Single, no children, one dog, move to London?

Beesd · 2026-02-16T18:33:43+00:00

I am considering moving to London in the next two years as I do not really like where I live now (and am in the privileged probation to be able to move as no dependants or family). I moved here (Milton Keynes) because of a partner and bought a house that mostly suited him, and he has moved out two years ago. I am now living alone (with a dog) in the three bedroom semi, with a sun room, and a garage, front and back garden. It is too big for me, takes a lot of effort in cleaning/gardening/fixing things, and is 1.5 hours commute to work in central London, which I do twice a week. It is nice though, a local community, nice woods to walk the dog, nice bike rides. I have a nice gym I go to, and one friend, and I know some popes from walking the dog, but that is it. There is no social life here for me really, as people are all settled, children still at home, not really any culture or things I like to do other than walking and cycling and going to the gym. There is hardly the kind of culture I like either (lectures, art, science) and I have no close friends near by. I lived in London 20 years ago, and I could afford a little flat in north London, 30 mins travel Euston, roughly. It would mean less nice walks for the dog (plausibly I am planing to by near a park), but he needs to be on lead when not in a safe field anyway. I bought at the peak of the market in 2021, so would be lucky to make back what I paid for it. I have improved the house a lot, updated bathroom, added downstairs toilet, new kitchen, rewired, new boiler, bike shed, etc., which would hopefully help it sell. How realistic is it to imagine living with a dog in a flat (he is a breed that is know to be good in flats as they sleep a lot). I would be able to go into work more (I can set my own hours mostly and work flexibly) without having to pay nearly £70-£80 to commute in and pay for a dog sitter. So if you were in my situation, 50s, stable job in London, one dog, no children or close friends/family nearby, would you move as well or stay put?

BarbaraKirksKaftan · 16/02/2026 19:26

In your situation I would go for it, plenty of people live in a flat with a dog. If you don’t like it you can move somewhere else.

NoArmaniNoPunani · 16/02/2026 19:28

I'd go for it. I left London to raise my kids and I'd love to go back

dudsville · 16/02/2026 19:29

It sounds like the sort of thing that you'll regret if you don't try it. Just because your current living situation looks good on paper, doesn't mean it looks good to you.

AnnaQuayRules · 16/02/2026 19:30

Go for it!

amber763 · 16/02/2026 19:30

My brother lived with his dog in a flat for many years. Nice big park nearby. Then him and his now husband lived in a slightly bigger flat with both of their dogs when they moved in. They were all absolutely fine!

If i was you, I would absolutely do this! Be happy.

LaurieFairyCake · 16/02/2026 19:32

How much have you got? I have multiple dogs and live right next to Greenwich park, it’s amazing here. So much green space, SE London is so good

MeganM3 · 16/02/2026 19:34

I would absolutely go for it! London is a lot of fun. There’s so much to do. And lots of greenery for your dog if you choose the right location. In your situation I’d aim to be as central as possible (even if that means a small flat) so you can take advantage of all the galleries, museums, free events etc available & all the London stuff to do without a long commute. Could you give us an idea of budget so we can help you with possible areas?

RudolphRNR · 16/02/2026 19:35

Do it! I live in fairly central London, in a flat, with my dog. There are lots of parks around for regular walks, and we have very easy access to public transport to go off on adventures together (he loves a train trip to anywhere!). It sounds like moving to London will both improve your travel to work and transform your social - win win!

Original poster

Beesd · 16/02/2026 20:08

Thanks all, I feel like I would regret not trying to live in London again. It was great fun in my 30s, but I felt I had to settle down and also got jobs in the north, overseas, etc. And then was with two partners who refused to live in London, so I ended up here, in suburbia land.

I feel the setup is great for someone who is not me, someone with a partner, or loads of roots here, which I still don't have really after 5 years here (did all the clubs, yoga, joined women's networks, but didil click with anyone). I am not British and think I would fit in better somewhere more international as well.

My doubts are that I should be sensible and not have to work until I am 70 to pay off the mortgage, and moving is not cheap. It would take me two years paying back to make up for the move (and I pay for the last move by myself as well and have just recovered from that.)

Anyway, I have a two year plan, to sell, save, perhaps rent for a bit, and pounce at the right flat. I am a bit noise sensitive, to it owed have to be something new and well insulated and top floor (if that works with a dog). ;-)

OP posts:

Original poster

Beesd · 16/02/2026 20:09

MeganM3 · 16/02/2026 19:34

I would absolutely go for it! London is a lot of fun. There’s so much to do. And lots of greenery for your dog if you choose the right location. In your situation I’d aim to be as central as possible (even if that means a small flat) so you can take advantage of all the galleries, museums, free events etc available & all the London stuff to do without a long commute. Could you give us an idea of budget so we can help you with possible areas?

Budget around £450k for a 1 bed, areas around Alexandra Park ideally. Will give up my car.

