When many think of Canterbury, it’s of soaring cathedrals, crooked medieval lanes. But beyond its storied facade, Canterbury is a lively, modern city with a lot to offer residents. Residing in Canterbury enjoys all of it’s benefits: living in a rich and dynamic town with good cultural attractions, education, greenery and transport. Regardless of whether you are moving here for work, family or the way of life the city is truly diverse and offers something for everyone.
Canterbury, UK: Where Is It?
Where is Canterbury in the UK? It is right in the heart of Kent, located in the southeast of England. Under an hour from London, by high-speed rail, and within easy reach of the coast, it is the perfect spot for commuters and nature enthusiasts. Canterbury, England, is a great place to live, with the best of both worlds: city life and the quiet of the countryside.
In this blog post, we explore the best places to live in Canterbury and what makes them stand out. If you’re thinking of selling your house fast in Canterbury, now could be the ideal time, and Zapperty can help you do it quickly and stress-free.
The city is also a well-known educational centre, with the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, and a flourishing culture scene. Factor in access to good healthcare, transport and shopping as well, and it’s no surprise that so many are pondering where to live in Canterbury as they figure out their next move.
Figuring Out The Design Of Canterbury
Examining the city’s boundaries will help you understand living in Canterbury. You’ll find:
Cobbled streets, shopping, eateries, and lively nightlife in a historic city centre.
Rural South Canterbury and Wincheap and St Dunstan’s, chocolate-box storehouses, in their own way.
However, the surrounding villages of Blean and Chartham are great places to settle if you want a quieter, more rural life.
The layout is compact and walkable with excellent public transport and simple access to both Canterbury West and East train stations. You are never far from anything, whether it is a walk to a lecture, the train to London, or a stroll along the riverside.
Best Places to Live in Canterbury
Where to live in Canterbury? Here are some of the most popular types and the people they suit best:
City Centre: Ideal for Students & Professionals
This location is ideal for individuals who enjoy a high level of excitement. Be minutes’ walk from universities, shopping, cafes, and nightlife. The location is perfect for students and young professionals who desire easy access to everything.
St Dunstan’s: Best for Commuters
A few things must come together if we want to fit our lifestyle under the auspices of a proper family: crested Titian curls, newsprint paint and an area just the right mix of leafy and metropolitan for Frankfurt.
Close by you will find Canterbury West Station so ideal for those who need to commute into London or further afield on a daily basis. It’s cute, with a balanced share of period homes and modern apartments.
South Canterbury: Best for Families
The Best Family Place to Go to If you are a family and you love excursions, then South Canterbury would be the best place for you.
With strong schools, large homes, and a real family friendly vibe, South Canterbury is a hot spot for those wanting to raise kids in a safe and supported environment.
Wincheap: Best for those on a Budget
Value for money and convenient, Wincheap is ideal for first time buyers and renters. With its supermarkets, DIY stores and good road links, it is practical and homely.
Blean or Chartham: The Best of Country Living
If you’re hankering after walks in the country and a slower pace of life, Blean and Chartham are your best options. These villages are only a short drive or bicycle ride from the city, and provide a real flavour of Kentish life.
Thanington: Tops for Investment Opportunities
Popular, ever growing in popularity, Thanington is fast becoming a destination of choice. Perfect for anyone who wants to invest but still be near the city centre.
Faversham: Best for History & Commuter Links
This picturesque market town, just outside Canterbury, offers the best of both worlds as you’re guaranteed a heritage feel with a quality of life that comes with having every convenience nearby. It has strong community ties, good schools and great rail links to London. Great for families, artists and people looking to live a little.
Canterbury Area Guide by Lifestyle
Living in Canterbury, England offers something for everyone:
- Students enjoy the vibrant city centre and university life.
- Professionals benefit from fast commutes, co-working hubs, and cafés.
- Families appreciate the strong school network and safe residential streets.
- Nature lovers love the abundance of parks, riverside paths, and countryside escapes.
- Investors are increasingly seeing the city as a place of opportunity and growth.
Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or education, changing lives in Canterbury isn’t just a phrase—it’s a reality.
Key Factors When Choosing Where to Live
As you consider where to live in Canterbury, think about your own lifestyle and needs. Key factors include:
- Proximity to work or university: especially important for students and commuters.
- School catchment areas: vital for families with children.
- Budget and housing types: Canterbury offers a mix of flats, terraces, and detached homes.
- Local transport and amenities: being near train stations, shops, or green spaces can make a big difference.
Whatever your priorities, there’s a part of the city that can meet them.
Pros and cons of moving to Canterbury
Every city has its pluses and minuses. Here is a decent look at life in Canterbury:
Pros:
- A rich history and culture: It must be full of gold or something.
- A walkable city with excellent transit.
- Great schools and universities.
- Strong sense of community.
- Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Challenges:
- Housing prices can be expensive in the city centre.
- Some places have huge concentrations of students, which may not be for every buyer or renter.
- None the less, many who come to this city will tell you: changing lives in Canterbury is more than a slogan
Selling Before You Move?
If you are thinking of moving to Canterbury and want to sell your existing property, Zapperty can help you. We provide a quick and hassle-free means to sell your house with none of the usual snags of an open market or estate agent sale.
So to steer clear of waiting for that cash, not knowing if your buyers is certain and paperwork lots of it, and to take away the stress so you can make the most of your exciting new chapter in Your Canterbury -choose Zapperty!
FAQ’S
Where is Canterbury located in the UK?
In southeast England, in Kent county, is Canterbury. It’s about 60 miles from London, and easily accessible by train.
Canterbury: is it a good place to live?
Canterbury is a mix of the historic and the modern with a good community spirit.
Where are the best places to live in Canterbury?
The City Centre, South Canterbury, St Dunstan’s, Wincheap, Blean, Chartham and Thanington are popular areas.
Is Canterbury (district) good for families?
Absolutely. There are places like South Canterbury that have quality schools, sports fields and a safe place for families.
What is the cost of living in Canterbury?
City centre prices can be steep, but there are plenty of cheaper options in outlying suburbs and villages.
Is Canterbury a good city for students?
Yes, that fact that Canterbury has two prestigious universities and a vibrant student community makes it one of the best student cities.
How Are The Canterbury Public Transport Services?
Canterbury has good bus services and two train stations offering fast connections to London and nearby towns.
If I’m moving to Canterbury, can I sell my home fast?
Yes: products like Zapperty can ensure you don’t get held up and can sell your home quickly, which can make everything less chaotic when it comes to moving.
