paulry

I first come over here as a visitor in 1999, and sometimes wish we'd arrived here at that time to live rather than nearly 12 years later. Sure we've done well, but if we'd arrived then we would have done considerably better. Back then we could buy two Sydney homes for the value of our London home but by the time we settled here it was more like one for one - if we were lucky! But hey, today we're happy and comfortable and doing what I would describe as quite a lot better than if we'd not moved here so no complaints from me.

the troubadour

Very sure. Very cool place to be. That and Berlin ad Amsterdam. People would come from around the world for the vibe. I could live in top areas like South Kensington or Notting Hill in a small flat , something be struggling to do these days I expect, even with a far bigger income. The council tax riots were much later, a decade in fact after the so called Brixton riots.(more an insurrection against heavy handed policing ) While Poll Tax was definitely a result of poor policing. I witnessed it first hand Best times? Probably the sixties .for London. Coming out of war austerity and Swinging London of course. The seventies were rawer with Punk, but a great time none the less. London was still a working class city and more at peace with itself. By the late eighties it was pretty much over. I think the inter war years probably had appeal but I know my mother gave it all up to move to Paris where she found far more exciting.

Beoz

I did London well after you. 90's and naughties and it was the best. No point having a swinging dick contest about what generation was best. Covid aside I am sure the 20 something year olds have having a ball now. We get old and change, so do cities. Adapt and be happy.

the troubadour

Well after Sydney I can imagine London was a blast regardless of decade. Met many a Sydneysider fallen under the London spell (not a few returning to OZ and not being able to settle either) Obviously when eighteen or twenty it barely matters which decade. Thing being with history one can indeed say it was better. Doesn't mean present don't have fun. Another thing like Australia, London is somewhat more 'serious' as well now. Simply due to the cost of it. Hard for an Aussie to go there with low skills, say bar tending and live central and eat out most nights , clubbing/pubs most nights, All too expensive on a low wage. This was not only possible in times mentioned previously, but indeed common.
Nothing to do with getting old. A lot to do with change though that made city's as London far more exclusive. Adapt to what? The vast majority don't see a long term future in London. It's increasingly become a city for the privileged few. Unless wanting to slum it. Doubt even Aussies would live twenty to a house in Zone 2 or 3 these days .

Amazulu

The music was great but that music came out of the grimness and failure that the UK was going through - it's no coincidence that most of the great bands and musicians of that time came out of the failing cities of the North of the UK. There were real punks on the street which I loved to see and I really enjoyed their music. I wasn't in London then but spent many years there from the mid-90s and had a great time. London was then, as it is now, an overrated city but as we know, the UK had been saved from its socialist self-destruction and was no longer a failing state - quite the contrary, it was booming and there were great economic and career opportunities on offer. I had a ball, but at that time has no real responsibilities or commitments and lived life accordingly. For me it would be a horrible place to live today. On my last trip there, I spent some time in Liverpool and found it to be a fantastic city - Manchester not so much - I could definitely live there for a while and may do so in coming years

paulry

There is some truth in that, For example, one of my 20 something sons reckons London is the most awesome place on the planet to be young. Until last year he would return there during every winter semester.

the troubadour

I fear we are Hijacking the thread talking about London now and past when the topic matter is returning to Australia. But to sum up on what's been discussed. London an over rated city? Well yes and no. It has become less multi dimensional with excessive reliance on the financial industry. This has changed the character of the city immensely. It is not the place for all to find their place . It was a place many from suffocating provincial cities from through out Britain and further afield could go and rediscover themselves, away from boring conformity. It wasn't about money in times back but experience and just being. I remember when you could find 'digs' cheap enough to just 'hang out' for a number of months. Perhaps doing a bit of occasional work or not. Plenty of cheap places to eat and great vibe.
So while London remains an Alpha City, it is not the same place in any shape or form to live in today.(hardly alone as a city in that though) Is it overstated? Probably for a tourist not. It is cleaner than the late seventies. It certainly looks more prosperous, at least in the areas most tourists will venture. It's street life has diminished. But if you didn't experience that in its hey day, hardly going to be aware to miss it. Still full of theatre. A shame most all the underground book shops have gone. More shame most all the famous cheap nosh places have gone. Not a fan of the 'new' East End by and large nor Canary Wharf and surrounds . Found the markets like Portobello and Camden much declined on last visit in relevance as well.
Never been to Liverpool or Manchester. But if lived again in England would most likely go for Sheffield or Newcastle. Perhaps Bournemouth (but it comes with a price tag) .But might even be tempted by Glasgow. Outside of the weather have hears glowing reports and like that city's down to earth nature. But Britain post Brexit would most likely not be high on my list to live with far more choice in EU.

the troubadour

It just shows even in these diminished times London holds its attraction. And why shouldn't it? For a young man it can be a 'smorgasbord' of delights like few other places.

paulry

Speaking for myself I can't wait to go back there for an extended period to soak up all the things that we used to do and see when we lived there - and more.

Beoz

When did this turn to an Aussie in London? London is more than Aussie bar tenders. One thing that does make London is a city where young people from all over the world go to live, work and explore. They may of mediocre occupations or very nice ones. Those who stay long enough have ample opportunity to progress make some really good coin. Does it really matter?

Again it comes down to money for you. When will you realise that many of the more expensive cities are enjoyable for those on a variety of wealth. Stop trying to be happy through money. You won't win that game. No one ever does.

the troubadour

Well worth it. Did it in 2010. Rented for three months a flatlet in Bayswater W2. The place was on the market at the time, but got a good rent. It was actually sold while inhabiting it. Just great to walk around and discover what was still left and how the newer stuff feared. It was a World Cup year. Most every country had at least one pub for its fan base , which brought home the true diversity of London. Many changes but could almost be sold on moving back there at that time. Actually viewed several properties with the mind to buy something , but never quite found what was looking for. Loved going to the gigs and shows though . Very different life to Australia.

the troubadour

Like I said this was the case in previous decades. Not so much the case today. The simple nature of the city being very expensive, has as I said ebbed the flow of Aussies and Kiwi's that once done manual work like bar tending. These days more in the professions tend to head to London. The demise of the Aussie pub in that city a reaction to this. Crass Aussie Sunday church sessions at various pubs (changed over the years) just a memory. Always been a pace of exploitation. A reason many only stay for a period from around the world. I'd say easier in decades past than now, before prices became astoundingly expensive.

Beoz

Like I said, I am pretty sure London at any time was bigger than Aussie bar tenders.

the troubadour

London is not the relaxed place it once was where a young Aussie could still experience the vibe, sights and sound even if living twenty Colonials to a household, doing what ever job they could find. Bar tending was one as it provided accommodation and was a big pull for young Aussies and Kiwi's. Not so today. I suppose far less pubs, but a different type of Australian going over these days in reduced numbers. They expect to earn well and are university educated for a large part. So it's not a case of London being more than Aussie bar tenders at all. The entire focus has changed. Many that would have once gone to London, now just as likely to go to Canada.

But onto topic. Australia has changed a lot as well. Very far removed from the country of the nineties. Now among the most expensive in the world . Definitely something that requires careful consideration as to the validity of moving from UK these days. If one is doing well over there seems very much tempting fate and attempt to recreate the same success in Australia. There was a time, when it could be almost guaranteed. A lot more luck required these days. I'd say you should be close to owning own home as well to escape a mouth watering debt , if wanting to live in a more desirable suburb.

Beoz

Money money money. I feel for you.