Margate has become a popular seaside town over the years, with an increasing number of Londoners leaving the Big Smoke for life by the sea. It has become a creative beacon for professionals from London who have found a new adventure waiting for them. But what’s it really like living in Margate? We’ve pulled together the best of the area to give you an idea about what you can expect from this town on the Kent coast.
A brief history of Margate
First recorded as ‘Mergate’ in 1264 before changing to Margate in 1299, it’s believed the name refers to a pool gate or gap in a cliff where pools of water are found. Water is a running theme in Margate, and it’s a place full of maritime history – from the Battle of Margate 1387 to being a “limb” of Dover in the ancient confederation of the Cinque ports.
Where is Margate?
Margate is a seaside town in Thanet, Kent, lying around 15 miles northeast of Cambridge and a little over 75 miles from London. For the last 250 years, it has been a traditional seaside resort for tourists but has recently become a popular place for people to lay down roots.
Moving to Margate
Margate has a good selection of period homes, from Victorian townhouses on the cliff tops to Edwardian detached properties. Cliftonville, Palm Bay and Botany Bay, along the cliffs, are sought-after areas, as is Northdown and Kingsgate. In the Old Town you’ll find a smattering of cottages.
Buying in Margate
The average house value in Margate is £245,487, with actual paid prices considerably more at £288,178. Expect to pay around £409,648 for a detached home, £261,220 for a terraced house and £143,079 for an apartment.
Margate property prices are marginally lower than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last 12 months, house prices have increased by around two per cent and 21 per cent in the last five years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Margate, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Margate
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £1,042 per month in Margate, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £1,100 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,500 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Margate, you can expect to pay lower UK national average prices when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £7, pretty much half the price of the UK average. A cappuccino is about £2.80.
Utility bills are marginally cheaper than the nationwide average: electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal cost an average of £150 (UK average £155). Broadband is about £32 per month.
Living in Margate
Open spaces
Thanet, which is the region of Margate, features acres of green space where you can get back to nature. While the town itself boasts a popular seafront that’s ideal for a stroll, no matter the weather.
Transport links
Margate benefits from a train station operated by Southeastern Trains. It has regular services to London St Pancras and Victoria, with journey times lasting between one to one-and-a-half hours. There are also good connections to other prominent Kent areas, such as Ashford and Dover.
Shopping
From regular markets offering local gems to the Old Town with its independent retailers, Margat is somewhat of a shopper’s dream. There’s also Ramsgate’s Petticoat Lane Emporium with its 200-plus market stalls and Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Broadstairs.
Eateries
Culinary delights await in Margate, with favourites like Angela’s offering a cosy bistro and sustainable seafood options. If you’re after some international flavours, try Mullins Brasserie with its crafted Caribbean cuisine.
Nightlife
Margate comes alive in the evening with local pubs where you can get to know the locals and nightclubs ideal for shaking a leg until the early hours. The Glass Jar, a stylish cocktail bar, is a popular haunt for many in Margate.
Art & culture
Soak up some culture at Turner Contemporary along Margate’s seafront. It’s a little over 10 years old and has a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions, digital commissions, artworks and tours.
Things to do
Thanet’s POW! Festival takes place once a year and celebrates Women’s International Day. While the Margate Soul Festival draws large crowds – it’s one of the reasons why Margate is often referred to as ‘Shoreditch-upon-sea’.
What’s not to like?
If hipster and arty vibes aren’t quite your scene, then Margate may not appeal. Still, with recent regeneration and a seaside location, it’s hard to find much wrong with the town.
Who lives there?
Margate has a population of about 61,223 and a median age of 46.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 58mbps in Margate, which is only marginally slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
Crime rates in Margate average 6,368 per year and are lower than the national average of 10,000.
Everything you need to know about moving to Margate
Get a rounded opinion about the homes in Margate with Move iQ’s property report, which provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Margate.
Last Updated: November 4th, 2021
