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, Kent has plenty of other appealing locations.
Whether you’re looking for a rural retreat, seaside living, easy access commuter town or great schools, Kent has a lot to recommend it. 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 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.
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.
Belvedere
Not far out of London (it’s still in zone 5) Belvedere is a lovely town with good transport links and schools.
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.
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.
Cranbrook
This medieval town has a good selection of pubs, cafés and restaurants. If you’re thinking schools, it is home to the outstanding grammar, Cranbrook School.
Aldington
Historic village, overlooking Romney Marsh with a shop, bakery, tennis club and a pub. Lively too, it’s popular with celebrities. Plus, it’s a 16-minute drive from Ashford International for London St Pancras.
Penshurst
This delightful village in the Weald comes with a shop, tea room, primary school and four pubs.
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.