A high angle view over central Edinburgh, with Princes Street busy with pedestrians on a sunny afternoon. (Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The pandemic saw a mass exodus from London, as people searched for more space, cheaper homes and greener pastures.
But as we edge closer to 2024, the trend hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down.
And now, new data has revealed where Londoners looking to leave the capital would most like to relocate to.
GetAgent analysed Google search data within London to discover which locations have seen the highest amount of interest over the last 12 months.
And it turns out that Londoners want to move far, far away – over 400 miles away in fact, to Edinburgh.
The Scottish capital was ranked in first place, as the top city that people in Londonwant to move to.
You’d be swapping the bustling streets of the capital for open spaces like Arthur’s Seat, and you’d have a front row seat for the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival which takes place in summer, and the New Year’s eve celebrations of Hogmanay.
Not the most inexpensive city in the UK, but more affordable than London, the average property price in Edinburgh is £335,000. Recent figures from Which? suggest the average property price in London is £552,755, so you’re getting a lot more bang for your buck in Scotland.
Birmingham takes second place in the list, which perhaps suggests that not all Londoners want to leave their city behind, as New Street station has quick and easy links into London, with a journey time of around two hours.
There’s shopping to rival London too, with the Bull Ring a popular favourite. The Christmas market that takes place in the city every year is also the largest authentic German market, outside of Germany or Austria.
Another Scottish city, Glasgow, rounds out the top three. Surrounded by accessible natural beauty like Loch Lomond, the city offers a thriving arts scene and house prices are generally far lower than London. The average property price in Glasgow is £208,000.
Other Northern cities appearing in the list include Manchester (5th), and Sheffield (8th).
Further South, East Midland favourite Leicester comes in at number six. Again, perhaps due to its transport links to the capital – but from the National Space Centre to Leicester Cathedral – the resting place of King Richard III – the city has a a lot to offer in its own right. It’s also home to beloved sports teams and has a thriving arts scene too. Kasabian call the city their home, and the Curve theatre, hosts sell-out performances and tours.
Perhaps a more surprising entry to finish off the top 10 is Doncaster. The South Yorkshire market town is likely attracting those looking for affordable housing and green spaces.
Top 10 cities Londoners would most like to move to
Birmingham
Glasgow
Bristol
Manchester
Leicester
Milton Keynes
Sheffield
Nottingham
Doncaster
Source: GetAgent
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