Maidstone is a mix of rural countryside living and modern amenities, popular with families and commuters alike. It’s the county town of Kent, charming and historic. If you’re considering moving to Maidstone, or simply want to get to know it better, here’s the guide you need to see.
History of Maidstone
Maidstone has played home to the Romans, Saxons and Normans alike, going as far back as the Mesolithic times. The town was even once the abode of Iggy the Iguanadon, a 125-million-year-old dinosaur whose cast can be found in the Maidstone Museum.
Leeds Castle is just a stone’s throw away, which is occasionally referred to as ‘Ladies’ Castle’ as so many Queens of England have lived there.
Where is Maidstone?
Kent’s Maidstone is its largest town, around 51km east-south-east of London. The River Medway flows through its centre linking it with Rochester and the Thames Estuary. It’s located in the south east of England.
Average house prices
Thinking of buying in this popular London commuter town? The average house price in Maidstone currently sits at £329,751, a 6% increase from 2019.
| Property type | Average asking price |
| Semi-detached | £332,931 |
| Detached | £489,329 |
| Terraced | £262,449 |
Renting in Maidstone
Maidstone won’t feature on the list of cheapest places to rent, as tenants can expect to pay £945 pcm. Of course, this varies:
| Property type | Average rent (pcm) |
| Room | £503 |
| Flat | £841 |
| House | £1,032 |
Cost of living
Maidstone is 3% cheaper than London, while offering many of the transport benefits. On average, a single person’s estimated monthly costs are £779* – not including rent. A family of four can expect to pay around £2,751, again not including rent. This covers many expenses, such as utility bills and food shopping.
*An estimate, to be used a a guide only
Living in Maidstone
Maidstone offers a mix of rural charm and modern amenities, making it appeal to a diverse population.
Transport
If good transport connections are top of your priority list, this area shouldn’t disappoint.
- High quality bus routes to get you around town easily
- Home to three train stations: Maidstone East, Maidstone West and Maidstone Barracks
- Direct trains to central London in just over an hour (sometimes 45 minutes on weekdays)
- Regular trains to Ashford International for the Eurostar
- Coach and buses to London too
- Excellent motorway connections e.g. M20
What to do in Maidstone
There’s an array of great shopping centres in the town centre, including Fremlin Walk, which is open air. For boutique stores, head to the Royal Star Arcade, it won’t disappoint. You can also find many high street giants around town.
Maidstone Leisure Centre is also a popular place to visit, with something for every age and an excellent place for a swim.
Other attractions include the Hazlitt Theatre, famous for putting on comedy performances. The town also plays home to the Maidstone Fringe Festival, a celebration of local music, art and food.
If you’ve got an artistic side, head to Bentlif Art Gallery (within Maidstone Museum). It’s a fantastic display of watercolour and oil paintings.
Where to eat in Maidstone
Whatever tickles your taste buds, you’re sure to find something to suit you. Frederic Bistro is a charming rustic bistro, serving French provincial food. You can opt for an evening meal or a lighter, cafe-style lunch.
If you fancy a meal with a view, Leeds Castle View restaurant shouldn’t let you down.
Word for the locals is the Black Horse Inn has one of the best pub gardens around. Plus, you can enjoy some delicious grub in a charming 18th century inn.
Open spaces
One of the charming aspects of Maidstone is that it offers both rural charm without denying its residents any of the necessities of modern living.
Mote Park is popular with children thanks to the play areas, and it’s also home to a stunning lake. Teston Bridge Country Park is another that’s famed for being great for nature.
Who lives there?
Maidstone has the largest population out of all towns in Kent, sitting at 171,800. It’s home to retirees, young professionals and families alike, thanks to the great range of primary schools (and secondary), charm and excellent transport links.
What’s not to like?
Expect to wait a lot longer for a bus than you might anticipate, often around 45 minutes. Also, many who live there (or visit) have reported terrible driving and lots of traffic.
Crime rate
Currently, the annual crime rate in Kent county is 48.5 (48.5 crimes reported per year per 1000 people). Compared to the national crime rate, Kent’s crime rate is at 155%.
Typical broadband speed
Fast internet connection is now an important criteria for the best places to live. The average broadband speed users will see in Maidstone is 29.5 Mbps, which is 9.84% below the UK average of 32.72 Mbps.
Moving to Maidstone?
Before you take the plunge, get all the facts you need; never underestimate the importance of knowing vital property-specific and area information. A property report can pull everything you need together in one place, from information on local schools to boundary maps. All you need is a postcode. Get started below.
Last Updated: January 19th, 2024
