Ask HN: Moving to London from California

Cambridge is worth a visit it's fairly close by train.

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Because with Liverpool you will never walk alone ;)

Interesting that you moved from California but do not comment about the London sun at all, though to be fair, you said you yourself moved to Europe and not the UK.

A friend from SoCal who moved to London for a few years couldn't really handle sky getting dark around 3-4 in the afternoon in the winter, and she would say it was almost impossible for her not to get depressed during those times. So just something to be prepared for.

On the bright side though, London, as with many German cities, has short cheap direct flights to many sun bleached cities and beach destinations in Europe so I would suggest making ample use of them if you can. Being in the US afterwards, one realizes there is no location in the mainland US that can compete with the Mediterranean with respect to actually being an inviting body of water to swim in (non mainland Hawaii is obviously an exception).

And May and June in London itself I often find especially beautiful as well.

Unless it really doesn't suit your commute, pay more to be central. This will help you see the city + be social. It can be really difficult if you are one side of the city and your friends end up being the other side as you can have an hour travel to see people type deal.

With location, proximity to a station & what train line matters - you'll likely use the underground a bunch so consider your commute for this closely.

Take one of those bus tours. I did only after living there for years as 'that's for tourists' but its really worth it and gives a good city perspective.

Do lots of travel to Europe from London. So much is on your doorstep with cheap flights if flexible on where you go. Take advantage of this especially if kids are on the horizon.

If you dont already, learn to like beer and pubs. There's something better about British pubs and pub culture. Also it usually well priced reasonable quality meals.

Speaking of pubs, anything crowded in the city will have pickpockets so watch you phone/bag closely or it wont be there.

Its quite common to rent flats furnished, this is likely a good option for you to start. Also what I did as I had no rental history there is offer to pay 6-months up front (and requested a discount for that) to show there financial risk was reduced.

Its an awesome city - I personally enjoyed immensely. I noticed people tended to be there 6-month or 6-years - it was kind of love or hate though, with the majority loving.

Oh and go to Shakespeare's globe theatre for me will you. I walked past that place for 2 years thinking I'll line that one up sometime and never did!