The number of digital nomads, people who work remotely from no fixed location, has risen markedly over the past six years.
Nearly 200,000 UK citizens identify as digital nomads, with many more saying they are likely to adopt the lifestyle in the next three years.
The digital nomad lifestyle isn’t for everybody – it demands regular travel and necessitates finding suitable places to work, eat, and sleep, but for millions of people globally, it represents an opportunity to travel and really become involved in a local scene.
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The Digital Nomad Way Of Life
Digital nomadism is akin to extreme remote working, with people travelling the world while still keeping up with their daily work.
London is a popular destination, thanks to its proliferation of accommodation, working, and entertainment spaces, as well as its highly developed infrastructure. Thanks to the Internet, it is even possible for visitors to enjoy some of the digital comforts of home.
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Why London?
The joy of nomadism is that people can travel anywhere, anytime, with virtually no restrictions, apart from visa-related restrictions, which means they may be limited to only spending a few months in any given location before having to move on somewhere else.
So, why do people choose London as a destination? After all, it has a reputation for being expensive, busy, and with questionable weather.
A Business City
In terms of population, London is dwarfed by cities like Tokyo and Delhi, with a population of around 9 million people. But it is one of the most commercially strategic and important cities in the world.
In particular, it is home to companies including Unilever, AstraZeneca, BP, GlaxoSmithKline, Shell, Diageo, and many others.
There is an especially large banking hub in the UK capital, and as well as these major corporations, London is also home to an estimated 1 million businesses, a majority of which are small to medium enterprises.
While digital nomads don’t have to be located close to their companies or customers, the presence of these businesses can help with networking, marketing, and the formation of business partnerships. It also means the city is well-developed for professionals.
Places to Work
Colocation spaces can be found across the city, as well as in quieter towns and areas outside the main centre. These spaces offer affordable places to work, and they aren’t the only options.
Remote workers can find a wealth of cafes, restaurants, and other locations offering Internet access and refreshments.
Some do levy charges, but these can be as little as £20 for a whole day of working, while other locations only expect you to buy regular drinks.
If networking goes especially well, there are also plenty of office and meeting spaces that can be booked by the hour.
Transport
London’s infrastructure is also well-developed to ensure professionals can get from one coworking location to another, or from hostels or hotels to meeting spaces.
London has one of the most advanced and developed transport hubs in the world, with underground and overground rail networks, buses, and its infamous black cabs.
While it is possible to drive around some areas of London, busy roads, congestion charges, and parking difficulties mean most nomads opt against driving in the capital.
When it comes to entering or leaving the city, London is served by six major airports, while rail links connect the city to the rest of the UK and also to parts of mainland Europe.
Green Spaces
You would be forgiven for thinking London is all office buildings and skyscrapers.
Nearly half (47%) of Greater London is made up of green spaces, including parkland, woodland, and natural habitats. A study in 2020 looked at Europe’s 30 most populous cities and found that London had the most green spaces, with 3,000 across the city. Berlin came in 2nd with 2,500.
Parks offer the perfect space to relax, unwind, and enjoy fresh air. They can also be great for exercise and, weather permitting, they can present an opportunity for some al fresco working.
A Digital Nomad Community
It is impossible to estimate exactly how many digital nomads reside in London at any time, but the figure is likely to be high.
And, this means that, as well as the opportunity to connect with business owners, the capital also presents an opportunity for nomads to connect.
There are many benefits to the lifestyle, but it can be lonely. Connecting with others who are going through the same experience can help stave off loneliness.
It also presents you with the opportunity to ask about the best coworking spaces or find the best, most affordable accommodation while in the city.
Rich Culture
Other digital nomads and remote workers will also know some of the best cultural attractions – something London is packed full of. There are museums, galleries, and libraries, some of which you can work from.
There are also theatres, bars, restaurants, and a host of other spots where visitors and temporary residents can unwind and take in the sights.
The British Museum, the National Gallery, the West End, the Tower of London, and Westminster Palace are just some of the locations worth visiting. There are also some quirky little attractions away from the main tourist run.
The Universal Language
One big benefit of working and temporarily living in London is its diversity. People from around the world congregate in the capital, but despite this rich tapestry of cultural visitors, most people in the city speak English.
Known as the universal language, English is the first language of Brits, Americans, Australians, and others. It is also the second language of many Europeans and people from across all continents.