Ellisha Clapham spent almost a decade living in London before moving back to Yorkshire to be closer to family – and she says the quality of life up North is far better
Alice Sjoberg Social News Reporter
14:55, 06 Apr 2026Updated 14:55, 06 Apr 2026
The former Londoner said she had no regrets about moving back up North (stock image)(Image: Grant Faint via Getty Images)
While countless people fantasise about moving to London to achieve their ‘big break’ or advance their careers through the abundant opportunities the capital provides, one woman has now revealed why she chose to return up north following nearly a decade in the hectic capital.
Ellisha Clapham lived in London for almost 10 years before opting to relocate back up north to be nearer her family. The Northerner established E.S Collective, PR and Talent MGMT, where she focuses on events, influencer marketing, and public relations. Given this background, you’d naturally presume the capital would be the perfect location for operating her business.
However, she went on to take to Instagram, where she has over 11,000 followers, to explain why she’s thriving even more since leaving London and returning home to Yorkshire. “Why I left London as a Northerner who lived there for nearly 10 years,” she captioned the opening image of the Instagram slideshow.
Within the post’s description, she mentioned that following her previous content about relocating back up north, numerous fellow Northerners had expressed feeling they’d taken ‘five steps back’ by returning home. But Ellisha stated she didn’t view it that way.
“I hear you,” she posted in the caption. “But moving back isn’t a downgrade, it just looks different. Different pace, different priorities, different opportunities.” She proceeded to outline the seven primary reasons she doesn’t pine for her London existence, and why she believes relocating back North proved the wisest decision.
Cost of ‘existing’ in London
“ILY (I love you) London, but the sheer cost of purely existing is a bit dramatic,” Ellisha stated. She elaborated that more than half her earnings disappeared immediately on basic living costs.
She noted: “A night out with the girls would have me counting pennies for the rest of the month.” In contrast, she maintained that northern living means actually having spare cash to ‘enjoy life’.
Living situation
For her second argument, Ellisha expressed her dissatisfaction with London housing options, suggesting you either secure ‘reasonable’ lodgings an hour from central London, or inhabit a ‘poorly decorated shoebox’ sharing with numerous flatmates.
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“In most Northern cities, you can actually afford a nice apartment in the city centre with everything on your doorstep,” she posted. “What a concept?!!!!”
No sense of community
“It goes without saying that there’s a huge sense of community in the North,” Ellisha remarked. However, during her time in London, which she characterised as a hectic city, she’d never felt as alone.
She continued: “I didn’t realise how much I missed chatting with strangers in the street or when waiting in line etc. I don’t think I ever even knew who my neighbours were when I lived in London.”
More opportunities up North
While many may initially relocate to London for employment, given there are generally more career possibilities in the capital than elsewhere across the UK, Ellisha maintained she experienced quite the reverse.
“In London, you’re a small fish in a BIG pond,” she explained. “Strangely, it feels there are way more opportunities up North because the circles are smaller and more accessible.”
Always in a rush
There’s little question that most Londoners are perpetually hurrying, whether driven by the city’s demanding atmosphere, fierce rivalry for space, or the desire to complete their lengthy, costly commutes to and from the workplace. Ultimately, Ellisha discovered this had a detrimental impact on her wellbeing.
“My nervous system was effed up 24/7,” she revealed. Like why is everyone in such a rush, there’s literally another tube in two minutes guys?” She proceeded to mention there’s a more relaxed lifestyle up north, which she’s thoroughly appreciating.
The time it takes to travel to the other side of city
While London remains the city boasting some of the best and most famous transport networks in the world, spanning 272 stations, it’s not without its drawbacks. One principal complaint amongst Londoners concerns the lengthy journeys required to traverse the capital, which can negatively impact personal connections.
“If your friend moves to the other side of London, it will take you at least 1.30-two hours to visit,” Ellisha explained. In comparison, travelling from a Northern city down to London’s centre takes roughly the same amount of time, making relocating away from the capital seem far less isolating. She continued: “It really isn’t that deep.”
The North is flourishing
Finally, she highlighted that while numerous Londoners might assume the North lacks appeal, Ellisha maintained it’s presently experiencing a renaissance. “The economy is booming, it’s home to some cool new brands, we even hosted the Brits,” she noted.
She continued by expressing her enduring appreciation for her London years, describing her move there from a modest hometown as ‘the best thing’ she’d accomplished, having encountered ‘amazing, people, enjoying positive experiences, and discovering more about herself. “That said, I am so much more grounded being closer to family and have 10x better quality of life here,” she concluded.