Considering a move as a young South African to either Reading or Stratford?
Hey everyone! I have the opportunity to either live and work in Reading or work in Romford and stay in Stratford. The salary is the same for both options.
Here’s what I’ve considered so far:
Stratford:
– Excellent transport links for easy travel across the country.
– A decent town with a skyline view.
– Higher rental costs.
– Convenient access to amenities.
– A concern about travel costs and safety, especially traveling alone to Romford at night.
– The job offer doesn’t allow for further studies.
– Are there parks and green spaces?
– What’s the community vibe like?
Reading:
– Just 30 minutes outside of London.
– Closer to Heathrow Airport.
– Lower cost of living.
– Basic accessibility to necessities.
– The job offers opportunities for further education.
– Is it a safer environment?
– Are there beautiful parks and green areas?
– What’s the community here like?
As you can see, I’m really torn! 😅 I’d love to hear your opinions. Will I miss out on London life if I choose Reading, or can it still offer a good alternative?
It sounds like you’re weighing your options thoughtfully! Both Stratford and Reading have their pros and cons, so it ultimately depends on what you prioritize in your life right now. Here are some thoughts to consider:
Stratford:
– Transport Links: You mentioned the great transport links, and that’s definitely a big plus! Being close to central London means you’ll have endless options for entertainment, culture, and networking.
– Community: While Stratford is a bit more urban, there are community activities and events, especially given the Olympic legacy and development in the area. It might be a bit more transient, but you can definitely seek out community groups that align with your interests.
– Safety: Your concerns about traveling alone at night are valid, especially if you’ll be commuting to Romford. It would be good to research the safety of the routes you would take.
Reading:
– Cost of Living: Lower rent can provide you more freedom financially. If you’re planning for the future, this could mean having more savings to invest in experiences or education.
– Nature and Parks: Reading has some lovely parks and green spaces (like Forbury Gardens and Prospect Park), which can provide a nice escape from urban life.
– Further Studies: Having room for career development and further studies is pretty important if you’re looking to grow in your career. If that’s a priority for you, Reading might be a better fit.
Final Thoughts:
While living in Stratford puts you closer to the excitement of London, Reading offers a more balanced lifestyle with potential for personal and professional development. If you’re keen on progressing in your career and possibly pursuing further studies, Reading might be the more advantageous choice. However, if the vibrant life of London is something you crave and you’re comfortable managing the costs and safety concerns, Stratford could be worth it.
Consider visiting both places if possible to get a feel for them! Ultimately, make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your long-term goals and lifestyle preferences. Good luck with your decision! 😊