Many people dream of moving to London but are put off by the constant foot traffic and high prices. However, there are plenty of towns in the surrounding area that are cheaper to live in and much quieter. For example, Kingston Upon Thames is a university town to the Southwest of London, which has plenty to offer including excellent transport links, more reasonable living costs, and plenty to do.
The Cost of Living
According to statistics compiled by Numbeo, the cost of living in Kingston upon Thames is 0.6% less than in London, and that’s without including the rent difference, which is 27.5% lower than in London. The lower cost makes this town an incredibly viable option, especially in today’s economy.
Excellent Transport Links
Kingston upon Thames is only 12 miles away from London, which equates to 25 minutes on the train, meaning the big city life can be experienced for a fraction of the price. As well as the rail service, there’s a solid bus service, which provides links to London and nearby Wimbledon or Richmond. The riverside location of this town means there are plenty of options for transport including riverboats. Finally, if you’re in a hurry or want to travel without interruption from the general public, search taxi company near me.
Hampton Court on Your Doorstep
Kingston upon Thames is steeped in history. There are only four royal boroughs in London, and Kingston is the oldest one. Home to the world-renowned Hampton Court, which is where Henry VIII lived during his reign, Kinston has plenty of history to soak up.
The Dorich House Museum
Sculptor Dora Gordine’s studio used to be located in Dorich House, which is located in Kingston upon Thames. Owned by the university, the building has been turned into a museum that fully captivated Gordine’s works. The stunning display of artwork isn’t the only interesting feature of this museum, as the architecture alone is pretty fascinating.
Delicious Food and Drink
If you’re a foodie then you’ll love the offerings in Kingston upon Thames, which includes New Orleans street food giants Poor Boys. Their menu is brimming with delicious dishes like Beef Brisket Donuts, Dirty Burgers, and Fried Shrimp. To wash the food down, there are plenty of American beers, cocktails, ales, and milkshakes. For all this flavour, the prices are pretty reasonable as well.
Plenty of Shopping Opportunities
Shopping and city living goes hand-in-hand, and Kingston won’t fail to fulfil this need. The Bentall Shopping Centre is located right in the centre of town and is packed out with 75 stores, including Zara, North Face, and Apple. This brilliant shopping centre even knows how to cater to the local students, as it holds an annual student shopping night.
Kingston upon Thames has plenty to offer its residents, whether they’re university students or simply searching for a life away from the hustle and bustle. And, only being a short distance from Central London just makes it even more appealing.