Kent has a little bit of everything, which is part of what makes it such an appealing place to call home. You can settle in a lively town with plenty going on, choose a quieter village surrounded by countryside, or live by the coast and have the beach on your doorstep. Plus, with London within easy reach from many parts of the county, Kent can work just as well for commuters as it does for families, retirees, and just about anyone who’s looking for a change of pace.
But with so many attractive places to choose from, finding the right one can take some thought. As a local Kent removals company with decades of experience, we know the area inside out. Here, we’ve picked out some of the best places to live in Kent, along with what makes each one a great place to call home.
Sevenoaks
Located in west Kent, just south-east of London, Sevenoaks sits close to the Surrey and Greater London borders, which makes it especially convenient for commuters. The town is also popular with families, thanks to its well-regarded schools, spacious family homes, and a good choice of shops, cafés, restaurants, and leisure facilities around the High Street. There’s plenty of green space too, with the 1,000-acre Knole Park right on the town’s doorstep, which makes it easy to relax after a busy weekday with a walk among ancient woodland and roaming deer.
Transport links are a big part of Sevenoaks’ appeal. Trains from Sevenoaks reach London Bridge in around 25 minutes, and the town is close to the A21 and M25, which makes travelling by car straightforward too.
Find out more in our guide to moving to Sevenoaks.
Deal
On the east Kent coast, between Dover and Sandwich, Deal has the feel of a traditional seaside town with a distinctly independent streak. It has a pretty seafront, historic streets, and a mix of Georgian townhouses and fishermen’s cottages which attract everyone from families and retirees to Londoners who want a change of pace. With its relaxed pace and lively local scene, Deal offers a coastal lifestyle without feeling like a holiday resort all year round.
There’s plenty to enjoy day to day, from a stroll along Deal Pier and the promenade to browsing the independent shops and cafés around the town centre. History is a big part of the scenery too, with Deal Castle and nearby Walmer Castle offering a glimpse into the area’s past. The neighbouring beaches and coastal paths are another big draw, especially for walkers, dog owners, and anyone who likes having the sea close by.
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells sits in west Kent, around 40 miles south-east of central London and close to the East Sussex border, surrounded by the rolling countryside of the High Weald. It has a lovely balance of town and country, which helps to explain its continued popularity with families, professionals, and London commuters. The elegant town centre is full of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and period buildings, and The Pantiles is a particularly appealing spot for a stroll, coffee, or a browse around its specialist shops and galleries.
Families are drawn to the area for its choice of schools, including three grammar schools, and there are plenty of green spaces such as Dunorlan Park and The Common which make it easy to get outdoors. For commuters, trains to London Charing Cross take around an hour, meaning the capital is accessible without having to live in the thick of it.
Find out more in our guide to moving to Tunbridge Wells.
Margate
On Kent’s north-east coast, Margate offers something a little different from the county’s inland towns. Its sandy beaches, lively Old Town, and growing reputation for art, food, and independent shops have made it especially popular with creatives, younger buyers, families, and people moving out of London in search of more space and a slower pace of life.
The Turner Contemporary sits right on the seafront, and Dreamland brings a dose of classic seaside fun, plus, there’s always somewhere new to eat, browse, or stop for a coffee. Property ranges from Victorian and Georgian townhouses near the coast to larger homes around areas such as Westbrook and Cliftonville. For those who still need to get into London, there are high-speed trains from Margate to St Pancras taking under 90 minutes. This has made coastal living more practical than many might have expected.
Faversham
In north Kent, between Sittingbourne and Whitstable, Faversham is a historic market town with plenty of character. It has medieval streets and a waterside setting around Faversham Creek which give it a strong sense of place, and the town centre has a friendly mix of independent shops, cafés, pubs, and regular markets. Faversham’s market tradition dates back centuries, and today’s markets are still a big part of local life.
It’s a popular choice for families, couples, and commuters who want a quieter pace without feeling cut off. The railway station has direct services to London St Pancras and Victoria, as well as Canterbury and other Kent towns, while the M2 is close by for drivers. There’s plenty of countryside around the town, too, with places such as Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park nearby. Add a good range of period and modern homes, and Faversham makes a compelling choice for those who want to live somewhere with community spirit and plenty to do.
Canterbury
In east Kent, Canterbury is a great choice for anyone who wants the character and amenities of a city without the scale and bustle of somewhere like London. Its medieval centre, with Canterbury Cathedral at its heart, gives the city plenty of history, while independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and the Marlowe Theatre keep it feeling lively.
The city is particularly popular with students and younger professionals, thanks to its three universities, but there’s plenty here for families and established residents too. Green spaces such as Westgate Gardens offer a welcome escape from the centre, and the surrounding countryside and Kent coast are within easy reach. London is around an hour away by train, so Canterbury can still be a practical option for commuters who don’t mind a longer journey.
Find out more in our guide to moving to Canterbury.
Tonbridge
In west Kent, around four miles north of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge is a historic market town with a good mix of character, green space, and everyday amenities. The town is centred around the River Medway and its impressive Norman castle, and the High Street has plenty of independent shops, cafés, and places to eat.
Tonbridge is especially popular with families, thanks to its choice of schools, including Tonbridge Grammar School and The Judd School, as well as its parks and sports facilities. Haysden Country Park is a favourite for walks and getting out into the countryside, while Tonbridge Park offers riverside paths and plenty of space for children to run around. It also appeals to London commuters: trains from Tonbridge to London Charing Cross take around 45 minutes, with London Bridge reachable in roughly 40 minutes.
Find out more in our guide to moving to Tonbridge.
Ashford
Set in the heart of Kent, Ashford is a practical choice for people who want good connections without giving up access to the countryside. It’s especially popular with families and London commuters, with Ashford International offering high-speed trains to London St Pancras in around 40 minutes. The M20 also puts the Channel Tunnel and coast within easy reach.
There’s plenty to keep you close to home, too. The Ashford Designer Outlet is a major draw for shoppers, and Conningbrook Lakes provides a peaceful spot for walks, cycling, and getting outdoors. Housing ranges from modern developments to older properties in established neighbourhoods, and there are plenty of villages nearby for those who’d prefer a more rural setting.
Find out more in our guide to moving to Ashford.
Moving to Kent?
Found your ideal corner of Kent? When it’s time to make the move, Britannia Bearsbys is here to help. As a local removals company, the team understands Kent and the surrounding areas, and can help you plan everything from packing and transport to storage. Whether you’re moving across the county or making a longer-distance move, you can rely on experienced movers to take care of the details.
Contact Britannia Bearsbys on 01622 611861 or email [email protected] to find out more.
