Is Kent a Good Place to Live?

Where is Kent?

Kent is a county located in South East England. The county stretches from areas close to London, such as Dartford, to parts of the coast, including Broadstairs and Folkestone. The breadth of Kent County means it offers an array of locations to suit all—from commuters who regularly visit the Capital to families who seek a more rural lifestyle.

Is Kent a Nice Place to Live?

Often referred to as the ‘Garden of England’, it’s no surprise that Kent is renowned for its spectacular scenery. This, coupled with its proximity to London, gives residents a refined balance of countryside and Capital. Explore five reasons why many people choose to live in Kent.

1. Stunning Southeastern Scenery

One of the defining features of Kent is the beauty of its bountiful natural landscape. This county has equal parts gorgeous green rolling hills, captivating coastal vistas, and breathtaking beachside scenery—all yours to enjoy should you choose to live in Kent.

Some of the most impressive sights in the county include but are not limited to:

• The Kent Downs: An Area of Outstanding National Beauty, stretching from the London/Surrey border to Dover
• Greatstone Beach: Two miles of sandy shoreline—popular with locals and holidaymakers
• The White Cliffs of Dover: Eight miles of Kentish coastline with cliffs that reach 350-feet high to create an imposing landmark
• Dungeness Beach: An ethereal and unique landscape in England, this ‘Dungeness Desert’ is otherworldly to other British beaches

Typically boasting slightly warmer temperatures, you’re more likely to enjoy sunnier springs and summers than northern postcodes. So, if you’re particularly sensitive to the cold but love to experience the great outdoors, living in Kent could be the perfect solution for you.

2. Locations to Suit All

Alongside vast natural landscapes to explore, there are plenty of places to settle down in Kent, depending on your preference. From quaint villages to lively towns and even a city, Kent offers an array of locations to cater to all sorts of lifestyles.

If you’re searching for city living, Canterbury could be just the place you’re looking for. The official cathedral city of Kent, Canterbury offers the type of energetic and vibrant atmosphere you’d expect from a former British market town. Although not technically a city, the Kent District of Medway can also cater to those seeking a similar metropolitan lifestyle.

If a town or village is more your style, this is where Kent truly excels for choice. From commuter-friendly spots, such as Dartford and Maidstone, to coastal destinations, including Folkestone and Margate, Kent offers towns with everything you could want from a place to live.

Searching for a location filled with history? Look no further than Royal Tunbridge Wells—a historic spa town brimming with family-friendly activities. Plus, it’s under an hour away from London's Charing Cross by train, giving you plenty of things to do if you fancy a change of scenery.

Plus, with plenty of picturesque villages dotted between the larger towns, like Eynsford and Hildenborough, Kent also provides options for those who’d prefer a secluded locale to call home.

3. Job Opportunities

Not only does Kent boast some of the best places to live in the UK, but it also presents great job opportunities. Featuring commuter towns close to London, those who live in Kent can take advantage of the vast job opportunities offered in the Capital.

Plus, with many businesses relocating to Kent to attract talented folk, your options aren’t limited to London. In fact, Kent is home to over 7,000 creative, digital and tech businesses—creating a vibrant job landscape within the southeast. With many of these taking advantage of emerging talent from some of the UK’s top universities, including the University of Creative Arts (UCA), there’s added incentive for businesses in Kent.

Meanwhile, creative initiatives aim to strengthen Kent’s position further. Projects like the Thames Estuary Production Corridor and Creative Estuary are designed to enhance the creative and digital landscape through new programmes and funding opportunities—establishing new talent for local businesses.

4. Connections to London and Beyond

The decision to live in Kent means you can enjoy a quieter lifestyle, without missing out on the Capital. Convenient transport links make it easy to get to London from Kent—ideal for commuters and families who want to enjoy all the Capital offers.

All of the road and rail links within Kent, as well as the ports and airports, make it arguably the most connected county in the country. You can hop on a train running via the HS1 route and be in Central London in under 20 minutes and catch a connection to locations all over the region—perfect if you fancy a Saturday exploring Oxford and all its shopping options.

As well as easy access to London, those who live in Kent can also capitalise on their location with options such as:

• The Eurostar: Perfect for weekend getaways with stops at Ebbsfleet and Ashford
• The Eurotunnel: Providing a seamless journey to France via Folkestone
• Five ports: Ideal for freight and ferry travel to European destinations

In other words, if you’re planning to live in Kent, you can rest assured that you’re able to easily reach places at a moment’s notice—whether that’s for business or pleasure.

5. Draped in History

While castles and cathedrals can be found up and down the county, Kent boasts a particularly high concentration of historic buildings to discover. Having so many interesting attractions nearby gives you an array of historical artefacts to explore—while exuding distinct character across the area. This traditional aesthetic can make even the simplest of strolls extremely rewarding.

For instance, Dover Castle was England’s primary fortification in the 11th century for repelling invaders. Visit this attraction today and you will still see reminders of its history hidden within its impressive structure.

Other historical landmarks in Kent include but are not limited to:

• Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury: Featuring eye-catching stained glass windows and gorgeous views of the city
  
• Dreamland, Margate: A vintage amusement park that’s over a century old, which boasts the UK’s oldest wooden roller coaster
  
• Rochester Cathedral, Rochester: Complete with verdant gardens and the ruins of the old monastery
  
• Leeds Castle, Maidstone: Often referred to as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’
  
• Shepherd Neame Brewery, Faversham: Responsible for crafting some of the UK’s best-loved pints for over three centuries

Attractions such as these contribute thread to the historical fabric of Kent—stretching back across British history for all to enjoy. While some might warrant a single visit, you might find that one or two become a favourite of yours, which you can visit as many times as you like once you live in Kent.

Find Your Ideal Home in Kent With Berkeley Group

From stunning landscapes to convenient locations, Kent is a good place to live for many. Plus, with even more to discover once you’ve made the move and got to know the county as a local, you’ll likely wish you found a new home in Kent sooner.

If you’re unsure if Kent is right for you, take a look at our other development locations for more inspiration. Alternatively, learn about us to discover why you should buy your next home with Berkeley Group.