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AIBU?

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Original poster

To wonder why people live in London

243 replies

AtSea1979 · 01/12/2015 22:06

On the news just now, discussing the North/south divide. I live in the north. London seems a big scarey place where bad things happen often and I wonder why people want to live there.
But do people down south wonder why we live up north too with our poor health and education?

OP posts:
Devora · 01/12/2015 22:30

Because this is my city and I'm at home here. Because my family are here, and my dd's father. Because my career is here. Because there is no better place for an 'alternative' family (like mine) to live.

I certainly don't wonder why people live up north. I lived in Yorkshire for a while and loved it. Would be very happy to live there, though I'm not going anywhere because dd1 needs to be near her dad.

TurnOffTheTv · 01/12/2015 22:33

Have you ever been to London OP? Where do you live in the North.

longtimelurker101 · 01/12/2015 22:33

"find the thought of going on a tube scarey let alone anything else"

What a wet blanket!

ihateminecraft · 01/12/2015 22:34

Because it's the most amazing city in the world.

Wombat87 · 01/12/2015 22:37

From a small village in Wales and spent teenage years growing up in Kent. I'd take walking down most London streets late at night than anywhere in the sticks.

TurnOffTheTv · 01/12/2015 22:37

Exactly longtime I honestly can't believe a grown woman can think like that. I'm from the north but have lived in London as well. No wonder some people think northerners are stupid with comments like that.

MsJuniper · 01/12/2015 22:38

It's fucking amazing.

sparechange · 01/12/2015 22:40

I can't understand why people don't live in London
It is the most beautiful city in the western world, with beautiful buildings and lovely green spaces.
It has some of the best restaurants, from street cafes in ethnic neighbourhoods to fine dining
It is safe and welcoming to everyone, it has opportunity, interesting jobs that don't exist outside the city, it has some of the best hospitals, schools and universities in the world, the museums and galleries are free

You can go from hectic city to cosy village in a few tube stops, and open countryside in a few more. It literally has something for everyone...

BabCNesbitt · 01/12/2015 22:41

I lived in London for over a decade. I live up north now. Cheaper housing, countryside at my doorstep, short commute, friendly people.

I miss London from the depths of my soul EVERY. BLOODY. DAY.

longtimelurker101 · 01/12/2015 22:41

Oh and we can spell scary!

FFS you're scared of something that has 1.3 billion journeys on it per year?

pinkdelight · 01/12/2015 22:43

"London seems a big scarey place where bad things happen often and I wonder why people want to live there."

You really need to get out more and build your own informed view of the world, contrast the reality of lived experience with what things 'seem' like from rumour, bias and fearmongering. London may not be for you, but at least you'll have broadened your horizons a little.

ExitPursuedByABear · 01/12/2015 22:43

Sheesh. Stupid Northerners

Actually I have nothing to say.

Nothing

Sad
SinglePringle · 01/12/2015 22:44

Because it's LONDON!!!! and it ROCKS!!

Indole · 01/12/2015 22:44

YABVVVU.

Sparechange has it right.

ExitPursuedByABear · 01/12/2015 22:45

I've lived in London.

I'd rather eat my own feet than live there again.

ExitPursuedByABear · 01/12/2015 22:46

Cosy village. Lol. Lol. Lol.

IrenetheQuaint · 01/12/2015 22:47

I grew up in a village in the north. The scenery was beautiful (and the schools and hospitals excellent) but by the time I reached 18 I was bored rigid. London suits me much better.

Indole · 01/12/2015 22:47

I've lived in London most of my life.

I'd rather eat my own feet than live anywhere else again.

I've travelled all over the country for work. London is just much much lovelier than any other city (and obviously lovelier than the bloody countryside, what on earth is the point of it).

YouGottaKeepEmSeparated · 01/12/2015 22:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

longtimelurker101 · 01/12/2015 22:49

The north seems like somewhere uneducated chavs live and there are no opportunites for everyone apart from benefits, where your DDs have no option to get knocked up to some dope smoking tracksuit at 16....

Would be a corresponding point to make if we only believed what we see in the media. The north is ace too so much going for it.

You also need to remember that if London were a country it would be the 8th largest in Europe. Far bigger population than that of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales combined.

So when its "scarey" (sic) remember its like saying Belgium is somewhere where bad things happen.

ExitPursuedByABear · 01/12/2015 22:49

Bastard countryside. Being there. All green. And life giving. Yeah. How dare it

whois · 01/12/2015 22:50

Because it's super awesome.

Obviously different people like different things, so I find these questions a bit silly. Why do people like to live on small islands in the Shetlands. Why do people like living in market towns. Why do people like living in the Cotswolds. Why do people like living in largish northern cities.

BECAUSE EVERYONE LIKES DIFFERENT THINGS

Personally, my job is based in london and I get paid well. My friends are here. I like eating out a lot. I like the high density of things to do. I like the vibrancy. I like the culture. I like being able to jump on a 18.30 flight from LCY on a Friday and go away for the weekend to nemerous european cities. I like biking to work and not needing a car. I like being near family.

karalime · 01/12/2015 22:50

I was born here.

There is so much to do and you can stay out all night without worrying how the hell you will get home.

Work. I briefly tried to move up north with then dp and tried to find a job in my field before I went. Plenty of them about, but all the companies were taking the piss with salaries. A pay cut I can understand, but when they demand a lot of skills and experience then pay the same as when I worked in spoons as a teen it is ridiculous. I stayed in London!

Indole · 01/12/2015 22:51

You're so right, Bear. Horrible bastard wet cold place.

I can live without green, tbh. I'm glad it's there doing its thing, but I don't want to have to be in it too much.

whois · 01/12/2015 22:52

Also, what scary things happen here that don't happen in other places?