Just 30 miles from London, but a world away in affordability, Maidstone offers an excellent alternative to city living. Still large enough to feel lively, and with great schools and transport links added to the mix, it is easy to see why so many first time buyers are making the move to Maidstone
Under the Spotlight
Set on the River Medway, with the Pilgrim’s Way (an ancient route between London and Canterbury) to the north and the Kent Weald to the south, Maidstone, the County Town of Kent, is right at the heart of the Garden of England. But this large town, with a population of over 180,000, is also a significant commercial and cultural hub.
Maidstone has a rich history dating back over 400,000 years, but it was first recognised as a town in 1549 when it was granted a royal charter. By the 18th century, Maidstone was the official and legal centre of Kent and – aided by the River Medway and later rail links – the town thrived, with brewing and papermaking industries particularly prominent during the industrial era. Today, Maidstone is still evolving, with ongoing investment growing the town’s services and amenities to support its rising population. Maidstone is particularly popular with commuters and young families, and the town’s demographic reflects this, with a substantial working-age majority in the town’s residents.
When choosing where to live, the town centre is the perfect pick for convenience, but Alliston (west of town) and Bearsted (to the north) are also very popular with commuters; they still offer an easy commute, but with a slightly slower pace of life. Grove Green and Weavering, on the south east edge of town, are particularly popular with families thanks to their modern estates and excellent local amenities. For a more rural feel, consider Boxley, Loose, or one of the other surrounding villages.
You’re also spoilt for choice with public transport in Maidstone. Maidstone East, Maidstone West, and Maidstone Barracks stations all serve the town, with direct trains from Maidstone East to London Victoria talking around an hour. Regular services also run to Ashford International, Canterbury, Tonbridge and Strood. A central bus station, conveniently located at The Mall, also serves the town, making it quick and easy to travel to neighbouring towns including Ashford, Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells. Driving? Major routes include the M20 motorway (to London and the Kent coast), the A20, A26 and A229.
5 Reasons we love Maidstone
- Mote Park – all 450 acres of it!
- A perfect balance of urban and semi-rural living
- The huge selection of shops and restaurants
- Lively and varied nightlife options
- Easy access to the capital and beyond
Ask any local where to head first in Maidstone and they will tell you Mote Park. Once a private estate, it is now owned by Maidstone Borough Council and is widely considered one of the best parks in the South East of England. The award-winning green space is around 450 acres, including a 30-acre lake. Perfect for leisurely strolls, dog walks or picnics, it also boasts several playgrounds, including a natural woodland play area. At the central lake you can enjoy multiple water sports, or head to the BMX track or skate park if you’re more comfortable on wheels than water! Suffice to say, the park is a popular gathering space, with concerts, musical festivals, outdoor theatre and arts events, seasonal fairs and cultural celebrations all held here throughout the year too.
Mote Park is also used for regular community fitness activities, including a hugely popular Saturday parkrun. In fact, it is pleasingly easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle in Maidstone with countless sports clubs, activities to enjoy on the river, plus endless riverside and country walks to explore. Other local green spaces include Vinters Valley Nature Reserve and White Horse Wood Country Park.
If all that sounds exhausting, there is plenty in the way of culture in the town too! Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery – with their local history and art collections – are a great way to discover more about the town’s heritage, and The Hazlitt Theatre offers regular drama productions, comedy nights, music and pantomime. For more family fun, head to Lockmeadow – a fantastic entertainment complex with an Odeon Luxe cinema, bowling alley, and indoor trampoline park.
Shopping more your bag? Maidstone town centre boasts two main retail hubs – The Mall and Fremlin Walk. Between them, you will find all your favourite high street stores. Explore the surrounding area – including High Street and Week Street – for even more variety, and plenty of independent options too.
Break up your shopping day with some food. You will find all of your favourite chain restaurants and international cuisines on offer in the town, but Maidstone also has an excellent pub and bar scene to explore. Druids Arms, Craft Brewed and The Bierkeller, all in the town centre, are excellent options. These will all take you into the evening too, but your night needn’t stop there – Maidstone has the best nightlife in Kent with something to suit all tastes. Mu Mu is a fine example, offering a cabaret restaurant in outrageous and over the top surroundings, while Junipers, hidden beneath The Herbalist, promises the best cocktails in Kent.
Fact File
Average property price in Maidstone (November 2026) – £356,408
Property breakdown*
- Detached – £613,691
- Semi-detached – £380,727
- Terraced – £297,753
- Flat – £186,729
*According to the Land Registry House Price Index
Homes on the market…
Millwright Place
Tovil, Maidstone – Price £TBC
A brand new community of 82 Shared Ownership homes and 54 for rent.
These energy-efficient two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses from L&G Affordable Homes are the perfect choice to suit everyone’s lifestyle. Whether you are single, a couple or a growing family, Millwright Place provides the perfect home for you. The contemporary interiors are full of natural light and the stylish kitchens come with integrated appliances. Each house comes with a private turfed garden and apartments include a balcony to selected homes and parking.
With access to beautiful green spaces, living in Tovil means you are never far from nature and all it has to offer. Just minutes away is Crisbrook Meadow and Ponds with its wildflower meadows, natural springs and shaded paths. Tranquil Hayle Nature Reserve, offers winding trails with stunning ancient trees and is a lovely place for weekend walks and down-time. For those who want to stay active then South Park has sports facilities, play areas and is the ideal spot for a picnic with friends and family.
Less than a mile away, vibrant Maidstone, is ranked in the top five shopping centres in south east England. The two main centres are The Mall Maidstone and Fremlin Walk where you will find a large selection of shops plus cafes and restaurants. On the riverside you will find Lockmeadow Centre which includes a multiplex cinema, restaurants, swimming pool and bowling alley.
Millwright Place is only a 10-minute drive to Maidstone East and West railway stations providing excellent access into London. The M20 is less than 10 minutes away offering access to wider road networks.
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