Commuter towns in Kent: An informative guide for homebuyers
With excellent transport links, top schools, and picturesque countryside living, the commuter towns in Kent have much to offer homebuyers.
Known as the Garden of England, Kent’s picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and excellent transport links make it a highly sought-after location for commuters.
Popular towns like Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells are particularly attractive. They offer regular train services to London, proximity to the M25, and access to Gatwick Airport in around 45 minutes.
These towns cater to families and professionals alike. They boast outstanding schools, a variety of property types, and abundant green spaces surrounding them.
Here professional property finder Jennie Cole shares insights on the commuter towns in Kent.
Property and lifestyle in Kent’s commuter towns
In towns such as Tunbridge Wells, you’ll find a diverse range of properties, from Victorian villas and Georgian homes to stylish modern apartments.
For those willing to live slightly further out, Kent’s rural areas offer larger properties with more land, often at better value.
These outlying villages provide a quieter lifestyle while still being accessible to London for occasional commutes.
Families are particularly drawn to areas like Tonbridge, which boasts three grammar schools and the prestigious Tonbridge School, a leading independent boarding school.
Meanwhile, young professionals appreciate the short train journeys to London, with commutes from Sevenoaks taking just 24 minutes and from Tonbridge 31 minutes. These towns also offer vibrant amenities, including shops, restaurants, and community events like dragon boat racing and pop-up cinemas.
Tunbridge Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells has a rich history and vibrant character, known for its origins as a spa town in the 17th century. The discovery of the Chalybeate Spring established its reputation as a destination for relaxation and refinement.
Tunbridge Wells’ elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, including the famous Pantiles and Decimus Burton’s sandstone houses, adds to its timeless charm.
The town has a thriving cultural scene, offering boutique shops, galleries, and eateries in The Pantiles and old High Street. These sit alongside modern amenities like the Victoria Centre and quirky spots on Camden Road.
For recreation, there’s no shortage of options, from sports clubs to green spaces like Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells Common, and Calverley Grounds.
Residents also enjoy a vibrant social scene, with theatres, live music venues, and an array of restaurants and pubs placing it among the preferred commuter towns in Kent.
Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks is an ancient town that offers a balance of historic charm and semi-rural living.
Surrounded by the Kent Downs and High Weald Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it provides access to stunning landscapes, from ancient woodlands to chalk rivers and nationally significant gardens.
Highlights include Knole Park, a thousand-acre haven of wildlife and history, and Bradbourne Lake Park, with its tranquil ornamental lakes.
The town’s property market is diverse, with everything from period homes to modern apartments. Exclusive homes in outlying areas offer privacy and serenity, often hidden by trees and hedges.
Sevenoaks has a lively town centre featuring boutique shops, high-street brands, and vibrant markets, alongside excellent restaurants and cafes.
For leisure, residents enjoy local sports clubs, two leisure centres, and cultural venues like the independent cinema and theatre.
Hidden gems for Kent commuters
Beyond the well-known commuter hubs, smaller towns such as Headcorn and Paddock Wood are worth considering. They provide a blend of convenience and community, with bustling high streets.
Headcorn offers a commute time of 47 minutes to London and a really strong sense of community.
Paddock Wood offers a 44-minute journey to London Bridge and access to charming villages like Brenchley and Matfield.
Headcorn
Headcorn is a vibrant village with a rich history, highlighted by its traditional architecture. The village centre features independent shops, cafes, and a popular monthly farmers’ market.
Surrounded by farmland, it offers a countryside lifestyle while maintaining excellent transport links. These include a direct train line to London, making it popular with commuters and families.
Paddock Wood
Paddock Wood is a small, well-connected town situated between Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. With strong agricultural roots, it has one of the largest fruit-packing facilities in the region.
The town offers a relaxed atmosphere, with local shops, cafes, and excellent rail links to London. Surrounded by scenic countryside, it is an appealing location for those seeking a quieter pace of life.
Brenchley
Brenchley is a picturesque village with charming timber-framed cottages and a tranquil, community-oriented atmosphere. Surrounded by orchards and hop fields, it exemplifies Kent’s rural beauty.
The village is home to a medieval church and local pub, offering a quintessential English village experience.
Matfield
Matfield is a delightful village with a green, pond and traditional pubs. It features a mix of period properties, from timber-framed cottages to Victorian homes.
Surrounded by rolling hills and woodland, Matfield offers a serene lifestyle in a stunning rural setting.
Ashford
Ashford is a thriving town renowned for its excellent transport connections, including the Ashford International Station offering high-speed rail to London and Europe.
The town is home to modern shopping and entertainment at Ashford Designer Outlet, a blend of new developments and historic charm, and access to nearby countryside.
Ashford’s high-speed rail service reaches St. Pancras in just 38 minutes.
Current market trends
Post-pandemic trends have reshaped property demands in Kent. The rise of remote working has allowed buyers to prioritise space, both indoors and outdoors, over proximity to workplaces.
Many seek properties with home offices and nearby amenities to maintain a sense of community without compromising on privacy. Towns and villages offering local shops, schools, and cultural activities within walking distance or a short drive are increasingly in demand.
Help to find the ideal commuter towns in Kent
Whether you are a professional seeking a seamless commute to London or a family looking for a tranquil lifestyle, Garrington’s experienced buying agents are here to guide you.
If you are looking for a new home in one of the commuter towns in Kent, Garrington can help you navigate the County’s property market and find your ideal home. Please get in touch.
