Kent Area Guide – Griggs Homes

Kent Area Guide

With stunning, unspoilt countryside, a breath-taking coastline, and strong lively communities, Kent well and truly has something for everyone. Throughout the area is a mixture of quaint villages, bustling towns and vibrant cities, all with a range of different property sizes and prices.

Kent holds a population of approximately 1.569 million, and is often known as the “Garden of England”, filled with rolling hills, farmland and fruit filled orchards, all accompanied by the beautiful near 350km stretch of coastline, along which is situated the famous White Cliffs of Dover.

Properties in Kent

Kent’s proximity to both the coast and the capital city makes it an idyllic location for those relocating from London, offering cosy coastal cottages as well as bustling towns and more to suit a whole host of different tastes and preferences.

The housing market in Kent is about as diverse as the scenery it offers, from classic cottages and terraced houses to ultra-modern seafront homes and large family estates. For those commuting to London from Kent, towns including Sevenoaks are particularly sought after, offering easy access into the city as well as a refreshing break away from it.

As with everything else about the area, the property prices in Kent also range considerably, the most expensive area reported to be Plaxtol with prices of around £1,315,200 and the cheapest being areas such as Queenborough at £184,197. Whilst prices vary, Rightmove reported the average property price of Kent to be £369,501.

Living in Kent

Kent is a highly sought-after area, not only for those looking to relocate from the capital, but for many more, properties accommodating for households of all shapes and sizes. There are 12 district councils in Kent, these being as follows:

• Ashford Borough Council
• Canterbury City council
• Dartford Borough Council
• Dover District Council
• Folkestone and Hythe District Council
• Gravesham Borough Council
• Maidstone Borough Council
• Sevenoaks District Council
• Swale District Council
• Thanet District Council
• Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
• Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Kent is well connected to a network of trainlines and main roads, with trains running throughout traditional commuter villages and towns into London – residents able to travel from Sevenoaks to London Bridge in just over 20 minutes.

The area is also well known for having High Speed One – the U.K.’s one and only high speed trainline, running 140mph Javelin trains from St Pancras International into Kent.

In addition to this, Kent residents can also benefit from the variety of different motorways, most notably the M20 and the M25, connecting into London and further to other areas surrounding the capital.

For those with children, Kent is also home to a variety of fantastic schools, including the famous independent school Sevenoaks School, the U.K.’s second oldest non-denominational school that dates back to 1432, and is always ranked among the top schools in the country.

However, Sevenoaks School is not the only good school throughout Kent, the area offers a whole host of phenomenal educational facilities, some of Ofsted’s top-rated including:

Schools in Kent

For those with children, Kent is also home to a variety of fantastic schools, including the famous independent school Sevenoaks School, the U.K.’s second oldest non-denominational school that dates back to 1432, and is always ranked among the top schools in the country.

However, Sevenoaks School is not the only good school throughout Kent, the area offers a whole host of phenomenal educational facilities, some of Ofsted’s top-rated including:

Primary Schools:

Secondary Schools:

Things To Do in Kent

Kent has much to offer for both residents and visitors alike. With a rich history, beautiful, diverse landscapes and a number of tourist attractions, you’ll never be lost on things to do whilst in the area. Below is a list with just some of the top things to do whilst exploring Kent:

Walk through its beautiful scenery: From the breath-taking cliff-top walks to relaxing strolls across the rolling hills, Kent boasts a stunning yet diverse natural scenery to explore. Many of the most well-known walks are scattered with areas of historical significance, including the Iron Age hillfort of Oldbury Hill or the WWII bomb craters viewable on the Scotney parkland trail.

Hop on the Spa Valley Railway: A heritage railway taking passengers through some of Kent’s most stunning natural landscapes. This line runs as a tourist attraction, showcasing some of the area’s most notable views, carrying visitors through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Visit the White Cliffs of Dover: An iconic U.K. landmark, these white chalk-faced cliffs have become a defining symbol of the country that face the Strait of Dover and France. The area encompassing the cliffs offers serene walks and incredible views for people of all ages to enjoy.

Visit Canterbury Cathedral: A phenomenal attraction offering visitors stunning architecture and a fascinating history. The Canterbury Cathedral is an important pilgrimage centre in Europe, being the spot where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, included in the famous work of literature Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

Sources:

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices-in-Kent.html

https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=default&table=schools®ion=886&la-name=kent&geographic=la&for=primary

https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=default&table=schools®ion=886&la-name=kent&geographic=la&for=secondary