Londoners can't resist the calling of the coast

In recent years, life in London has become increasingly unaffordable. According to research from Loughborough University, it costs between 18% and 56% more for households to reach a decent standard of living in London compared to the rest of the UK. As a result, more and more people are fleeing the capital in search of a better quality of life in other parts of the country.

 

Among the most popular places to relocate to, are coastal towns and villages. Offering, peace, quiet and tranquillity, as well as an increasingly varied choice of cultural attractions, these picturesque areas are attracting more new residents every year.

 

London exodus

 

According to recent research from the ONS, more people are moving out of London than are arriving in the capital. The figures showed that, in 2018, 340,498 people left London while just 237,270 moved to the city. This means that overall, London lost 103,228 people to other towns and cities across the UK.

 

The main reasons for people leaving London are affordability and quality of life. Young people in particular are relocating away from the capital in order to have better access to the countryside, shorter commutes and housing that’s within their budget. As well as young people, families are leaving London in order to give their kids more space to grow while older people are relocating to enjoy a little peace and quiet in their golden years.

 

Call of the coast

 

While property prices and the cost of living push people out of London, clean air, affordable houses and fantastic attractions draw them to the country’s coastal areas. Over the past few years, seaside towns in counties like Norfolk, Cornwall and Devon have seen a major influx of people fleeing London for the peace and quiet of the coast.

 

The number of people moving to Cornwall is up 34%, while 33% more are moving to Devon and Norfolk has seen an incredible 35% rise in the number of people relocating to the area. While not all of these people will come from London, there’s a good chance a large percentage of the new arrivals will have previously lived in the capital.

 

A lot of the people moving to seaside areas will be attracted by the quality of life on offer. Seaside towns and villages are often more affordable than other areas, and having a beach right on your doorstep is great for kids, dogs and those who love the outdoors. Living by the sea gives you the chance to take up new activities like sailing, kayaking and open water swimming, while the less adventurous can explore local coastal paths, sheltered bays and waterside pubs.

 

If you’re one of the growing number of people considering a move to the coast, we can help. Take a look through the stunning houses we have on offer or get in touch with a member of our expert team to find out more.

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