The leading removals company in Kent for more than 30 years.
Kent is one of the most popular UK destinations for new movers; with infrastructure close to London and plenty of good schools and universities, it's no surprise that the county was one of the most popular moving destinations in 2021.
In this article we’re going to take a look at what you can expect when you move to Kent; from schooling opportunities to its vibrant nightlife, to commuting times and job opportunities. Whether you're moving to Kent from London or somewhere else in the UK, we’re going to cover absolutely everything there is to know about this up-and-coming UK destination.
Located in the South East of England, Kent is part of the home counties and has a population of 1.8 million. With close transport links to London, Kent is the perfect destination for those who want a break from the city, or those who would prefer to raise a family outside the capital.
Kent is frequently cited as one of the best places to live in the UK - and even Europe! With advanced infrastructure, a diverse property market, good schools and the home to many thriving industries, Kent is a desirable living destination for all ages. You can find out more about where people are moving in Kent here.
From Canterbury to Sevenoaks, there are plenty of good neighbourhoods in Kent to choose from, with options for every budget:
Canterbury is a lively university town (3 universities in total) with a rich history; Home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites including Canterbury Cathedral, this small town is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Kent for new home buyers. The only downside to the Canterbury property market is that the average home price is around £341,000, with prices rising by around 5.1% every year.
Voted by The Times as the best place to live in the South East in 2022, Sevenoaks is one of Kent's most prestigious neighbourhoods. With lots of greenery and a prestigious school system, Sevenoaks has become a popular destination for families exiting London but who want to stay close by. However, the London exodus comes with a price; according to data from Rightmove, the average property in Sevenoaks was priced at just over £750,000 in 2021.
With a population of just over 120,000, Maidstone is another popular destination in Kent for new movers, especially those looking to buy property outside London while still being able to commute to the capital. Like other areas in Kent, Maidstone has experienced another recent influx from London, with buyers attracted by the reasonable house prices and property market.
For more information on the best places to live in Kent take a look at our other article from our blog here.
Many Londoners have moved to Kent in the last decade, having been pushed out of the capital by unaffordable housing prices and higher costs of living. While the London property market is badly in need of intervention, the influx of newcomers to Kent has been a massive boost to the county’s local economy. This influx has meant that there are lots of new businesses, industries, and job opportunities to take advantage of, even if you’re new in town.
Not only that, but Kent is also more attractive for aspiring business owners, with start-up costs and operational costs for new businesses around half of what they’d be in London. Compared to London, commercial property rentals are also around one third of the price that you could expect to pay in the capital.
Some of the highest paid jobs in Kent include managing director, architect, operations manager, and sales manager.
Kent is one of the most highly connected transport hubs in the South East, with regular trains to London and even links to the Eurostar! For drivers, the M20 links London to Folkestone, while the M2 runs from Canterbury to the capital.
£1.2 billion was even recently invested in the South East’s train infrastructure by Network Rail, expanding Kent’s transport links, reducing delays, and increasing train services.
When it comes to food, nightlife, and things to do at the weekend, you won’t need to head into the capital to keep yourself busy. From a vibrant food scene to a lively university nightlife, there’s something for all ages in Kent.
Self-confessed foodie? Some of the best restaurants in Kent include The Dog at Wingham (winner of a Great British Pub award in 2019) as well as Stark and The Firepit.
If you love the theatre, you can enjoy regular comedy shows, music, and traditional plays at either the Theatre Royal or Winter Gardens, both of which are located in central Kent. Canterbury is also home to the Marlowe theatre, an outstanding venue with the latest productions.
And don’t forget, while there are many things to see and do in the county, the buzz of London is just 40 miles away.
If you're moving to a new city with the intention of one day starting a family, it's incredibly important to have a grasp on the local schooling infrastructure. In Kent, there are plenty of good schools to choose from, from well-funded public schools to prestigious private and grammar schools.
From high-performing grammar schools such as Invicta Grammar School and Dartford Grammar School, to Walthamstow School in Sevenoaks and girls-only Benenden School, there are plenty of academic opportunities for children of all ages and capabilities.
Kent is incredibly well connected to London. For those living in most neighbourhoods, you can expect anywhere between 25 minutes and 1-hour train commute to London. Some Kent neighbourhoods, such as Dover, may be slightly too far out for a daily London commute.
With plenty of schooling opportunities, quality local infrastructure and plenty of job opportunities, Kent is a great place to raise a family. Some Kent neighbourhoods are just within 30 minutes of London, so you can continue working in the capital while settling your family in the South East.
