Kent, known as the Garden of England, is a highly sought-after place to live, boasting quaint villages, cultural attractions and beaches. The short commute time into London is a major appeal and recently there has been a trend in people switching busy London for the more peaceful towns and villages of Kent.

Sevenoaks in Kent has topped this year’s Times’ best places to live in south east England listing. The coastal town of Deal makes it into the top five too. Both are great places to live, but if you’re considering a move out of London, there are plenty of other appealing locations in Kent, from the vibrant streets of Tooting to the riverside charm of Wandsworth.

Whether you’re looking for a rural retreat, seaside living, or an easy access commuter town with good rail links or great schools –  Kent scores highly across all these areas. To get you thinking, here are 14 of the best places to live in Kent, whatever your priorities.

For beach lovers…

Deal

Once a beacon for smugglers, this historic port has some lovely period properties, a quiet pebbly beach and plenty of shops, bars and galleries. According to The Times, it has real community spirit too, with locals getting together for beach cleans and environmental projects – and it’s one of the 20 sunniest places in the UK.

Margate

Shabby chic seaside town Margate has had a huge revival in recent years and has plenty going on, thanks to its wealth of vintage and interiors shops, bars and cafes. There’s also the fascinating Turner Contemporary art gallery and Dreamland, the revamped amusement park. You’ll find a big sandy beach and plenty of attractive Victorian and Georgian properties.

Whitstable

Known for its oysters, this historic fishing port is a magnet for seafood lovers with its good choice of eateries and delis alongside its many independent shops. Cute too, you’ll find pastel-painted Georgian townhouses and weatherboard properties. Plus, there’s a thriving arts scene – the town has its own biennale. Great beaches are one of the many reasons residents love living in Kent and there are several in the area to enjoy sunny summer days or scenic coastal walks.

For a busier vibe …

Royal Tunbridge Wells

This spa town got its royal status from Edward VII in 1909. You’ll find everything you need in its lively centre with plenty of shops bars and restaurants, including around the attractive pedestrianised colonnade, the Pantiles.

Canterbury

With its cobbled streets, stunning cathedral and mediaeval heritage – think Chaucer and his tales – Canterbury comes with a real sense of history. It’s on the tourist trail, but Canterbury is also a thriving modern city with a great university. And, it’s just an hour from London by high-speed train.

West Malling

This small market town near Tonbridge is historic but with a contemporary feel. There’s plenty going on with a good choice of pubs, cafés and independent stores. Residents of West Malling can enjoy spending time surrounded by nature, with Manor Park Country Park situated close to the town centre, while the Georgian waterfall The Cascades is another popular local beauty spot.

Belvedere

Not far out of London (it’s still in zone 5) Belvedere is a lovely town with good transport links and schools. Properties in Belvedere are more affordable on average than many other areas around London and the property stock is diverse, with a mix of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, new build properties and modern apartments.

For an easy London commute …

Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks has been a magnet for Londoners leaving the capital over the past two years, and it’s not hard to see why. Half an hour away by high-speed train, it’s a perfect commute, but with its own unique feel, plenty to do and some great schools.

Ashford

Just 40 minutes from London by high-speed link, this market town has lots of shops and restaurants as well as easy access to the North Downs countryside. Top attractions in the area include Godinton House and Gardens, several top vineyards and the Ashford Designer Outlet. A newly built complex in the town centre houses Ashford Picturehouse, which includes a modern bar and restaurant.

Rochester

High above the River Medway, with its ancient cathedral and quirky houses and shops, Rochester looks the part. Dickens spent his childhood here and you’ll never be short of a bookshop. Plus, you’ll be at St Pancras station in half an hour.

For the best in village life …

Langton Green

This classic Kent village comes with a pub, local shops and, naturally, a green. Royal Tunbridge Wells is close by and there are trains to get you to Charing Cross in less than an hour. The location is ideal for families or professionals looking to live in a tranquil village community which is commutable to London. If you want to feel part of a close-knit community, Langton Green should suit your needs.

Cranbrook

This medieval town has a good selection of pubs, independent cafés and restaurants. Cranbrook High St boasts some lovely shops, including fashion boutiques and homeware shops. If you’re thinking schools, it is home to the outstanding grammar, Cranbrook School. The area has a rich heritage, with Sissinghurst Castle and Bodiam Castle being popular places of interest for historians.

Aldington

This historic village, overlooking Romney Marsh, has a shop, bakery, tennis club and a pub. It may be relatively small, but it can be lively too, and it’s a popular haunt for celebrities. Plus, it’s a 16-minute drive from Ashford International for London St Pancras, making it a top choice for places to live for London commuters.

Penshurst

This delightful village in the Weald comes with a shop, tearoom, primary school and four pubs. Stately home Penshurst Place has beautiful gardens and the area is a rural haven. The rich history of the area dates back to medieval times and there is some stunning architecture in Penshurst. The village has its own train station with easy access to London.

If you think the time has come for you to leave the capital, and are looking to sell a property in South West London, we can help. Give us a call today to discuss how we can market your property to help your dream come true.