Skip to content
In recent years, the number of people leaving London for Devon or Cornwall has grown steadily. The shift started during the pandemic, but there are no signs of slowing down. Indeed, remote working has made it possible for many professionals to live further away from the hectic lifestyle of the capital city. Paired with rising property prices and the desire for a better work-life balance, more and more people are considering leaving London for the South West.
Why the South West? Devon, Somerset and Cornwall offer something you can’t find in London: coastal views, open countryside, and a slower pace of life. However, relocation from London to the countryside requires significant adjustments in your expectations and lifestyle. Those who have already made the move reveal the practical realities they wished they had planned for.
The Lifestyle Shift After Leaving London for The South West
A Slower Pace of Life
These staples of London life, such as crowds and hectic pace, are replaced with quieter streets and a slow rhythm.
For many newcomers who have made the move, this often translates into substantial improvements, such as sleeping better, spending more time outdoors, and feeling less stressed.
Different Community Living
Community dynamics can feel very different in the South West. In smaller towns and villages, people tend to know their neighbours and local shop owners. This can be a change from London’s buzzing anonymity.
Loss of Urban Convenience
If you need something, London has it available immediately. If you need something in the South West, neither services nor goods will be instantly available the way they are in London.
The Practical Realities of Living in the Countryside
When relocating from London to the countryside, these practical considerations may come as a surprise at first.
You Need a Car
Public transport in Devon and Cornwall is far more limited than in London, especially if you live in a rural area. Trains and buses connect larger towns, but daily errands in smaller towns and villages require driving.
Slow Internet
Connectivity can vary a lot depending on location. Broadband infrastructure has improved a lot, but speeds can remain slow in rural spots, particularly compared to what London residents are used to.
Employment Opportunities
The job market is not the same as in London. Local job markets in the South West are small, with a limited range of industries and career paths within commuting distance.
High Prices
This may sound surprising, but goods can be more expensive. This is linked to being less available in the countryside than in London.
The Property Reality Check
Don’t assume that property will be cheaper when moving from London to Devon, as the reality is more complex.
As a buyer, you can secure more house for the same budget, compared to London prices, but prime coastal locations in Devon and Cornwall are highly desirable, and therefore, priced accordingly.
Additionally, rural housing typically means older properties. Period cottages and traditional properties may be charming, but they require more maintenance than city flats.
Indeed, older buildings tend to require essential upgrades and renovation works, including insulation improvements, a new heating system, and even roof repairs.
Rebuilding Your Social Life After Leaving London
One of the biggest challenges of leaving London for the South West is rebuilding a social network.
London brings a broad range of social networking opportunities, whether through work, university, or even long-standing friendships. Once you move away, you leave these connections behind.
When you join a small community in the South West, social life is likely to develop through different channels. If you want to meet new people, it’s worth investigating local sports clubs, hobby groups, and even volunteer organisations to settle in. You can also attend community events, markets, and festivals that can bring you face-to-face with new people.
While this doesn’t mean you can’t build new friendships in the countryside, it can take a lot more time than it does in London.
London Habits That Don’t Always Translate
Things like late-night deliveries, 24-hour supermarkets, and even same-day services are typically taken for granted in London.
Moving from London to Devon or Cornwall means losing these conveniences. Life operates on a different schedule, which means shops may close earlier, goods and services may be limited, and, more importantly, deliveries take longer to get to you.
In other words, life in the South West requires more planning. But more often than not, once you adjust your expectations, you can embrace the slower pace of life.
Planning The Logistics of Leaving London for the South West
Relocating from London to the countryside in the South West is a move that can exceed 200 to 300 miles. So, this is something that requires proper planning.
Even a small London household tends to accumulate a lot more belongings than you realise, especially if you are using storage spaces. So, the first challenge you may face starts with packing, both in terms of time costs and safety needs. Failure to do so could result in broken items upon arrival.
Yet, that’s not all, as transporting your belongings safely from London to the countryside requires both experience with long-distance moves and small rural roads and property access. The last thing you need is for you and your self-hired van to get stuck on a narrow lane.
That’s why it’s worth working with professionals who can provide dedicated services for Devon removals and Cornwall removals. You need someone who understands the logistics challenges of London departures to rural destinations.
Relocating from London to the Countryside with Britannia Lanes Removals
If you are moving from London to Devon or Cornwall, working with experienced removal professionals can make a huge difference.
At Britannia Lanes Removals, we bring more than five decades of experience handling long-distance relocations. So, we understand the unique challenges you face when leaving London for the South West.
Whether it’s organising detailed surveys of your belongings or coordinating packing and transport, our team works hand-in-hand with you to ensure that every stage of the move runs smoothly and stress-free.
Are you relocating from London to the South West countryside? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Britannia Lanes Removals to discuss full-service packing and cross-country moving.