Five years ago, I made a life-changing decision to leave the bustling metropolis of London behind and relocate to an idyllic seaside town in Kent. After spending three years immersed in the capital's vibrant yet demanding environment, I found myself yearning for a different pace of life. The catalyst for this dramatic shift came during the lockdown period, which forced many of us to reassess our priorities and living situations.
The London Experience: From Energy to Ennui
Before the pandemic transformed our world, London pulsed with undeniable energy. The city offered an exhilarating array of culinary experiences, from exotic Eritrean dishes to neighbourhood coffee spots teeming with morning commuters. Pubs remained packed with punters, and late nights sampling the capital's offerings became routine. The urban centre provided an ideal setting for socialising and cultural exploration.
However, when lockdown measures were implemented, everything shifted dramatically. Like countless other residents, I became increasingly disenchanted with city life. What had once been a vibrant urban centre suddenly felt lifeless and restrictive. The inability to see friends or relatives, combined with being confined indoors for most of the day, highlighted the limitations of London living during extraordinary times.
The Coastal Transition: Deal in Kent
My relocation took me to Deal, a charming coastal town in Kent that I had only visited once before making the permanent move. This decision proved transformative in multiple ways, particularly regarding financial considerations. When I swapped my one-bedroom flat in South East London for a property twice the size in Deal, I unexpectedly found myself saving an additional £275 each month.
Financial Liberation
The savings extended beyond rent alone. My new proximity to an Aldi supermarket provided considerably cheaper grocery options compared to the small Sainsbury's Local that had served my London street. Furthermore, leaving behind a draughty Victorian property that had been poorly converted into flats resulted in surprisingly reduced energy bills.
Transportation costs underwent a dramatic transformation. In London, my daily commute cost approximately £10, money that quickly accumulated over time. Now working mostly from home with occasional office visits, my transport expenses have plummeted. Being just minutes away from Deal's shops, cafes, and eateries on foot has substantially decreased my overall spending.
Three Compelling Reasons Against Returning
1. The Overwhelming Cost
London living often feels like every activity carries a financial penalty. Money seemed to evaporate from my bank account during my residence there, making saving particularly challenging. While I could have theoretically reduced spending on takeaway coffees, restaurant meals, and social outings, these experiences formed an integral part of the London lifestyle.
A simple evening out with friends for drinks could easily become a £100 expenditure once travel expenses were factored in. The incredible variety of restaurants proved both a blessing and a curse - while I adored having countless culinary options on my doorstep, the temptation to sample everything created financial pressure alongside rent and bill payments.
2. The Constant Noise Pollution
The sheer volume of London's auditory environment didn't fully register until I had left. That relentless background din - from overground trains rattling past gardens to distant sirens wailing and neighbours' televisions filtering through walls - becomes normalised within days of arrival.
Upon leaving, I was genuinely shocked by the comparative silence. While town centre living in Deal brings occasional noise disturbance, it pales in comparison to London's constant auditory assault. My most significant noise complaint now involves aggressive seagulls screeching on rooftops at dawn during summer months - a decidedly coastal alternative to urban cacophony.
3. The Scenic Transformation
For someone who grew up along Dorset's shoreline, coastal views provide an unparalleled sense of connection and tranquillity. Spotting that brilliant blue line on the horizon feels fundamentally right and restorative.
London certainly boasts its own stunning vistas - perching atop Blythe Hill Fields in South London and gazing down at recognisable landmarks remains a cherished memory. However, after several years, I found myself increasingly yearning for seaside panoramas, ocean horizons, and crisp coastal air.
Regardless of how many green spaces I explored in London, the atmosphere consistently felt dense and polluted compared to the refreshing coastal environment I now enjoy daily.
Embracing Coastal Living
Many warned I would regret relocating from the capital, but to this day, it remains among the best decisions I've ever made. While seaside living presents its own challenges - including summer tourist influxes, fewer amenities, and greater distance from friends - I willingly embrace these trade-offs rather than return to London.
I still visit London occasionally to reconnect with friends and attend events, but these visits reinforce my decision rather than sparking regret. The combination of financial relief, auditory peace, and scenic beauty has created a quality of life that the capital simply couldn't provide, even with its undeniable cultural attractions and energy.
