Why you should move to Folkestone
I’m kind of surprised that the knowledge of Folkestone as a commuter town is still so low – it’s 52 minutes from St Pancras International (the most European London station), you can buy a 3 bedroom terrace with a garden for less than 150k! I don’t think there are any commutable places left with this kind of affordability, and most of them will take you longer to travel to.
Some of the highlights:
- Sandy beaches – both touristy and wild (Sunny Sands and The Warren)
- Amazing housing stock that is actually affordable
- Great weather from March-November
- A beautiful coastal park
- The best/fastest/cleanest commuter train you have ever seen which actually offers seats
- France in 35 minutes by car from Euro Tunnel – often with 22 pound deals
- Olympic Park in under an hour
In terms of where to live – personally I like Cheriton the most as it’s slightly closer to London (station is Folkestone West), is very affordable, feels really safe (maybe too safe for some!), has a big Nepalese community (good shops and restaurants) and has a lovely park. Sandgate and Hythe are more upmarket (and expensive) and Folkestone itself offers massive apartments in beautiful buildings (but often smaller or no outdoor space)
OK – so the commute will cost quite a bit more but this should be offset by your difference in mortgage payments – plus you will get a much nicer house for your money!
Folkestone Links:
http://www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk/
http://www.strangecargo.org.uk/
http://www.creativequarterfolkestone.com/
http://www.folkestoneseafront.com/
(image from Skabour Festival 2011)