Why live in Canterbury?
With award winning restaurants and great shopping in one of England’s oldest, best-preserved centres, the medieval walled city of Canterbury has always been an inspiring place to live – but that’s only half the story.
A place like no other
Canterbury is a place like no other where you can be in the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic, vibrant and historic cities one minute and on a beach or up a hill surveying it all the next.
This is a place where it’s possible to achieve your ambitions in the location that is right for you, to flex according to your mood, lifestyle or occasion. To live or work how you want to.
Countryside
Just under an hour from London by train this well-connected district of Canterbury has wonderful countryside full of idyllic, traditional Kentish villages, including part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Coast
The coastal communities that include chic Whitstable and the traditional seaside town of Herne Bay with its pier and promenade are some of the UK’s most popular destinations for people seeking the right location to live and enjoy a great quality of life.
City
Stunning countryside, creative coastal communities, charming villages, historic landmarks, and one of the UK’s most culturally diverse and exciting cities, it’s no surprise more people than ever before are choosing Canterbury as the place to live.
Major Developments
With a range of quality housing – at prices lower than London – and a rich variety of culture, arts and sporting activity Canterbury is a place in demand with exciting new developments in the pipeline to sustainably meet local housing need, now and in the future.
Working in Canterbury
With opportunities for highly skilled jobs, great schools and universities plus flexible co-working spaces aimed at the hybrid working generation, Canterbury is a growing place of opportunity, and the right location to live the life you want to.
Highly Skilled Jobs
Canterbury attracts highly skilled, well-paid jobs in sectors key to the UK’s growth: from medicine, life science and food and drink innovation to net zero transition and advanced manufacturing.
Cost of living
Canterbury offers good quality housing – from city centre flats and rural retreats to family homes near the coast – costing up to 33% less than in London. The expense of day to day living from dining out to childcare is also lower.
Quality of Life
Canterbury is one of the UK’s most outstanding places to live and work, offering a great quality of life – from festivals and cultural events to some of Kent’s best ‘foodie’ locations, coastal walks and rural escapes.
Flexible working
A short walk away from the historic city centre, The Fruitworks offers up to 80 desks in open plan rooms. It’s the kind of flexible co-working space that is transforming Canterbury into hybrid working central.
Well Connected
Canterbury is just one hour away by high-speed train from London’s St Pancras International, less than 20 miles from the Port of Dover with excellent motorway connections to the rest of the UK via the M2 and A229 corridor.
Excellent education
Canterbury is home to outstanding schools and colleges, top universities, including the University for the Creative Arts and specialist centres such as Kent and Medway Medical School, and The Kent and Medway EDGE Hub.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of living in the Canterbury district?
Canterbury is one of the most attractive cities to live in the south east of England, a world-class university city steeped in culture and history and great transport links. Beyond the city, the seaside towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay and Kentish villages in the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty add to the attraction of a place with an enviable quality of life.
- Historic Charm with Modern Amenities: Canterbury offers a unique blend of heritage, from the UNESCO World Heritage Canterbury Cathedral to charming medieval streets, combined with excellent schools, modern shopping, and dining options.
- Excellent Transportation Links: Canterbury is well-connected, with high-speed trains to London taking under an hour, making it ideal for commuters.
- Quality Education and Career Opportunities: The district is home to renowned universities and schools, which make it ideal for families and professionals alike.
- Outdoor and Coastal Living: The district includes coastal towns like Whitstable and Herne Bay, offering beautiful beaches, parks, and scenic countryside.
Is it expensive to live in the Canterbury district?
The price of buying or renting in the Canterbury district is more affordable than that of bigger cities like London. The district has a choice of locations to suit your lifestyle, inlcuding city apartments, townhouses, seafront properties and rural retreats. New build developments are providing more choice than ever; from first time homes to executive living, family homes to retirement properties.
- Housing Variety: Canterbury provides a range of housing options at competitive rates compared to London. There are rental options, new developments, and period homes that cater to various budgets.
- Affordable Lifestyle: Living costs in Canterbury can be more manageable compared to major cities, with affordable amenities, local markets, and diverse dining options.
- Education and Services: Canterbury has an abundance of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and recreational amenities, making it a great place for families.
Why move to Canterbury district?
Canterbury is a great district to live, steeped in culture and history with an amazing quality of life. From great shopping to riverside and coastal walks, lovely old buildings to impressive buildings, amazing arts and culture and delicious dining options for a great night out.
What are the employment opportunities in the Canterbury district?
- Growing Business Sectors: The district has a robust economy with growth in sectors such as tourism, education, healthcare, and digital technology. Opportunities for remote and hybrid work also allow residents to maintain city jobs while living locally.
- Support for Entrepreneurs and Startups: With coworking spaces and business networks, Canterbury supports entrepreneurs and freelancers looking to start or grow their businesses.
- Accessible Commuting to London: High-speed rail options mean that commuting to London for work is convenient, enabling Canterbury residents to access employment opportunities in the capital while living in a more relaxed setting.
How is the education system in Canterbury?
- Top-Ranked Schools and Universities: The district has a range of excellent primary and secondary schools, both public and private, and is home to two major universities – the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University.
- Specialized Training and Resources: Schools here offer excellent extracurricular programs, career counseling, and additional resources for students with varied learning needs.
- Family-Friendly Learning Environment: Canterbury’s educational institutions are known for their community engagement, with several schools and universities running public programs that involve families and local residents.