Famous for its sprawling coastlines and breathtaking reserves, Kent is considered one of the best nature retreats in the country, with its bountiful views of British countryside. Just a short distance from the capital, it also offers excellent transport links into London, making it an ideal choice for commuters, retirees who grew up in the city, and young families looking to move away from the higher cost of living. In this blog, we explore why Kent is a nice place to live. 

1. Quick access to London

Kent borders Greater London to the northwest, placing parts of the county just a 30-minute drive from central London. It offers excellent rail and road connections, including HS1, which connects Kent directly to London St Pancras, making it a highly convenient choice for commuters. This allows residents to enjoy a little more peace away from the busy city and be surrounded by charming countryside and village living. Sutton Valence, a village just outside Maidstone, offers sweeping views across the Weald of Kent and is around an hour’s drive from central London, depending on traffic. 

2. Strong transport links within the South East and beyond 

For a largely rural county, Kent is exceptionally well connected to London by road. The M25 passes through the northwestern corner, with junctions linking to the M20, M26 and A2. The M20 runs from Swanley to Folkestone, while the A2 and M26 provide access to the M2 towards Canterbury. Across the rest of the county, a network of A-roads links coastal areas with the High Weald and the Kent Downs. Its rail connections also make travelling further afield simple. Journeys between London and Folkestone can take as little as 55 minutes on the HS1, reaching speeds of up to 185mph. From Folkestone, the Channel Tunnel provides direct access to France, opening up opportunities for international travel and work while enjoying life in Kent. 

3. Perfect for family life  

Kent is widely considered a safe and welcoming place to live in. In many of its villages and smaller towns, children can enjoy the freedom of outdoor play, while parents benefit from a slower pace of life. Our new homes in Sutton Valence, Blean and Faversham are known for being safe places to live in Kent, making them ideal for raising children, with access to excellent schools. Within 30 minutes of Blean and Faversham, Wingham Wildlife Park, the Wildwood Trust, and Howletts Wild Animal Park are all close by, offering the chance to see everything from brown bears and arctic foxes to snow leopards. Around half an hour from Sutton Valence, Diggerland Kent provides a unique day out, where children can explore real construction machinery in a safe, supervised environment. 

4. A mix of parks, trails and countryside   

As the ‘Garden of England’, Kent is renowned for its parks and green spaces. From the wild landscapes of the Kent Downs to well-kept parks in Maidstone and Folkestone, there are plenty of ways to explore the great outdoors while living in Kent. The famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden is within reach of Sutton Valence, while Maidstone’s Mote Park remains a popular choice for everyday walks and leisure. Further afield, walking routes stretch across the county, including areas such as RSPB Dungeness. Closer to home, a wide range of nature reserves can be explored around Faversham and Canterbury, offering plenty of opportunities to get outdoors throughout the year. 

5. Stunning beaches to explore  

With an extensive and varied coastline, Kent offers plenty for those who are a fan of the sea. The iconic white cliffs of Dover can be explored on National Trust walking routes, with nearby spots like Shakespeare Beach just a short distance away. Popular coastal destinations include Folkestone, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Dungeness while the eastern coastline features favourites such as Deal, Ramsgate and Joss Bay. 

Experience Kent Living with a New Home in the South East 

There are plenty of good places to live in Kent, whether you’re commuting into London or looking for somewhere to retire in the countryside. We offer new homes across carefully selected locations, including Faversham, Sutton Valence and Blean. Each home is thoughtfully designed to help you make the most of living in Kent. Browse our new homes in the county and see for yourself why Kent is a nice place to live today.