There’s loads of things that make Kent a great place for you and your family to call home. Kent might be called ‘the Garden of England’, but there’s a lot more to it than that.
Here our top five reasons that make Kent a great place to buy a home.
The scenery
Tucked away in the most south easterly corner of the UK, Kent is well-known for its picturesque countryside and stunning coastlines.
With the English Channel and the Straits of Dover and to the south, and the North Sea and the Thames Estuary to the north, Kent has a lot of coastline. But it’s not just quantity: packed into the 350 miles of coastline are some of the prettiest seaside destinations in the whole of the UK. Popular beauty spots such as Margate, the Isle of Sheppy and, of course, the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover have made Kent a favourite with homeowners and holidaymakers alike
Further inland, Kent contains many well-known towns & cities, including the historic city of Canterbury with its iconic cathedral, plus many lesser-known but charming towns and villages. These urban areas are encircled by the stunning surroundings of the Kent countryside - rolling farmland, steep hills, woodlands, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the form of the Kent Downs.
These beautiful surroundings have earned Kent its famous nickname as the ‘Garden of England’, and makes it a perfect place to bring up a family. Whether its countryside walks, a trip to the seaside, or a cheap local holiday with the kids, Kent has loads to offer to any family looking for a home.
2. The connectivity
As with the other Home Counties, one of Kent’s biggest appeals is how well-connected it is to London. With excellent transport links into the City, Kent offers many of the benefits of living in London, without a lot of the drawbacks - plus, of course, the additional benefits of living in the countryside.
Depending on location, you can be over 100km away from London, but still get right to the centre in under 40 minutes. This makes it perfect for families, where busy city workers can quickly and conveniently commute to work in the bustling city, whilst bringing the children up in the more sedate, family-friendly surroundings of the Kent countryside.
It’s not just London, either - good motorway connections, including the M20, open up Kent to other parts of the UK. Not only that, but with the port of Dover to the south and the Eurostar terminals just to the north, you can be in France in as little as two hours - perfect for international commuters and family holiday-makers alike.
It’s this that, in our view, sets Kent a cut above many of the other Home Counties and makes it such a desirable place to live.
3. The schools
A great selection of schools is a key draw to the Home Counties for many families, and Kent is no exception. Kent boasts some of the best schools in the country, both private and state, including Tonbridge School, Benenden School, and Invicta Grammar School.
As always the postcode lottery is in full effect, but if you’re looking to provide your children with a solid education to give them the best possible start in life, you’ll struggle to do much better than Kent.
4. The jobs
It’s no secret that most of the prestigious and highest paying jobs available require you to work in London. With over 9 million inhabitants, London is a global powerhouse, with a huge range of promising career opportunities in virtually every sector imaginable.
Kent, with its great transport links to the capital, offers an easily commutable home for city workers, allowing you to pursue a career in London without being forced to live there.
It’s not just London though - Kent is home to a number of big employers, and offers particularly good opportunities for those in the agricultural, tourism and haulage sectors.
Finally, with its links to France via the Eurostar, Kent even at a push enables you to work in France and still maintain a reasonable commute.
In all, Kent is a strong choice for professionals in any industry.
5. The weather
Is this a stretch…? Perhaps. It is the UK, after all. Still, located right on the south of England, Kent enjoys some of the best of Britain’s weather, with above average temperatures and a greater than average number of sunny days.
It might not be Marbella, but it certainly means that you get to make the most of that lovely scenery, and enjoy those day trips to the beach or those well-earned family breaks.
Summary
The combination of the connectivity, picturesque surroundings, great schools & jobs and great weather makes Kent, in our view, the perfect place for a family home.
It seems we’re not alone - Kent has become one of the most desirable places to live in the whole of the UK. Unsurprisingly, house prices have jumped as a result, which puts many families at risk of being priced out.
Here at Tolman Homes, however, we’ve always said that we believe everyone deserves a luxury home at a reasonable price. Homes that we have built in Kent include the picturesque Heathland Mews and Heather House, as well as the stunning Heathland House development.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our existing projects, or seeing how we can turn your dream home into reality, why not contact us today - our friendly team will be happy to help.
Regardless of what home you eventually settle on, there a few places better than England’s garden city.