If you live in a major British city such as London, Glasgow, Cardiff, or Belfast, you may have noticed that a lot of your friends and family are relocating. They’re seeking out more quiet, rural areas to get away from big city life. To understand why this is so, here are 17 reasons why people are leaving big UK cities for good.
Skyrocketing Living Costs
There’s no denying that living in cities like London and Manchester has become increasingly expensive. As The Guardian reports, the average price of rent rose almost 10% in 2023 alone, pushing many to seek more affordable housing elsewhere. The high cost of living in these cities leaves less disposable income for leisure and savings, which is a shame because they have so much on offer.
Overcrowded Public Transport
The daily commute on packed buses and trains in places like Birmingham is a major stressor for city dwellers. Overcrowded public transport systems can lead to long, uncomfortable journeys. Ultimately, this makes the appeal of quieter, less crowded transportation options in smaller towns and rural areas undeniable.
Limited Green Spaces
Sadly, even cities with plenty of green spaces, such as London, still have their limits. There may be plenty of spots to retreat to, but they’re often far away, and this limited availability of parks and natural areas can affect physical and mental health. This draws many Brits to the countryside and smaller towns, where access to nature is more abundant and easily accessible.
Air Pollution
Anyone who lives in London can agree that the air quality is not great. High levels of pollution can cause respiratory issues and other health problems, so the cleaner air of rural and suburban areas is a significant factor for those seeking a healthier lifestyle away from the smog.
Noise Pollution
The constant noise of traffic, construction, and crowds in big British cities can be overwhelming. It’s not just a nuisance; noise pollution also disrupts sleep and contributes to stress. Smaller towns and rural areas offer a quieter, more peaceful environment, which is highly attractive to those looking to escape the urban din.
Better Work-Life Balance
City jobs often demand long hours and high levels of stress, so many people are moving to smaller communities where they can find jobs that offer a better work-life balance. This shift allows for more time spent with family and on personal interests, especially when remote work is an option.
Remote Work Opportunities
Speaking of remote work, its rise has made it possible for people to live anywhere while still having a fancy London job. With the ability to work from home, many Brits are choosing to leave such cities for more comfortable and affordable living situations. This flexibility has significantly contributed to foreign migration trends, too.
Desire for a Stronger Community
It’s a sad fact of life that big cities can feel impersonal and isolating, whereas smaller towns and rural areas often have a stronger sense of community and closer social ties. This appeal of belonging and connection is a strong motivator for people to relocate away from the UK’s big cities.
Educational Opportunities
Believe it or not, smaller towns and rural areas can offer better educational environments than prestigious cities. Many families are leaving cities to seek better schooling options for their children because the areas are just less crowded, leaving schools less overworked and underfunded.
Affordable Housing
These days, £1,000 a month will barely give you a cupboard to sleep in in London, yet the same amount will give you a beautiful home in the Northern countryside. Understandably, this is leading a lot of people to question why on Earth they’re wasting their money living in London.
Safer Living Conditions
These days, big cities such as London, Glasgow, and Birmingham aren’t exactly the safest. Their crime rates are rapidly increasing, pushing many families to move to smaller towns and rural areas, which feel much safer and give them better peace of mind.
Lower Stress Levels
Anyone who tells you that they find living in Glasgow relaxing has to be joking. Big cities like this can be extremely stressful, and it seems that people are rarely willing to take a moment to just sit down. Naturally, the slower, more relaxed pace of life in smaller towns and rural areas is a welcome change for those seeking to reduce stress, often leading to migration.
Access to Nature
While green spaces are important for mental health, it’s more about nature at the end of the day. Unfortunately, this too is limited in big cities, leading a lot of Brits to move to areas where they can easily access forests and other natural spaces, bringing them closer to nature.
Shorter Commutes
As we mentioned earlier, commutes on public transport in cities like London can be long and exhausting, eating into your free time. Meanwhile, living in a smaller town means a much shorter commute, allowing for more time to relax in the mornings and evenings. So, it’s really no wonder why so many people are choosing this option.
More Space
Urban living often means limited living space, as we discussed earlier with the cupboard example in London. On the other hand, larger homes and more outdoor space in rural areas are much more common, and this is a significant factor in drawing families with children to the countryside.
Personal Well-Being
People living in busy cities like Belfast or Leeds often feel a sense of immense interconnection, but in reality, it’s an illusion. People are too busy to stop and talk when you need help and the stress and isolation this causes is terrible for your wellbeing. Naturally, lots of Brits are choosing smaller towns to get away from this mental health nightmare.
Improved Quality of Life
Ultimately, all of the previously mentioned benefits of rural living over city living in the UK can result in a significantly better quality of life. Brits are sick of living miserable lives in big cities, and they know that something has to change, so they’re leaving them. Unsurprisingly, very few of them ever regret this decision.