Expert: Alun Hill MCIJ - 11/17/2007

Question
QUESTION: I am an American professional, 27, moving to London in the next two

months.  I have been there a few times on visits, but never for a long period

of time.  I am not sure where to move to?  I currently live in Boston's most

historic and well-versed area, Beacon Hill.  I was curious, where in London

would be comparable to this?



I need to be close to things, fitness center, organic supermarket, etc....a park,

because I have a small dog also.

ANSWER: Hi - this is a really difficult question to answer, as London is such a huge city (over 8 million people, so 16 times the population of Boston) with, often very close to each other, some of the poorest people in the country and some of the richest.

London also covers some 610 sq miles!

Property prices range from £50,000 (but you often only get a garage for that!) to several millions, so I'd need to have some idea of not only what you're looking to pay, but where in London you'll be travelling to.

For example, Kensington is ideal for all you want, but is amongst the most expensive areas in the Capital - and would not be as good as, say, Hampstead, if you are going to be working in the City (the financial district).

So, feel free to give me some idea of what you will be paying and where you'll be commuting to and I'll be happy to help further.

Oh, and don't worry about parks and your dog - London is surprisingly full of parks and green spaces, aswell as fitness centres, huge supermarkets etc.

Happy to help!

Alun

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was thinking of renting to start -- I keep getting referred to the Portobello
area, but I have no idea what that is?  Regal park, along the canal, are you
familiar with these?

Answer
The "Portobello Road" area is immediately "behind" Notting Hill Gate (where the film Notting Hill was made), but is horrid most days now as there is a market running right through it - well worth a visit, but not somewhere I would recommend living - it's also the home of the annual Carnival each August - again 2 days of mayhem and most of the residents decamp!

The "Regents Canal" runs right around the north of London, many miles in length, including around Regents Park - another very nice, but very expensive area.

Are you able to give a broad idea of what rent you're looking to pay, please, and I can then help to narrow your choices down - again, it would help to know the area you'll be working in, as living in an area with appropriate transport links is crucial in a city the size of London.

Also, are you here for some time, or just a few months - this can make a difference to the availability of property, too.

Happy to help!

Alun