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Imagine relocating to the best city in the world. That’s exactly what you’ll be doing when you make the move to London. The UK capital has been named the world’s best city to live, work and visit for the 11th year in a row by the World’s Best Cities Report – following an evaluation of more than 270 cities with populations over one million.
London: officially the world’s best city to live and work
London fought off stiff competition from world-class competitors like New York, Paris and Tokyo across hundreds of performance metrics – from airport connectivity and education levels to culture, nightlife and even social media sentiment.
Join us as we explore how London – dubbed the “Capital of Capitals” by the report – retained its prestigious title.
What you’ll learn in this quick guide
- Why London is the best city to live in the world
- Why London is the best city to work in the world
- FAQs
- How Simply London can help
London: Best city to live
From its fascinating history and rich cultural experiences to its vibrant neighbourhoods and cutting-edge infrastructure, life in London is endlessly rewarding. The World’s Best Cities Report recognised all this and more.
Exceptional infrastructure and connectivity
London’s world-class infrastructure means travelling there and getting around is a breeze. Record-breaking passenger arrivals at Heathrow and Gatwick’s recent $320-million upgrade saw London ranked number one city in the world for airports. The expansion of the Elizabeth Line, linking Heathrow and Reading with the East End, has transformed travel for many. Projects like the Camden Highline – a mile-long elevated park and walkway inspired by New York – showcase the city’s creativity in reimagining urban accessibility.
A greener, fairer, more liveable city
Mayor Sadiq Khan’s vision for a “fairer, safer, greener” London, where residents well-being is central to development, underpins policies that prioritise affordable housing, sustainability, and liveability. Under his stewardship, London aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and deliver 40,000 new council homes, signalling a commitment to social and environmental reform.
Architectural transformation and housing diversity
London’s skyline is evolving rapidly. The sky’s the limit with hundreds of new towers approved or in planning, providing much-needed homes and reshaping its architectural identity. Regeneration projects, like Orchard Wharf in Tower Hamlets and Borough Triangle in Southwark, offer modern homes, community spaces, and public amenities.
World-class lifestyle and culture
Living in London means being surrounded by iconic art, cuisine, and entertainment. New developments like Raffles London at The OWO and The Peninsula London have revitalised historic districts, creating spaces that blend heritage with modern luxury and leisure. Beyond the high-end glamour, London’s neighbourhoods – from Notting Hill to Hackney – exude local creativity and an unmistakable sense of community.
Living the American dream
Americans are being drawn to London by its liveability credentials. They now form the largest demographic of overseas buyers in the UK capital, accounting for 25% of prime purchases in 2024, up from 18% the previous year – a trend that’s also been prompted by favourable exchange rates and political concerns back home.
London: Best city to work
From dynamic startups to Fortune 100 behemoths, London’s reputation as a global business powerhouse remains unmatched. Its ability to attract talent, capital, and innovation is underscored by the World’s Best Cities Report.
A global magnet for investment
In 2023, London was ranked Europe’s top city for inward investment, outperforming Paris and Frankfurt, and competing globally with heavyweights Singapore and Hong Kong. Foreign direct investment continues to flow, particularly from the US and India, with American funds accounting for nearly $4 billion in UK commercial real estate in early 2024 alone.
Innovation capital
London’s status as a hub of innovation has been embodied by projects like Canary Wharf 3.0, transforming the area into Europe’s largest life sciences campus. The rise of climate tech and digital startups has reshaped the city’s tech ecosystem. Indian-founded firms like InMobi, iGene Media, and VenPep Solutions have chosen London as their European base, joining global names in creating a jobs market where technology and sustainability intersect.
Skilled and educated workforce
Home to some of the world’s top schools and universities, London boasts one of the most educated populations globally. The London Growth Plan builds on this foundation by outlining an ambitious goal: creating 150,000 new high-quality jobs by 2028 in key sectors, such as green energy, fintech, and advanced manufacturing. With a focus on skills training and inclusive growth, the plan aims to make London a centre of opportunity for people at every career stage.
Connected and inspiring business environment
London’s employment appeal also lies in its unparalleled global connectivity, multilingual workforce, and robust ecosystem of investors, accelerators, and corporate partners. Whether it’s a tech startup in Shoreditch, a hedge fund in the City, or a creative agency in Soho, professionals benefit from a collaborative environment that thrives on ideas and diversity.
FAQs
> Why is London considered the world’s best city to live?
London’s enduring blend of economic opportunity, cultural depth, and urban liveability keeps it firmly at the top of the list of best cities to live. From world-class education and healthcare to its vibrant arts scene and green initiatives, London offers an unparalleled quality of life for residents, professionals, and visitors alike. Plus, investment in infrastructure, sustainability, and housing continues to soar.
> What makes London one of the best cities in the world to work in?
London offers unmatched access to international markets, world-leading companies, and growth industries. As Europe’s top city for inward investment in 2023, it attracts professionals from across the globe in sectors like finance, tech, media, and life sciences. Add to that the third-most-educated population on the planet, an English-speaking workforce, and progressive work-life balance initiatives and it’s clear why it’s one of the best cities in the world to work.
> Why is now the perfect time to invest in London property?
London’s luxury property market is in a buyer-friendly phase. While high-end home sales have dipped due to recent tax changes, this has created a temporary window of opportunity as prices soften and supply increases. Savvy overseas investors, particularly from the US, are taking advantage of the strong dollar and weaker pound to purchase prime London real estate at exceptional value.
> What is it like to live in London?
London life opens the door to culture, opportunity, and global connection. It offers an outstanding mix of historic charm and modern convenience – from world-class museums and Michelin-starred restaurants to expansive parks and attractive neighbourhoods. Its commitment to sustainability ensures a cleaner, greener future for residents. With top-ranked schools, efficient public transport, and a diverse community, London remains one of the most liveable and inspiring cities in the world.
Sources
- Best Cities – 2026 World’s Best Cities Report
- Culture Trip – 12 Reasons Why London is the Greatest City on Earth
- CNN Travel – 50 reasons London is the world’s greatest city
- University of London – London named the world’s best student city
- Simply London – Top five places to live in London 2025
Consult with Simply London
Simply London’s experts will help you call the best city in the world home by assisting with every element of your relocation – from neighbourhood, property and school searches to move coordination and settling-in services.
Get in touch today or book a free call with one of our friendly experts!