Moving to Kent from London: My experience

I’m a Londoner through and through. Born in the east of London, I moved to the south at the age of 6. It’s fair to say that London will always be home to me.

Those who live in London are spoilt for choice! The endless amount of food and takeaways at your disposal, entertainment and recreational activities at your doorstep. Those of us who live in London are spoilt for choice.

Why would you move to Kent from London?

Well, isn’t it obvious…who can afford to live in London anymore unless you are extremely wealthy which I am not (Yet!), but I plan to make a return very soon lol!

when living in London. I lived in a South East London studio apartment where my outgoings were at least £1300 to keep my matchbox apartment over my head. Yes, I had the luxuries of being 5 minutes walk away from the train station, 15 minutes into London Bridge. On a late night out, getting home was never a problem, Uber’s and cab service apps are frequent. No problem!

To put it bluntly, it’s a lot cheaper to buy in Kent. that’s why I moved, because I could afford to purchase in Kent.

What I need to know?

It’s defietley going to be a culture shock when you make the move. The only way I can explain it is when you go on holiday to a European country, you are immediately surrounded by greenery hills and valleys, meadows etc.

Transport

Having access to a car will make your life a lot easier. The buses are not as frequent as they are in London. but they are punctual.

The buses are a lot more expensive and seem a lot more cleaner to me, just a personal observation.

People

The people over this side of the UK are ready to have full blown conversations with strangers, which can be a a bit of a culture shock to us Londoners that don’t really engage with passers by. expect to be greeted by your neighbours with a good morning a lengthy chat, even an invite to their BBQ.

Being confronted with this made realise how hostile i’ve become since returning from Sydney, Australia in 2017. London really makes you hate people.

Activities

Kent is a great area if you have kids, there are a to of activities for your young ones to do such as DiggaLanad, Ninja Parks and a selection of beaches and museums.

Food

In London we are spoilt for choice, despite many different cuisines rising in the area of Kent, we still have a long way to go. The food markets are your best bet to get that soho, Shoreditch food vibe and that’ll be once a month on a Sunday according to when your local market is on.

Night Life

I mean…if pub life is your thing. There are a few nightclubs in the main towns but…but it won’t be on your doorstep…prepare to spend £50 on an Uber to get home.

I love Kent! The fresh air, the space..it’s defiantly growing on me.