Kilburn, camden, Gospel oak
It is really difficult to answer your questions… I have been living in London for over 20 years. It has been pointed out before that when you first arrive in London, you should be prepared to accept a lower grade job as your first, and the same applies to your first rented flat. That’s what I did- a typical migrant. Once you settled down, you can look around for a better job and a better place to live. Your first year would not be easy…but can be a lot of fun! Kilburn, Kensal Rise, and other stations on the overground rail are fairly cheap when it comes to renting flats- but – in London you MUST see the property and immediate surroundings before you agree to rent. Try to view the area by night. You do not want to live near to a pub with a late 1am license! Also, have a look at the relevant council site [Brent, Camden] to get an idea of the council tax; I live in Westminster, which has one of the lowest rates in London- and it saves me at least £400 in relation to next door Camden. Public Transport in London is not cheap. Practically all regular commuters purchase a season ticket- an Oyster travel card- preferably an annual ticket. This is the cheapest option. The price of a weekly ticket is based on 5 return trips, the price of a monthly ticket on 20 return [ return =2 single fares] trips, and an annual card on 10 months instead of 12 months travel. If you do not intend using public transport regularly, buy a pay-as-you-go Oyster card. Look at the TfL website for details. Property prices in zones 1-2 are expensive, and even if you go further to zones 3-6 and beyond, you will pay extra. In my W1 area, one bed flat would cost you £1200pm[= one bedroom, one reception, a bathroom and a kitchen area] Your expenses on food would very much depend on your diet, and how willing you are to compromise and adjust to the local taste. You can get everything you want- at a price. The same applies to entertainment, going out, having a car etc. Do you really have to have a car- and pay congestion charge- straight away, or, perhaps wait a while? Etc Best of luck,