what is it you believe that london offers that other places don't

[GrassCutter]

having just read a post that stated "and all that london offers". What is it you londoners feel the rest of us are missing out on. I lived in London for 5 years, children born there, but moved away and was wondering what it was that you think the rest of us are missing out on.

[LineRunner]

Well it isn't tickets to the Olympics.

[Tortu]

Hmmm. I frequently wonder why I don't live somewhere else. Get jealous when I see that friends who don't live in London have actual houses to live in, rather than the small flats which is all we've been able to afford. Think longingly about small villages or being able to walk home after you've been out for the night or something........

and then I realise that since I've been on maternity leave I've been to at least two museums a week and still go to the theatre regularly (off to see One man, two guvnors tomorrow at The National tomorrow).

[LDNmummy]

Multiculturalism and the amazing things that come with it. My favourites being my resulting friend group and the cuisine on offer.

[LDNmummy]

And the museums, theatres, music venues etc...

[squeakytoy]

Close access to gigs and major events.

Culture and tourist spots.

Always something to do.

Having said that, I would still rather move away from London and live by the coast, and will do one day.

[Mumofaflump]

Never lived in London but did move from Reading to the sticks in middle of nowhere-shire the countryside and I miss all the shops.

I find that now whenever I head into the "big town" I go into a sort of shoe induced frenzy and spend far more than I need to in case the locals sacrifice me to the God of Tractors and I never get to buy shoes again I don't get into town again for a while.

[Tortu]

Mumofaflump, I, too, am a Reading girl and think fondly of the beauteous place. I secretly love going back to shop there- think it's better than Oxford street any day

[usualsuspect]

My city is very Multicultural ..its not London

[Mumwithadragontattoo]

Off the top my head...

The architecture, the buzz of the city, the river Thames, excellent public transport, a cultural melting pot, world class restaurants, the West End, the East End, the museums, the bars, the anonymity, black cabs, the history, the Royal parks, everyone who's anyone is there, seeing politicians in the street, the music scene, the Notting Hill Carnival, the London Eye, the hotels, the shopping.

[Mumwithadragontattoo]

Also great job opportunities and much higher salaries.

[Mumofaflump]

Tortu I know! Fond FOND memories of scoffing McDonalds by the river, eating that gorgeous ice-cream from Millies Cookies and lusting after the jewellery in the Swarovski shop.

DF's family are from Tadley/Burghfield area though so I tend to end up in Festival Place on shopping trips these days.

[LordOfTheFlies]

The best thing about London is Essex is only 18 miles away!!!

[scurryfunge]

Agree, LOTF....I can have all that London offers and travel around 50 minutes to access it and not have to spend a fortune.

[Laquitar]

'seeing politicians in the street'.

Is this a good thing?

[GetOrf]

It's London, innit.

I would LOVE to live there and plan to move there when dd finishes A levels.

[GrassCutter]

see I live in the NE...we have everything as far as I am concerned (even the high house prices). we have the coast, the countryside and the city. Theatres, arenas, museums, loads of festivals,2 excellent uni's. Lovely housing areas, tons of green space.

And I wonder why you live in london???

Our commute is at worst 15 minutes, compared to the average hour in london

[livetolaugh]

I love London. I live in Berkshire. I can't afford to live any closer or I would. Came down from Scotland

[nailak]

convenience of conveniences

[Mumofaflump]

livetolaugh Fellow - (ex) Berkshire-ite here!

[hudspur]

I think that its indisputable that London has a wider range of activities and culture than anywhere else in the country and I say that as a northerner.

[GrassCutter]

really hudspur????

Perhaps more choice - but nor more per se

[hudspur]

I think there is more choice and more in total the wide range of the activities, just look at the number of different types of bars and clubs in London compared to a place like Leeds or Manchester

[GrassCutter]

ahh but I live in Newcastle - there is nothing on earth that this place does not have to offer

[LDNmummy]

Not as multicultural as London UsualSuspect. I moved to London for that very reason after growing up in the second biggest city in Britain which is supposed to be multicultural but is nowhere near as diverse as here.

[Justfeckingdoit]

100k+ salaries for fairly normal people in normal jobs.