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Original poster

Beesd · 16/02/2026 20:10

LaurieFairyCake · 16/02/2026 19:32

How much have you got? I have multiple dogs and live right next to Greenwich park, it’s amazing here. So much green space, SE London is so good

I'd rather stay north as I work near Euston, plus I have friends in north London. Sound would be an option, but I lived north before (Camden and Walthamstow and I liked it there)

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mondaytosunday · 16/02/2026 20:12

Go for it! I lived in London and had no plans to leave but then my DH passed sway suddenly so I did for a fresh start. Then moved back to zone 3. We bought a terraced house with a garden as we had two dogs then. But I always hankered to move closer in - I want to be able to look out my window and see the café I’m going to for brunch!
Now my DD is at uni but she agrees that we are kind of stuck in suburbia- fine but a 15 minute walk to the shops and tube on a seemingly endless street of identical Victorian terraced houses. So we are going to move, and are thinking of Fulham. Or maybe Pimlico, though not very familiar with it but seems relatively lower priced (but why), perhaps South Ken?
We don’t have a dog now but cats and they will need to go out at least to a terrace. But there are parks everywhere, and it depends on your routine. When I used to bring my dogs to a flat without a garden my morning loo visit at 6.30am, when I’d normally let my dogs out to the garden, would require me to throw some clothes on to get them to the park. And of course instead of the usual pre bed garden visit again another walk. Plus a couple walks during the day. But there are lower ground or ground floor flats with gardens. So my only caveat is needing a garden for the dog - but if you don’t mind the early and late walks and your dog is used to that then it seems a great idea!

Original poster

Beesd · 16/02/2026 20:17

mondaytosunday · 16/02/2026 20:12

Go for it! I lived in London and had no plans to leave but then my DH passed sway suddenly so I did for a fresh start. Then moved back to zone 3. We bought a terraced house with a garden as we had two dogs then. But I always hankered to move closer in - I want to be able to look out my window and see the café I’m going to for brunch!
Now my DD is at uni but she agrees that we are kind of stuck in suburbia- fine but a 15 minute walk to the shops and tube on a seemingly endless street of identical Victorian terraced houses. So we are going to move, and are thinking of Fulham. Or maybe Pimlico, though not very familiar with it but seems relatively lower priced (but why), perhaps South Ken?
We don’t have a dog now but cats and they will need to go out at least to a terrace. But there are parks everywhere, and it depends on your routine. When I used to bring my dogs to a flat without a garden my morning loo visit at 6.30am, when I’d normally let my dogs out to the garden, would require me to throw some clothes on to get them to the park. And of course instead of the usual pre bed garden visit again another walk. Plus a couple walks during the day. But there are lower ground or ground floor flats with gardens. So my only caveat is needing a garden for the dog - but if you don’t mind the early and late walks and your dog is used to that then it seems a great idea!

Sorry about your DH, btw. For me I'd like to live on the top floor, but for the dog I'd have to go ground floor. I'd rather not have him wee on the balcony ;-) It all seems a bit daunting though, I am still finishing my house to get it ready to sell (or to live in for a longer time). But selling, and then renting (with a dog!) and then moving again seems quite challenging (I did this 5 years ago as well, minus dog and with partner)

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Original poster

Beesd · 16/02/2026 20:18

mondaytosunday · 16/02/2026 20:12

Go for it! I lived in London and had no plans to leave but then my DH passed sway suddenly so I did for a fresh start. Then moved back to zone 3. We bought a terraced house with a garden as we had two dogs then. But I always hankered to move closer in - I want to be able to look out my window and see the café I’m going to for brunch!
Now my DD is at uni but she agrees that we are kind of stuck in suburbia- fine but a 15 minute walk to the shops and tube on a seemingly endless street of identical Victorian terraced houses. So we are going to move, and are thinking of Fulham. Or maybe Pimlico, though not very familiar with it but seems relatively lower priced (but why), perhaps South Ken?
We don’t have a dog now but cats and they will need to go out at least to a terrace. But there are parks everywhere, and it depends on your routine. When I used to bring my dogs to a flat without a garden my morning loo visit at 6.30am, when I’d normally let my dogs out to the garden, would require me to throw some clothes on to get them to the park. And of course instead of the usual pre bed garden visit again another walk. Plus a couple walks during the day. But there are lower ground or ground floor flats with gardens. So my only caveat is needing a garden for the dog - but if you don’t mind the early and late walks and your dog is used to that then it seems a great idea!

Sorry to hear your DH passed away, my condolences. But your current setup sound good.

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RudolphRNR · 17/02/2026 00:54

@Beesd I live in a flat on the 6th floor of my building. There’s a lovely balcony my dog enjoys napping on in the spring/summer, but he’s never once weed on it. We take a lift down to the ground and across the road to a park - only takes one minute from flat to park. So if top floor is your dream you can make it work.

BaguetteLady · 17/02/2026 01:13

@Beesd new and well-insulated

Sounds like a great plan, OP. Just a caveat - new and well-insulated is sometimes a contradiction in terms. Older properties may have thicker walls. You'll also need to be very careful about the quality of the windows - it will make a big difference in the amount of street noise you'll get.

Good luck!

Willweeverfindout · 17/02/2026 01:18

Definitely go for it! Your dog will benefit from you being home more too. Plenty of open spaces to take them too at the weekend too. Good luck!