Why move to Maidstone?

Blending Kentish charm with 60s industrialism, Maidstone is a patchwork town, made up of quirky historical buildings and modern amenities. 

There’s plenty to keep you occupied in Maidstone, from bars and cinemas to leisure complexes and country parks. Thanks to its proximity to London and the major Kent towns, it’s a popular place to live, and not all that expensive to set down roots in. 

Fancy a look at the properties on offer in Maidstone? Or perhaps you’d like us to lend a hand with the sale of your home? Whatever you need, pop into your local Wards branch and we’ll set you on the right path. 


River in Maidstone

At a glance, what to know about Maidstone:

  • Property prices are, on average, £265,000 for a terraced property, £325,000 for a semi-detached and £470,000 for a detached home. 

  • Renters should expect to pay anywhere between £650 and £1500pcm.

  • Maidstone is well-located, with direct trains to London Victoria and easy access to the M20, M2, and the M25. 

What are Maidstone’s nearest towns and villages? 

Ashford is 30 minutes away, with Folkestone (40 minutes) and Canterbury (45 minutes) not too far behind. Much closer is Gillingham, Chatham, Sittingbourne, and Rochester, which are each around 15 minutes away by car.  

Transport links to Maidstone

With easy access to the M20 and mainline rail, Maidstone is well-located. By road, you can be on the M25 and into London in just over an hour. Likewise with trains: Maidstone East runs direct trains every 30 minutes into London Victoria.  

Things to do in Maidstone

Kids and grown-ups alike can bounce around to their heart’s content at Gravity Trampolining Park. And if you don’t mind a short spell in the car, nearby Leeds Castle provides a fantastic family day out. For a little free entertainment, head over to Maidstone’s green spaces, Mote Park or Whatman Park, for a countryside walk or even a punt along the river. 

For evening entertainment, the Hazlitt Theatre is the place to be for concerts, comedy, and theatre. Wannabe gumshoes should head over to The Extraction Room for one of Kent’s best escape room-experiences. 

Eating and drinking in Maidstone

For a bite to eat, head to Earls Street which is full of great independent and chain restaurants. Our favourite is Frederic — a family-run French bistro set in the nearby market buildings. 

Nightlife lovers will appreciate the range of bars, clubs and pubs on offer in the town, particularly The Herbalist and Mu Mu. Real ale buffs will be spoilt for choice with the range of beers on offer at The Flower Pot.

Schools in Maidstone

There are two girls-only grammar schools, Invicta and Maidstone Grammar School for Girls — both of which are rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Likewise, the Maidstone Grammar School for Boys and Oakwood Park each hold an Outstanding rating. 

For younger children, the primary schools in Maidstone are generally very good, with Allington, Loose and Jubilee primaries leading the charge with Outstanding Ofsted ratings. 

Property prices in Maidstone

Terrace: £265,000

Semi-detached: £325,000

Detached: £470,000

Renting in Maidstone

Flats: £650-£900pcm

Houses: £1000-£1500pcm

Famous residents of Maidstone

Actors Mackenzie Crook and Tamsin Grieg join news correspondent Robert Fisk and Loose Woman, Carol McGiffen in Maidstone’s esteemed sons and daughters. 

The Most Famous Resident of Maidstone, however, is an honour which will forever belong to Iggy the Iguanadon — a 13-metre-long dinosaur skeleton which was discovered in the 19th century in a quarry on the Queen’s Road. 

What you may not know about Maidstone

Iggy features on the Maidstone coat of arms and, more recently, the new 50p coin. 

Fancy a move to Maidstone? We can help to make it happen. Take a look at our properties for sale in Maidstone or pop in to see us.