People love living in Kent for its diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills, vineyards, and orchards of west Kent to the cool coastal towns and creative vibe of east Kent.

The Garden of England offers excellent rail links to London, a thriving foodie scene, and some of England's best wineries right on your doorstep.

To celebrate Kent’s charm, we’ve compiled the top 10 places to live, selected by Muddy Stilettos for their ‘260 Best Places to Live’ series.

Tunbridge Wells tops the list as the best place to live in Kent, known for its elegant Georgian architecture, vibrant shopping, and rich spa heritage.

In fifth place, Tankerton draws visitors with its colourful beach huts, stunning sea views, and lively High Street.

Rounding out the list at number ten is Westerham, admired for its historic market square, connections to Winston Churchill, and nearby countryside trails.

Below is a list of the top 10 places to live in Kent:

  1. Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells offers a fantastic food scene, with highlights like the new tasting menus at The Counter, along with Sankey's for fish, Essence for India, and more.

For high street brands, head to the Royal Victoria Shopping Centre, but for independents, visit The Pantiles, a charming Georgian colonnade with boutiques, galleries, cafés, and even a luxury pet shop.

2. Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks comes in second, as it attracts visitors with its picturesque landscapes and the historic Knole House and parkland.

3. Faversham

Known for its rich history, charming streets, and as the home of Britain’s oldest brewery, Faversham gets the bronze spot.

4. Tenterden


Tenterden offers a blend of quaint shops, historic buildings, and access to the scenic Kent and East Sussex Railway.

5. Cranbrook


Admired for its medieval charm, famous Union Windmill, and surrounding countryside Cranbrook takes the fifth spot.

6. Tankerton

Tankerton attracts visitors with its colourful beach huts, gentle slopes, stunning sea views, and a lively High Street full of eateries and independent shops, with plenty of free parking.

7. Speldhurst

Speldhurst, a peaceful village known for its traditional pubs and beautiful countryside, is just 3 miles west of Royal Tunbridge Wells, offering the charm of rural life with the conveniences of shops, cafés, bars, and entertainment nearby.

8. Folkestone


Ranking as the eight best place to live in Kent, is the port town Folkestone. Popular for its coastal views, creative arts scene, and the Eurotunnel connection to Europe.

9. Ickham


Offers rural charm, lovely walking paths, and proximity to historic Canterbury, Ickham takes the penultimate spot on the list.

10. Westerham

And the final spot on the list, Westerham, is known for its charming market square, ties to Winston Churchill, and access to nearby countryside trails.