Living in Maidstone, Kent
What this article covers
- What makes Maidstone, Kent a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Maidstone, Kent for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Maidstone, Kent
Surrounded by the serene landscapes of Kent, Maidstone is an historic county town, located in South East England just 32 miles from London.
What makes Maidstone a good place to live
Maidstone boasts an appealing blend of past and present, featuring historic architecture alongside modern amenities. It caters perfectly to working professionals, families and students alike with its efficient public services and educational institutions. The town offers an array of shopping outlets, restaurants, sports facilities and arts venues ensuring a balanced lifestyle for residents.
What makes Maidstone a bad place to live
Despite the pros, Maidstone isn’t without its downsides. The congested traffic in the town centre during peak periods and limited parking facilities can be a source of inconvenient delays. The town can sometimes feel too quiet for those accustomed to a more vibrant city lifestyle.
Buying and renting in Maidstone
The average property price in Maidstone is around £320,000, while renting costs are approximately £900 pcm for a two-bedroom house, making it more affordable than London and many other areas in South East England.
Public transportation in Maidstone
Maidstone offers excellent public transport services with Maidstone East and West railway stations providing direct services to London, Ashford and Tonbridge. The town is well connected by bus services, and Gatwick Airport is reachable within an hour.
Safety in Maidstone
Even though crime rates have seen a slight increase, they remain lower than the national average. The regions deal with minor issues of petty crimes and occasional anti-social behaviour, especially during nighttime.
Most popular areas in Maidstone
Bearsted (ME14)
Its strong community feel, easy access to the city centre and selection of good schools attracts families to Bearsted.
Allington (ME16)
Allington is popular for its quick links to London and proximate green spaces.
Least popular areas in Maidstone
Shepway (ME15)
Despite affordable housing, Shepway is less favored due to the perceived lack of amenities and dated infrastructure.
Parkwood (ME15)
Parkwood lacks popularity due to its distance from the town centre and limited public transportation.
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