Moving to a new country is always a big decision, and there’s a lot to think about before taking the plunge. If you’re considering a move to England, here are five things you need to know before making the big jump. We’ll discuss everything from preparing for the unpredictable weather to the best auto transport companies to help you get your car moved with you.
The Weather
But that’s all part .harm, right? You never quite know what you’ll get, so you must be prepared. Pack your raincoat and umbrella but don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.
The media likes to portray all of the UK as overly wet and cloudy 95% of the time. And while our winter can get cold and drizzly, it’s no worse than other beloved places, such as the Pacific Northwest in the US or most of Japan.
When preparing for the weather shifts and growing seasons, you can expect similar temperatures to USDA zone 8, with a mild middle-of-the-road climate. In England, their growing zones are charted by a similar system as the USDA growing zones, but it is called Royal Horticultural Society Hardiness Zones, or the RHS growing zone.
The Food
One of the best things about England is the food. From traditional English breakfasts to Indian curries and everything in between, you’ll never be short of options. And with London being such a cosmopolitan city, you’ll be able to find food from all over the world. Much of today’s recognized English culture comes from the mixing of multiple cultures into a unique and colorful culinary experience.
As the British Empire has colonized and relinquished territories, they’ve adopted many of the favorite regional foods of the nations they’ve impacted. Strolling down a busy market street will fill your senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of everything from sizzling fish and chips to steaming hot handheld meat pies called a Cornish Pasty to tightly wrapped Indian curry burritos.
The Cost of Living
England is one of the most expensive countries to live in. London is the most expensive city, but there are plenty of options outside the capital. Be prepared to budget your costs. Do your research before investing in property to understand the tax regulations around homeownership for non-English citizens.
You can find decently priced homes for sale outside of the London Metro, and many of the countryside’s lovingly cultivated and maintained villages would welcome fresh faces and new ideas into their community.
You’ll also want to consider how much you’re willing to pay for the idyllic English experience you’ve got in your heart and mind before you move here. Comparing housing and living costs to those in places like the US or Canada is equal to comparing apples to kumquats. Many of our homes and buildings are older than the organization of your government, and you may require adjustments to your standards.
Transportation Infrastructure
England has an excellent transport infrastructure, making it easy to get around using public transport or driving. The auto transport companies are also very efficient, so you don’t need to worry about getting your car shipped. You can find the best auto transport companies to take care of your car shipment needs, so you’ll have a ride you know and trust as you settle into your new abode.
Another option while you’re new in town is to consider renting a car from the local market. This way, you can get to know the roads, experience new vehicles, and help the local economy with your patronage. Once you’ve settled in and are making a life here, you can find more than a few beautiful cars to purchase nearby.
The People
The people are among the best things about England. They’re known for being polite and reserved, but once you get to know them, they’re incredibly friendly and welcoming. You’ll soon feel right at home. Connect with those in your community by introducing yourself and inviting them over for a meal and a drink. If you have kids near the ages of your neighbors, a playdate is a great way to break the ice.
England is so full of culture, history, and incredible talent that it would be a shame to avoid exploring local pubs, museums, and events in your community. These are all fantastic opportunities to meet new friends and create genuine connections with others. For those who are more tech-dependent for interaction, many Facebook communities and spaces exist to coordinate with others to find common shared interests and meeting places.
Emigration Process
There is no intention to startle you off of your plans for emigration to England, but it would be in poor taste to tell you of all the greatness of our beautiful country without warning you of the process of gaining residence here.
You may be a student moving to England from abroad, where the visa process is streamlined. You can also get work visas, religious visas, refugee visas, or if you’ve visited as a tourist and discovered England is your heart’s home, you can apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain, which gives you many of the rights of permanent citizens while maintaining your citizenship of origin. This is most common for retirees living out their golden years in England. If you are a British citizen’s spouse, fiance, long-term partner, child, or grandchild, you may also qualify for citizenship by relation.
In all honesty, the emigration process can be overly complicated. There are many hoops you’ll end up jumping through to be granted residency finally, and it may serve you best to enlist the assistance of an emigration lawyer to help you with the process.
From Us to You – Welcome
There are five things you need to know before moving to England. Just remember to pack your raincoat and be prepared for anything! Emigration can be daunting, but you’ll have a smooth transition into your new life. Welcome; we can’t wait to make your acquaintance.
