Is England a good place to live right now?

Question

Is it a good place to live right now? will it still be a great place to live in the future?

Answer 1

I notice that you are from the US, in comparison to the US it really depends. If you are on a low income, it's probably better. We have welfare benefits that are paid into your account, free health service, housing benefits for rent. It is also a good place to live if you are rich.



However, most of us are in between and that is not so good. Prices are way higher in the UK. for example $1000 rent a month will not get you very much in the South east of england (London and the surrounding areas) Mc Donalds is $7 for a big mac, fries and coke. A meal out at an average restaurant will set you back $100 for two at least. Clothing is near enough double and we don't really have outlet malls like in the US (although a few do exist). Travel to work is very experience on public transport- My monthly train ticket costs almost $400 dollars even though i only live 30 miles away.



These prices are based on the curent exchange rate and the UK pound is very low at the moment and still the US is cheaper.



The crime rate is high compared to other european countries, we seem to be having a crime epidemic like the US did in the 80's.



Saying that- there are relatively few no go areas like you find in US cities (However there are obviously places where you would need to take caution).



We also have more overcast days than sunny days.



The standard of living in the US is much highre, you have a bity more purchasing power than us on average. However If you are poor you would probably be better of in the UK than the US.

Answer 2

Not an easy answer as there is no definite yes or no, just opinions.



Personally, for me UK is not a good place to live. Most of the points above cover it but for me the clincher is that the weather can be very crap and that people from UK are generally more uptight and alcohol dependant.



If you love drinking alcohol all the time you've come to the right place. Most areas in UK are a melting pot; especially London.



I am currently waiting for a flight out to Japan where I will be staying for possibly one year. I was planning to move to California; which is an awesome place with great weather; but my Visa is taking too long.



Think about what you want in your life. Do you want good weather? A family? A stable career? Do you like exploring unique sites (UK has nothing to explore. The stonehenge is exciting for about 5 minutes)?

Ask yourself these questions, then maybe ask us again with more clarity.

Answer 3

@DA.

Yes, I saw that. Here's something in the press about the survey:



http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/sep/29/britain-quality-of-life?newsfeed=true



Well, as Christine says, it's hot today and everywhere looks good in the sun. Our economy is in a mess that's for sure. The best thing about living in the UK? Our NHS. Not perfect but everyone envies us for it.



Edit: @ Ian Mitchell

I can't agree that there's nothing to see in the UK - please, before you leave the UK try some places here:



http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/



and here:



http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/

Navigate around these sites.

If you want wonderful scenery, I recommend the Lake District.



You should have come on here to ask! There are places like Chatsworth, Hever Castle, Dover Castle, Leeds Castle, Chartwell etc etc. Google them and have some wonderful days out while the weather holds up.

Answer 4

It's actually too hard to say at the moment. The UK is on target to drag itself out of the recession as long as it isn't hampered by events in the EU. The only major problem is that the unions are poised to try to drag the UK back into the dark ages. If that happens, public spending will spiral out of control and personal debt will get even higher. Taxes would rise and everyone will become worse off. The inevitable strikes for more money would be held and thousands of small and medium size firms would be thrown onto the scrap heap. Inflation and unemployment would double. If the unions get their way, no, the UK will not be a good place to live.

Answer 5

The usual array of weird answers. LOL. Someone saying "England is a beautiful city". It is a country.

Others talking about immigrants. The peoiple they call immigrants were mostly born here.

Like most countries England is a good place to live unless you are poor. The cost of living is high

and the politicians are incompetent and corrupt.

We have beautiful countryside, lots of culture, historic buildings and towns, the BBC, the greatest public service broadcaster in the world and excellent public transport

Answer 6

England is a good place to live, depend how much balance in your pocket or bank. It is a beautiful city and if people from all countries living here. So you are most welcome, but without money or job you can't survive here.

Answer 7

If you're an immigrant, it's a wonderful country.



If, like myself and millions of others, you were born here, worked and paid your taxes, national insurance etc. for years, the government will sh1t on you from a great height and you will end up spending your final years in misery and poverty.

Answer 8

According to today's news Britain has been assesed as the worst part of Europe as far as quality of life is concerned. It came bottom of the list because of the soaring price of just about everything as well as other things.

Answer 9

If you are Middle class or on Benefits it's great.

Answer 10

today, in the full glory of a late summer heatwave, there can't be anywhere finer on God's earth - even the grotty places look good !

Answer 11

Depending on where you live, yes.

Answer 12

stay in your own country



we don't need any more foreigners