If you’re looking to move to Kent, we’ve provided reliable removal services in Kent for more than 30 years and know Kent very well. View our removals in Maidstone, removals in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge removals as well as West Malling and Tunbridge Wells.
Kent is a county (not a town) in South East England, which is divided into several towns and cities. The major towns and cities in Kent include Canterbury, Folkestone, Dover and Maidstone.
The cost of living in Kent generally depends on the area you live in. Typically, housing costs in Kent tend to be higher than in other parts of England, but the county is considerably more affordable than London when it comes to buying a home. When it comes to food and general living costs, you'll find the prices to be the same as anywhere else in England, without the London markup.
Kent offers plenty of job opportunities for a range of different skills and professional backgrounds. The county is home to many businesses and industries, including manufacturing, engineering, IT, retail and tourism. There are also a number of national and international companies that have offices in Kent, or employ workers remotely from the region, such as Arnold (the car company), South East Water, and KM Media Group.
The cost of living in Kent depends upon which town or city you decide to live in. On average, the cost of day-to-day living (such as food and utilities) is similar to other parts of the UK. When it comes to the housing market, property is more affordable in Kent than in London, but still remains the 12th most expensive county in England to buy a home.
The best way to get around Kent depends on your own personal preferences; however, buses and trains are both widely available. For longer distances, driving is also a popular option, with many major roads connecting various points across the county. With beautiful walking trails and plenty of English countryside to enjoy, walking is also a great way to get around Kent.
The University of Kent is widely considered to be the best university in Kent, and also one of the top universities in England. It was founded in 1965 and is located near Canterbury, and is renowned for its excellent arts and humanities programmes, as well as business, social sciences, and engineering programmes. According to the Best Global Universities list, The University of Kent was ranked at number 567 (out of 25,000 global higher education institutions.) You can also find Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent, which offers a similar range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Some of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Kent include Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Folkestone, Dover, Maidstone and Tonbridge. Many also prefer to reside closer to the coast for its beautiful scenery and beachfront activities - although this does make it more complicated if you're looking to commute to London on a daily basis. If you're working remotely or now work almost exclusively from home, certain smaller villages (such as Aylesford and Chilham) offer all the benefits of country living, while also being just a short train ride away from the capital.
Read more about the cheapest places to live in Kent
Kent is home to several popular tourist attractions, including Dover Castle, Leeds Castle, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, Canterbury Cathedral and Dreamland Margate (a seaside amusement park). There are also plenty of outdoor activities available such as hiking, mountain biking and sailing on the many rivers that wind through the county.
With over 9000+ live vacancies on kentjobs.co.uk on average, it's relatively easy to find a job in Kent. There are plenty of businesses and industries located across the county, and it's also much cheaper to start your own business in Kent than in London.
Like any other English county, Kent is made up of lots of different towns and villages, and each of these comes with their own individual security concerns. In comparison with the national average, Kent does have a higher crime rate overall, but much of this crime does tend to be concentrated in certain areas of the county. Areas such as Dover and Dartford record higher crime than the national average, while areas such as Sevenoaks are much safer, with a 26% reduction in crime when compared to the Kent average. This being said, there are still plenty of safe places to live and work within Kent.
You can find a range of different types of housing in Kent. From flats to terraced houses, townhouses to detached homes, there's something for every budget level. Many new developments are also popping up across the county as well, offering modern living at an affordable price.
Kent is an excellent place to settle down if you're raising young children. There are plenty of family-friendly activities available in the county, from outdoor adventures (such as cycling and walking trails) to indoor attractions, such as museums and theatres. Kent also has a range of excellent schools for all age groups, whether you're looking for grammar schools, day-boarding schools, or great publically funded schools.
The poshest neighbourhood in Kent is Sevenoaks, a historic town located just outside of London. It's home to some of the most expensive properties in England, and is known for its wealthy residents and luxurious charm. Other affluent areas in Kent include Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury, Folkestone and Chatham.
Read more about the most desirable location in Kent
There are plenty of great restaurants throughout Kent, serving up both traditional English recipes as well as a range of international cuisines. Some popular spots include The Sportsman, which is a Michelin-starred seafood restaurant near Seasalter, as well as Whitstable Oyster Company, known for its freshly shucked oysters. For something a little more casual, you can find a variety of local pubs and cafes throughout the county.
What our customers say...
“I felt I had to write and thank you for all your help during our recent from Hollingbourne. Kim in the office especially, and of course your personnel who were the most skilled and professional I have encountered in many years of moving.”
Dr Brown - Dorset
“Just a note to say thank you for all your help during my recent move, and how wonderful the lads were. The whole move went without stress and the three lads were so very helpful and good natured.”
Sandra Mulley South Welling
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