[barrkel]

I love London, and I love my commute (15 minutes on a scooter). If the UK didn't have London, I'd move to another country. Living in London is the major draw of the UK in my eyes.

It's not easy to get a 6 figure GBP salary outside a bank or contracting (usually with a bank), but north of 50K is very doable, and there are a lot opportunities. Rent / mortgage is a low fraction of income especially when your significant other is also making a similar salary (it's about 20% for myself and GF).