Living in Kent
Kent’s proximity to London and the coastline makes it a highly desirable place to move for young families and first-time buyers. Offering beautiful countryside, a serene coastline, and bustling towns like Rochester and Folkstone.
You can find a range of different housing options in Kent from apartments to detached homes, there’s something for every budget. Southern Housing New Homes has Shared Ownership properties for sale in Kent, which offer modern living at affordable prices.
Commuting to London
Kent is one of the most highly connected cities in the South, with direct train journeys as short as 25 minutes to London. Kent is increasingly well known for High-Speed One, as well as the Eurostar line to Lille, Brussels and Paris.
Additionally, the area benefits from excellent motorway connections, with both the M20 and M2 providing direct links to London.
Work in Kent
While commuting to London is easily accessible, Kent offers equally high-paying jobs including roles for managing directors, architects, operations managers and sales managers. It's also a great choice for retail, tourism, and aspiring business owners, with start-up and operational costs being half of what they are in London.
Kent Education
Kent offers a wide range of academic opportunities for children and teens, from well-funded public schools to prestigious private and grammar schools. The county is also known for its high-performing universities such as the University of Kent, the University of Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church.
Best Places to eat and drink in Kent
Culinary Highlights
Seasalter is home to some of the best restaurants and food, including the world-famous gastropub The Sportsman which has a Michelin star. The West House in Biddenden and the Fordwich Arms in Canterbury also offer Michelin-star dining.
Rochester benefits from a fantastic array of restaurants as well. Local favourites include Thai Four Two, Rico Sabor as well as Brettington’s Steak and Lobster House. A trip to The Goods Shed in Canterbury and Macknades in Faversham is another essential for foodies.
Cafes and Coffee Shops
Nestled on the streets of historic Rochester is the Deaf Cat Café, ideal for a takeaway tea or coffee as you walk around the cathedral grounds. Café Nucleus has two cafes, one in Rochester and one in Chatham. Both are arty hotspots, with a relaxed vibe.
Canterbury offers a fair share of independent coffee too. Kitch or the Refectory Kitchen are especially good for a healthy brunch.
Nightlife in Kent
Canterbury has the liveliest nightlife scene in Kent, from historic pubs to cocktail bars and dancefloor clubs. Among the best pubs and bars are The Foundry Brew Pub, The Penny Theatre and The Loft.
That said, great nightlife isn’t limited to Canterbury. Many towns in Kent offer a myriad of bars, pubs and clubs where you can dance the night away.
Kent’s Nature
Kent is home to many historic buildings, including Dover Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dreamland Margate. There are also plenty of outdoor activities available, such as hiking, mountain biking and sailing.
Coastline and Beaches
Kentish cities like Canterbury, Dover and Margate sit on the coast, so you benefit from the best of seaside living. Boats to the Isle of Thanet offer a family-friendly day out, Canterbury’s Herne Bay is known for its historic pier and picturesque seafront. Rochester has plenty of sailing opportunities, with its own rowing and yacht clubs, beach walks and cycling routes.
Countryside in Kent
The National Trust has several green spaces and nature reserves across the county, including the Port Lympne reserve, Emmetts Garden and the land around Scotney Castle.
The area also benefits from the open countryside around towns and cities, perfect for walking, riding and cycling.
Explore shared ownership homes in Kent with Southern Housing New Homes.