[Amit_M]

Hi,

I am moving with a job that would may me about 40K per annum. I am from India and am moving with wife. My wife is not working. I will be working in central london but as I can understand from the discussion on the forum I have to look for accomodation outside Zone 1 ofcourse.

Looking at my income can someone here advise me on locations I can look at. I would prefer a place close to bus stops/train stations, proximity to market (general stores and daily stores), would prefer apartment complexes,

I would be greatful if someone here could advise me on things as this would be the first time for me outside my native country, let alone UK/Europe.

Can someone explain to me on the Council Tax and how does it differ?

Warm regards,
Amit

[d(d)]

[Bipolar Bear]

you probaly want to check out Southall in west london, which is also known as "little india". but indians live pretty much everywhere in london. Southall is in zone 4 i think, no underground station but the mainline runs to paddington it takes about 10 mins.

[babybat]

[quote="Amit_M"]Hi,

I am moving with a job that would may me about 40K per annum. I am from India and am moving with wife. My wife is not working. I will be working in central london but as I can understand from the discussion on the forum I have to look for accomodation outside Zone 1 ofcourse.

Looking at my income can someone here advise me on locations I can look at. I would prefer a place close to bus stops/train stations, proximity to market (general stores and daily stores), would prefer apartment complexes,

I would be greatful if someone here could advise me on things as this would be the first time for me outside my native country, let alone UK/Europe.

Can someone explain to me on the Council Tax and how does it differ?

Warm regards,
Amit[/quote]

Hi Amit,

Are you looking to rent or buy? You could probably get a mortgage of 140/160k, but this wouldn't get you an awful lot. However, a salary of this size would give you a fair bit of rent, if you wanted to stay in central London, particularly in slightly cheaper areas (around Camden/Kings Cross). As other posters have stated, Southall, Stratford, and Tooting have large Indian populations, and many services geared to the local communities. FWIW, I think Aldgate/Brick Lane may suit your needs quite well - it's Central, fairly inexpensive for an inner London borough, and has a large Indian community.
HTH,
L

[Amit_M]

Hi d(d) / Bipolar Bear,

Thanks for replying to my post. I am sure East London / Southall would be great places to search. Currently as I am still in India, I am looking around gumtree to have a idea about the kind of rentals I would expect in London. Also trying to calculate what all places I can afford.

Warm regards,
Amit

[Amit_M]

Dear BabyBat,

Thank you for the response. I am looking to rent as I do not know if I can afford to buy with the salary of 40K + (PA). Did a bit of research and I too think Aldgate & Brick Lane look good to me.

Living in London and not experiencing life as a Londonner would be futile so I am thinking it is best to live in a place which is not predominantly Indians population such as Southall. What do you guys say about it?

I have seen elsewhere in the discussion forum that London has a charm which can be expressed only by living it. I want to do it I guess.

But guys at the same time are there any particular neighbourhoods that I should steer clear off (high crime rate, unsafe late in the night, or unsafe for ladies)?

Warm regards,
Amit

[pommy boy]

Amit, dont listen to those numbskulls above who reccomend that you live in Neighbourhoods with plenty of other asians in them - its pretty shortsighted of them and if i dare say ignorant of them to suggest such an idea. Furtehermore, the areas they mentioned are not the nicest of places to be living in London.
On your wages you could be renting in a far nicer suburb...

[babybat]

[quote="Amit_M"]Dear BabyBat,

Thank you for the response. I am looking to rent as I do not know if I can afford to buy with the salary of 40K + (PA). Did a bit of research and I too think Aldgate & Brick Lane look good to me.

Living in London and not experiencing life as a Londonner would be futile so I am thinking it is best to live in a place which is not predominantly Indians population such as Southall. What do you guys say about it?

I have seen elsewhere in the discussion forum that London has a charm which can be expressed only by living it. I want to do it I guess.

But guys at the same time are there any particular neighbourhoods that I should steer clear off (high crime rate, unsafe late in the night, or unsafe for ladies)?

Warm regards,
Amit[/quote]

Hi Amit,

As your wife won't be working, I'd go for somewhere with good local amenities, particularly if you're thinking about a family at some point. Islington, Stoke Newington, Hammersmith/Fulham, and Clapham/Battersea are good in this respect. I'd really advise visiting with your wife, maybe for a few days or a week, and visiting some areas to find what you're comfortable with. Local council websites are often a good guide to an areas amenities, and http://www.oultwood.com/localgov/uk/london.php directs you to London's borough council websites. My other suggestion is contact your new employer, and ask them for the nearest tube station, then you can look at outlying areas using the tube maps at www.tfl.gov.uk.
It's hard to advise on safety, as some areas may have a low actual risk of crime, but a high perceived risk, so you *feel* unsafe. I don't feel especially safe in Brixton, bits of Camden and Hackney, or the Caledonian Road area, but this is my personal reaction and obviously your experience may vary. Sometimes people feel unsafe due to an area being impoverished, having council housing, or a high ethnic minority population, or just not knowing an area well; this obviously doesn't mean they're actually unsafe! Have a look at www.timeout.com/london - it often features advise on where to move to, which is really helpful
Sorry, I know this is a bit vague, but I hope it helps a bit!
L

[nidgynadj]

i would avoid east london like the plague. i lived there for 2 months and experienced a break-in EVERY WEEKEND. they didn't take anything. just trashed the place to prove they could.

remember over 7 million people live in london, and another 14 million travel in and out of that city every day, the majority without incident.

if i were you, i'd be tempted to check into a hotel for a week or so, and take some time to visit different parts of the city. your work colleagues will be able to advise on fastest routes to work and may even know of suitable accommodation. you often find 'accommodation offered' notices on the staff board. it would also save you money in agency 'administration' fees if you made a private arrangement. i always negotiate two weeks accommodation at my employer's expense as part of the package, if he wants me to work in london.

as for the council tax question. this is a 'per head' tax paid on everyone who lives in your property who is over 18 and not in full time education (there are some other exceptions, but i can't think of any that would apply to you). the amount you will pay varies from london borough to london borough - and it can be a huge difference, so take that into account when you are asking about the 'hidden' costs of the property. you also need to be clear about who pays for the utility bills (water, electricity, gas, telephone for example) - and whether they are included in the rental amount or not. the council tax is a compulsory tax and if you are caught avoiding it then it can lead to a prison sentence.

one other thing that seems to catch out a number of people - make sure you sort out a bank account.

N

[Coypu]

Having lived in East London since the early 80's as compared to 2 months I don't think you're getting the a real picture. I have never had a break in or a major problem, in fact I had worse problems living in Harrow (supposedly posh, nice & safe)

Ask friends or colleagues who have worked in the UK. It can take ages to find an area you like, and ages to find if you really like an area.

On 40k you should be able to find somewhere comfortable, but transport in London isn't cheap so think carefully, find fairly direct routes where you can.

Good Luck

M

[englishman]

why not live in an ethnically mixed area instead of just where there are already lots of indians. Get to know some English people and experience english culture

Maybe even consider living in outskirts of london - maybe orpington, croydon and north kent

good luck