THE BEAUTIFUL TOWN NAMED KENT'S BEST PLACE TO LIVE WITH A 'GROWING FOODIE SCENE' THAT'S PERFECT FOR FAMILIES

Here at KentLive, our trusty readers know Kent is one of the greatest places to live in the UK - and there's so many reasons why. Whether it's idyllic olde worlde villages or buzzing, historic towns, not to mention the miles of coastline and sandy beaches, you'll find it all here.

And there's excellent transport links from many parts of Kent, whether that's to London or to Europe, so for work or holidays, the county couldn't be better. But where's the best place to live in Kent?

Luxury lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos has tackled the question and asked its readers to help create a list of the top 10. And west Kent and south west Kent have certainly done well - five out of the 10 are in this part of the county. And only two seaside towns made the ranking.

Glorious Tunbridge Wells came top of the list. The website said this of Kent's delightful spa town: "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.

"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."

The team asked its readers across the country to vote for the best village, town or city for 2024, by using its whopping list of the Top 260 Places to Live and 27,500 readers voted.

Sevenoaks came in second with high praise for its good schools, buzzing community and range of independent shops, restaurants and cafes plus decent mix of high street chains. The town surrounded by stunning countryside is also well connected with London just 30 minutes by train, making it prime commuter belt. It's not the first time Sevenoaks has been highlighted as a favourite, it was named one of the most desirable towns to move to in 2023.

Compared to last year's runners and riders, Folkestone has slipped down the ranking from number one to seventh. Speldhurst has slipped from number two, to sixth. Ickham has gone from third to eighth while Westerham, which last year was fifth has fallen to tenth. But Tunbridge Wells has double reason for celebrations, not only is it top, but it has leapt up from eighth position last year.

Muddy Stilettos founder and editor-in-chief Hero Brown said: “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 listing was compiled in association with Knight Frank, whose head of country business James Cleland said: "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
Tenterden
Cranbrook
Tankerton
Speldhurst
Folkestone
Ickham
Westerham

You can see the list here

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2024-09-12T04:25:56Z dg43tfdfdgfd