Months of lockdown amid noisy neighbors and sky-high rents prompted a major life change: departing London permanently after three years there. The city’s pre-pandemic energy—vibrant restaurants, packed bars, and busy morning coffee spots—drew crowds for late nights, diverse foods, and social gatherings. Yet, the shutdown transformed it into a ghost town, confining residents indoors to dodge COVID-19, limiting outings to essential errands like grocery runs or park walks.
This period forced a reevaluation of urban living priorities. What once meant excitement in nightlife shifted to a longing for open spaces, stunning coastal landscapes, and clean air—essentials in short supply in the capital. Even as eateries resumed takeaway services, the allure faded, leading to a bold relocation to Deal, a charming seaside town in Kent visited just once prior.
Financial Savings That Transformed Daily Life
Trading a cramped one-bedroom in southeast London for a spacious home in Deal slashed monthly rent by £275, far exceeding expectations. Proximity to an affordable Aldi replaced the pricier local Sainsbury’s, while escaping a drafty, converted Victorian property cut gas and electricity costs significantly.
Occasional London trips for friends or events persist, but three key factors make a return unthinkable.
1. The Relentless Cost of City Living
Every breath in London feels like it carries a fee. Funds drained rapidly, hindering savings despite efforts to curb expenses on coffees, deliveries, and outings. A casual evening with friends often ballooned to £100, factoring in transport. The abundance of global cuisines, from first-time Eritrean dishes to endless options, tempted indulgence but strained budgets amid rent and utilities.
Public transit adds another layer; even a short pre-lockdown commute cost £10 daily. Now, remote work dominates with rare office visits, and local options fall short of London’s network. Yet, living steps from Deal’s shops, cafes, and eateries encourages walking, yielding substantial savings.
2. Escaping the Urban Noise Overload
London’s perpetual din—trains rumbling nearby, distant sirens, neighbors’ chatter—blends into the background after a short stay. Departing revealed a profound quiet that initially startled. Town-center life brings minor disturbances, but nothing rivals the capital’s intensity. Summer mornings might feature rowdy seagulls, yet this pales against city clamor.
3. Craving Coastal Serenity Over Smoggy Skies
Raised along Dorset’s shores, the sea’s endless blue horizon feels innate. London’s vistas, like overlooking parks and skyscrapers from Blythe Hill Fields, offered charm initially. But over time, a deeper yearning grew for beaches, ocean breezes, and unpolluted air. City parks couldn’t dispel the persistent haze.
Skeptics predicted regret over the move, but it ranks among the wisest choices. Coastal living brings challenges—summer tourist influxes, limited services, and distant connections—but these outweigh urban drawbacks.
