Is Folkestone A Good Area To Live?
Information provided by Fairview Folkestone Roofing:
Folkestone is one of the coolest seaside towns in the UK. This is one of the coastal towns that has a more friendly, local feel than Whitstable or Margate. There is a flourishing creative scene and quaint harbourside pubs in this seaside town that is often missing when seaside resorts cater to tourists.
Folkestone is blessed with abundant green space, scenic cliffs and a great education system. It was also voted one of the best areas to buy a home in 2020. The average house price in 2020 was £257,670 in Folkestone, despite its growing popularity.
Transport Connectivity in Folkestone
Commuters who want more bang for their buck and a more laidback lifestyle can take advantage of the fantastic transport links offered by Folkestone. There are also many popular eateries in the area.
With its proximity to London and the benefits of living by the sea, Folkestone is hugely popular with commuters. An annual season ticket for the high-speed train from Folkestone Central to London St Pancras costs just under £5800. Folkestone West or Central both offer frequent services to London Cannon Street. Folkestone to London is served by 111 trains on an average weekday.
The Euro Tunnel is also available. Folkestone is only 35 minutes from Calais. With “Le Shuttle”, the Eurotunnel transports all forms of freight and motor vehicles, from motorbikes to caravans. A route to the Port of Dover is also accessible from Folkestone via the M2, connecting Medway, Sittingbourne, and Faversham.
Education System in Folkestone
Several good schools are located in Folkestone, which is why so many families move here. Over 37 primary schools have been rated as “good” or “outstanding” by Ofsted. Folkestone has six secondary schools.
The Harvey Grammar School, The Folkestone School for girls and The Marsh Academy, are some of the notable schools here.
Just 30 minutes away is the scenic University of Kent. With more than a hundred undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered, as well as international study options, the university has been recognised for outstanding teaching in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
Leisure and Amenities in Folkestone
The art scene in Folkestone is thriving, and there are many local festivals and events.
As part of the regeneration plan for Folkestone, the Creative Quarter is home to an eclectic mix of creative businesses and art studios. You can find fabulous hand-crafted toys and eco-friendly children’s clothes at Moo like a Monkey or go rummaging in Rennie’s for some vintage finds. Cornelia Parker’s Folkestone Mermaid, inspired by HG Wells’ story The Sea Lady, is a must-see in Folkestone town.
With all your high street favourites and some local independent shops thrown in for good measure, Bouverie Place Shopping Centre is a must-go. In addition to the refurbished Folkestone Harbour Arm, which is the ideal place to eat and drink, there are many events and attractions available throughout the year.
Experience Michelin-starred cuisine at Rocksalt, where you’ll dine al fresco overlooking the English Channel. If you prefer, you can also grab a coffee at Harbour Coffee Co. and enjoy the view.
While Folkestone doesn’t offer much in the way of all-night clubs, there are certainly plenty of bars and pubs for you to enjoy. There’s nothing better than good conversation and a good pint at The Inn Doors Micropub on Sandgate High Street.
Folkestone is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are several free play areas in Lower Leas Coastal Park, and Sunny Sands Beach can be found on the other side of the town. Located in Folkestone’s East Cliffs, the Warren and East Cliffs is a more rugged and charming part of the town with a perfect sandy beach, grassy hills, and flower beds. The Warren and East Cliffs are home to numerous watersports and an annual sand making competition. The White Cliffs of Dover are visible from this location as well.
A free, year-round exhibition of artworks featuring the Creative Folkestone Triennial takes place throughout the town every year. Every year, the town hosts the 10 day Open Quarter Art Festival, which gives visitors a chance to meet the creative community’s driving force. Normally held in November, the Folkestone Book Festival is a great event for book lovers.
A seaside journey of discovery takes the audience on a wonderful journey through Folkestone’s coastline as part of the SALT Festival.
The Indoor Snow Sports Centre is great for active people or a rainy day out with the family. A 60-meter, most incredible long indoor slope is great for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing, making it a great place to let off steam. Also worth a visit are the Kent Battle of Britain Museum and the family-friendly Quarter House Theatre.
Safety and Crime in Folkestone
Folkestone has a real family-friendly vibe with a great sense of community. Although the town can be more crowded in the summer months, much like any seaside town, the crime rate is relatively low all year round and lower than the average for the Kent region.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a vibrant seaside town with a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy the best of British culture and cuisine, then Folkestone is the perfect destination. Why not make Folkestone your new base if you’re planning your next holiday? If you enjoyed our blog post, then leave us a comment. Our team at Fairview Folkestone Roofing will be happy to respond to each and every one!
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