live. I would also like an area that is pretty young (professional 20's - 30's).

Thanks for all of the wonderful advise!

Birmingham, the UK's second city, is where I spent most of my life. Much of the centre is modern, and it has a vibrant night life with lots to do and a huge shopping centre. Restaurants of every nationality you can think of, the NEC and convention centre for concerts, sealife centre and the area around the canals where there are many clubs, pubs and bars.

You can live in the leafy suburbs and still be in the city within 15 - 20 minutes. In fact when my wife was working in the City we lived in a small village in Warwickshire between Stratford on Avon, Banbury & Leamington Spa, where crime was zero and she commuted which took half an hour on the train. A four bed detached house cost us £212,000 when we moved there. In the city centre you can get 1, maybe 2 bed apartments for £150k.

[Sati]

What about Leeds or Manchester? Are they cool, fun, hip, nice places to live?

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by Sati

What about Leeds or Manchester? Are they cool, fun, hip, nice places to live?

Manchester is supposed to be cool. Lot of bands come out of there. Its been fairly modernised over the years and of course the worlds greatest football team plays from there

Good rail links to Birmingham / London

Dont know much about Leeds I'm afraid

[jennysmityh748]

Leeds has almost everything that London has except the higher prices,i lived in Huddersfield for 13yrs which is a short bus ride from Leeds and done mosre or less all my shopping/clubbing there i LOVED Leeds!