Folkestone, the Kent seaside town named the 2024 best place to live in the South East by The Sunday Times, offers average house prices of £318,469—almost £420,000 less than the London average of £736,805. The town, home to about 50,000 people, is reachable by a direct southeastern train in 90 minutes, making it an attractive option for day trips, weekend getaways, or relocation.
A Town of History and Culture
Folkestone has a colourful history, having served as an Edwardian playground in the 19th and 20th centuries, hosting Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. It was also a major embarkation point during both World Wars, moving millions of troops and supplies across the Channel. The town has been home to literary figures including Charles Dickens, H.G. Wells, and Agatha Christie.
The town boasts over 70 permanent art installations scattered throughout the town and coastal paths, along with independent artists and creative shops, cementing its reputation for the arts.
Local Councillor's Perspective
Councillor Nicola Keen, originally from Battersea, has lived in the town for 30 years and served as a Councillor for eight. She admitted she wasn't fully convinced about Folkestone when she first moved there, but now "loves everything about the town and the amazing people." She noted the town "has risen from the ashes," boasting a strong sense of community, regardless of whether people moved there or were born there.
For activities, Cllr Keen encourages visitors to explore East Cliff, a natural wonder and Site of Special Scientific Interest, "full of fossils." The area features chalk grassland wild flowers, woodland plants, and sea air that promotes the growth of rock sea lavender, wild cabbage, and rock samphire. Around 150 different species of birds can be found in the area.
The Harbour and Community Spirit
Cllr Keen described the harbour as "the heart" of the area, with "lovely little pubs and the lovely, sandy beach." Her favourite part is Coronation Parade, a 340-metre promenade. She added that there is a square at the end with lovely seafood and ice cream, ideal for a day out.
She noted that while the area "doesn't have the fishing industry it used to," it remains busy: "When you go there on a Sunday, even in the autumn now, it's busy. There are lots of people. And it kind of brings out the best in people. You see complete strangers sitting and chatting to each other. I see people getting the enjoyment that I get."
Mixed Feelings About Londoners
Cllr Keen said Londoners have earned the nickname DFLs (down from London) and "there is a little community of them." Locals can sometimes be wary of people from the capital, but it comes from a good place as they "love their town and are very territorial." However, when they move there, they become "part of Folkestone too." She added: "What a lot of DFLs are doing is restoring old houses that would have fallen down. I still get amazed when I drive around the harbour and see people have moved down, and they've renovated an old property that needed it."
She acknowledged a downside: "on the harbour, house prices are a bit Londony, but then you don't need to go there. There are plenty of other places that are at local prices."
