The glorious town in the Garden of England is packed full of independent shops, parks, galleries and bars and is a sure bet for families seeking homes in a town but with plenty of countryside on the doorstep
Kent residents have always known the county is one of the UK’s finest places to call home, with endless reasons to back that claim.
From the picturesque old-world charm of its villages to the vibrant historic market towns, and lets not forget those extensive stretches of coastal sands.
In terms of connectivity, Kent boasts fantastic transport links, whether you’re heading into London or off to Europe ideal for both professional commutes or leisurely getaways. But which spot in Kent outshines the rest as the prime location to settle down?
The posh lifestyle site Muddy Stilettos recently sought answers, enlisting its discerning readership to curate a list pinpointing the top 10 best places to live in the county. Notably, west Kent and south-west Kent seem to be thriving – half of the spots on the list belong to these lush areas while only a duo of seaside towns managed to clinch a ranking, reports Kent Live.
Standing proudly at the pinnacle of luxury living, Tunbridge Wells has been crowned the crème de la crème according to the site. Painting a picture of this jewel in Kent’s crown, the website lavishes praise: “In Kent, the ever-popular town of Royal Tunbridge Wells won the top spot with its characterful Georgian shopping colonnade known as The Pantiles, an easy commute into London, growing foodie scene, independent shops, parks, galleries and bars.”
They go on to highlight its magnetism for families, stating: “Plus, it’s a sure bet for families seeking homes in a town but with plenty of countryside on the doorstep and exceptional schools, which includes many prestigious grammars.”
Muddy Stilettos issued a nationwide call for votes, urging people to choose the very best village, town, or city for 2024 from an extensive shortlist totalling 260 Places to Live. An impressive 27,500 readers cast their votes in this quest for residential royalty.
Sevenoaks has bagged the second spot, earning high marks for its excellent schools, vibrant community, and a variety of independent shops, eateries, and cafes, alongside a good selection of high street brands. The town, nestled amidst beautiful countryside, boasts superb connections to London with just a 30-minute train ride, placing it in the prime commuter zone.
Sevenoaks is no stranger to accolades; it was named one of the most desirable towns to move to in 2023. In contrast to last year’s top picks, Folkestone has tumbled from first place to seventh.
Speldhurst has also dropped, from second to sixth, while Ickham has fallen from third to eighth, and Westerham has gone from fifth to tenth. However, Tunbridge Wells is basking in double glory as it not only clinches the top spot but has also soared from last year’s eighth position.
Muddy Stilettos’ founder and editor-in-chief Hero Brown commented: “When people move home, they’re searching for more than just a house, they want to find a new lifestyle that works for them. This Reader Vote gives a truly independent view on the towns and villages with the most popular postcodes, schools, restaurants and amenities.”
The list was put together with Knight Frank, whose head of country business James Cleland noted: “With hybrid working promoting greater flexibility and an enhanced work-life balance, new hotspots are emerging nationwide as the demand for more space continues.
“When it comes to where to live, more than ever people want a vibrant and tight-knit community. It’s a trend that deepened during the pandemic and is likely to remain a leading factor for those looking to relocate.
“Excellent schools, ease of commuting, and access to local amenities also continue to be significant factors. When planning a move, thorough research is crucial to finding a location that aligns with your lifestyle.”
The 10 best places to live in Kent 2024, according to Muddy Stilettos
- Tunbridge Wells
- Sevenoaks
- Faversham
- Cranbrook
- Tankerton
- Speldhurst
- Folkestone
- Ickham
- Westerham
You can see the full list here.
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