Is Canterbury a Good Place to Live? Full Area Report

South East / Kent

Avg Property Price

£340,000

Avg Rent

£1,100/month

Crime Rating

Below Average

Schools (Good+)

76% Good or Outstanding

Broadband Avg

74 Mbps

Transport

Good

Flood Risk

Medium

Population

55K

About Canterbury

Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral city in Kent with a history stretching back to Roman times and immortalised by Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. HouseCheckup property reports show Canterbury offers a unique combination of historic charm, excellent education, and fast rail links to London via the high-speed Javelin service. The city's medieval streets, impressive cathedral, and three universities create an intellectually stimulating environment wrapped in centuries of English heritage.

Pros of Living in Canterbury

  • Stunning medieval architecture and UNESCO World Heritage cathedral
  • Fast high-speed rail service to London St Pancras in under an hour
  • Low crime rates and a safe, walkable city centre
  • Three universities creating a vibrant student and academic community
  • Easy access to the Kent coast and Channel Tunnel

Cons of Living in Canterbury

  • Property prices are high relative to much of Kent
  • Tourist crowds can be heavy during summer and at the cathedral
  • Limited job market outside education, tourism, and retail
  • The city centre is small with limited shopping and dining diversity

Frequently Asked Questions About Canterbury

Canterbury is a delightful place to live for those who appreciate history, culture, and community. The city offers safety, excellent schools, and fast London commuter links via high-speed rail. It particularly suits families, academics, and professionals who enjoy a smaller city with character. Tourist crowds are the main inconvenience during peak season.
Canterbury's average property price is approximately £340,000. The city centre and areas like Harbledown can exceed £500,000. More affordable options exist in Sturry, Herne Bay, and Whitstable nearby. Student rental demand supports buy-to-let investment. The introduction of the high-speed rail service significantly boosted Canterbury property values.
Canterbury has below-average crime rates, making it a safe place to live. The city centre is well-maintained and safe to walk around at all hours. Residential areas throughout Canterbury are generally quiet and secure. Kent Police maintain a visible presence, particularly during tourist seasons. The compact size contributes to strong community connections.
Around 76% of Canterbury's schools are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. Kent maintains the grammar school system, and Canterbury has some strong selective schools. The city also has well-regarded primary schools. Three universities — Kent, Canterbury Christ Church, and the creative arts university — provide extensive higher education and research opportunities.
Canterbury benefits from the high-speed Javelin service reaching London St Pancras in under an hour. The A2 and M2 provide road connections to London and the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone. Canterbury is well-positioned for Eurostar services at Ashford International. Bus services cover the city and surrounding areas. The city centre is compact and walkable.

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Nearby Areas

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London

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£520,000

Colchester

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£310,000

Guildford

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