Kent

Kent is one of the most popular counties in England, with a population of 1.8 million people. It has some really beautiful scenery and many great amenities for families that are looking to buy their first home or move up into a nicer place. There are also several excellent universities that attract students from all over the world to come and study here.

4.41
Average Location Score

Excellent

55%

Very Good

34%

Average

10%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

1%

Best places to live in Kent

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

Canterbury Cathedral in Kent

Where is Kent?

Kent is located in the southeast of England, bordered by The Thames Estuary to its north and the English Channel on its other three sides (south, west and southeast). This makes it a great place for those looking to commute into London as there are good transportation links with both ferries from Kent to France and trains from Kent to London.

Areas in Kent

Some of the most popular areas for protective home buyers in the county of Kent include:

Canterbury – This city is a beautiful and historic place to live, with plenty of things to do both in the city centre and the surrounding countryside. A lively student city, Canterbury is an especially popular choice for those seeking a home in Kent and wanting to be close to the universities.

Dover – Dover is a seaside town that offers stunning views of the English Channel and easy access to France by ferry. It’s also home to several military bases, making it an ideal place for those looking for employment in the armed forces.

Folkestone – Folkestone is another coastal town with plenty of amenities and attractions, as well as excellent transport links to London and other parts of Kent.

Gravesend – Gravesend is a town situated on the banks of the River Thames, with good transport links to both London and Essex. It’s also home to a large shopping centre and several schools rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Scotney Manor in Kent

Maidstone – Maidstone is one of the larger towns in Kent, with a population greater than 100,000. It is home to both Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School and Mascalls Academy – two high-performing secondary schools that are consistently ranked among Ofsted’s ‘outstanding’ category.

Universities in Kent

Kent plays host to a number of universities, including the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, both of which are located in the ancient and beautiful city of Canterbury.

Canterbury Christ Church University – Canterbury Christ Church University is one of the largest universities in Kent and has a rich history, dating back to its inception as Canterbury College – founded in 1904. It is now one of the premier universities in the country, with a growing international student body from over 100 countries.

University of Kent – The University is now one of the UK’s top ten leading universities and has been voted as ‘the best modern university by The Sunday Times newspaper. It offers world-class teaching for undergraduates, postgraduates and professional students at its campus in Canterbury.

The University for the Creative Arts – The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is a specialist art and design university with campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate study in Art & Design, Film & Media, Architecture & Interior Design, Fashion & Textiles, Music and Performing Arts.

Top Schools in Kent

Kent is home to some of the best grammar schools in England, including The Skinners’ School, Tonbridge Grammar School for Boys and Chatham House Grammar School.

The Black Griffin Pub in Canterbury

The Canterbury High Schools are among Kent’s top-performing secondary schools with the all-girls Oakwood Park Grammar school also performing well in recent years. Some of the best schools in Kent include:

The Weald of Kent Grammar School – Located in Tonbridge, the Weald of Kent Grammar School is a co-educational grammar school for students aged 11 to 18, with an excellent reputation for providing a high standard of education.

The Skinners’ School – Situated in Royal Tunbridge Wells, the school provides an excellent education for boys and girls aged between 11 to 18 years old.

Tonbridge Grammar School for Boys – A popular grammar school with good results at GCSE level, Tonbridge Grammar is situated in Tonbridge and caters to boys aged between 11 to 18.

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls – The top-ranked single-sex girls’ grammar school in Kent, with excellent results at GCSE level and a good reputation for A-Levels as well. Situated just outside Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Population of Kent

The population of Kent is around 1.855 million, making it the 5th most populous county in England. The majority of the population of Kent is concentrated into areas such as Maidstone, Canterbury, Gravesend and Dartford.

 

Reviews in Kent

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Good Private Rental Option

Review Date Mar 2024

The property is located in close proximity to a public house, shop and supermarket. The only down sides are the lack of public transport and high parking costs.

Please review your development:

The area is currently under development with The Kell being one of the initial development, it is well located for road connections. The in house management team are very efficient and helpful and we certainly saw improvements after they took over from the original team.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The level of development planned around the building.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The property management team were good at resolving issues such as lift breakdowns and were very informative.

5
Facilities
4
Design
4
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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With hindsight I would advise buying elsewhere

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jan 2024

Good location, due to the many issues with the new build townhouse i purchased i genuinely regret buying it. Had new builds previously and not seen as many issues or such a level of poor quality workmanship.

Please review your development:

Loacation is good, during the purchase the communicated service charge was constantly changed, once moved in found it higher again. Aftercare is pretty poor, had to take several days off work to be let down by tradespeople not arriving when i was assured they would be, seems to be issues between the booking systems and actually securing the people. On first name terms with the aftercare team as i spend a lot of my time repeatedly chasing up the same unresolved issues.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I only viewed twice for short periods before purchase, amongst a good number of other new build properties over a long weekend as i was relocating from 350 miles away, I was initially impressed by the space and layout, only once i got the keys did i notice the number of issues and saw the lack of attention to detail and poor quality workmanship. Fortunately with a lot of things i have been able to resolve myself, (water leaks in every bathroom, kitchen etc).
I would advise prospective purchasers to spend more time than i did and look at the finish with a critcal eye before you make your mind up.

What is the best feature of your home:

Feels spacious and the layout works for me, views of the park opposite and the balconies are southerly facing

2
Facilities
3
Design
4
Location
2
Value
1
Management
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Very well put together development

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Nov 2023

Brilliant location for all ages to benefit from local amenities. Everything is within a 10 minute drive from food to travel and entertainment.

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Very well put together development with a lot of thought put into it in all aspects especially the raised roof garden on Level 1 and the activities/events put together throughout the year from the thoughtful Property managers for all ages and through local communities and groups.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I would suggest taking your time and asking all the questions if you’re moving for the first time ever.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Had the pleasure of liaising with Diba and Cameron for anything that we needed. Two very helpful and kind Property Managers that are always ready to lend a hand whenever and however they can.

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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Manager Response

Hi Jodie and Adam,

Thank you so much for your kind words and lovely review. It’s a pleasure having you stay with us here at The Kell.

Please always feel free to pop to reception or send us an email at thekell@wayoflife.com if you ever need anything.

Kind regards,
Diba

Great place to live!!

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2023

It’s very convenient with supermarkets and a pub nearby. Close to a couple of towns within medway and just off a main road so transport links are really good. Parking availability is really good with our private carpark and the property is right on the river which is lovely

Please review your development:

The design of the building is really nice and the flats are nice and open with huge windows. Even the one bedroom flats are spacious with lovely utilities. The common room is lovely with a great roof garden. All the areas in the property are lovely and well worth living here

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The show round we had was really good and informative so I wouldn’t say I wished to learn anymore before I moved in

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes, responded straight away with solutions for issues. Always send someone out if needed and very helpful

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Manager Response

Hi Ellen,

Thank you so much for your kind words and lovely review. It’s a pleasure having you stay with us here at The Kell.

Please always feel free to pop to reception or send us an email at thekell@wayoflife.com if you ever need anything.

Kind regards,
Cameron

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