According to the latest statistics, just two of London's boroughs have growing populations - Bexley and Havering. Newham, the capital's Olympic borough in the east, saw the highest net loss of residents, with 12,894 in the past year. This reflects a significant trend away from central London, as 860,000 people left the city in 2023, marking a shift towards affordability and greener spaces, highlighting the changing preference of urban dwellers.
'We chose Hornchurch because it's still well connected and suburban,' she said. 'Even compared to Walthamstow, we have 30% more space for the same money. Everything we saw in zones 1 to 3 within budget wasn't much more than a flat and we wanted more space for children.' This sentiment reflects the broader trend of individuals seeking larger living spaces outside of prime urban areas.
More than 860,000 people left London to live somewhere else in the UK in 2023, about 10% of its population, signifying a significant net outflow. The pandemic has seemingly accelerated this trend, as many now prioritize space, affordability, and a connection to nature over the hustle and bustle of central London.
'I was frustrated and I am quite sad about not living in central London, the variety and vibrancy it offered, but ultimately, for my family, having outdoor space and a more relaxed lifestyle took precedence,' she shared, encapsulating the emotional conflict many face in this urban migration.
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