Living in Maidstone

Living in Maidstone

Maidstone strikes a balance that many towns in the South East struggle to achieve: it has the energy and amenities of a proper county town alongside easy access to open countryside, historic landmarks and the coast. The River Medway runs through the heart of the town, lending it a distinctive character and providing pleasant riverside walks that feel a world away from the bustle of the high street. Village neighbourhoods on the outskirts — including Barming and Otham — allow residents to enjoy a quieter pace of life without sacrificing convenience, while the town centre itself has enough going on to keep families, professionals and retirees equally well served. Whether you are drawn by the commuter links, the schools or simply the green space, Maidstone holds its own as one of Kent's most well-rounded places to put down roots.

Schools and education

Families consistently rate Maidstone's educational offering as one of its strongest assets. At secondary level, the town is home to several highly regarded grammar schools, including Maidstone Grammar School and Invicta Grammar School for Girls, which draw pupils from across the borough. There is a broad selection of well-regarded primary schools throughout the town and its surrounding villages, among them Barming Primary School and Otham C of E Primary School, meaning younger children are rarely far from a good local option. For culture and learning beyond the classroom, the Hazlitt Arts Centre and Maidstone Museum provide a meaningful addition to family life in the town.

Transport and connectivity

Maidstone is well connected by both rail and road, making it a practical base for commuters and frequent travellers alike. Maidstone East and Maidstone West stations both offer direct services to London Victoria and London Charing Cross, with journey times of under an hour. The M20 motorway is the town's main road artery, providing straightforward access to London, the Channel Tunnel and the Kent coast, while the M26 extends connectivity further across the region. The A20 offers an alternative road route for those heading towards the capital or the Channel ports. Local bus services run throughout the town and into surrounding villages, ensuring that car-free travel within the area is a realistic option for most residents.

Food, drink and shopping