AIBU to consider moving from London to Kent with children?

[DinoDuvet]

Thinking of moving from London to Kent. Currently just a thought process kids are 14, 12 and 4, my question is had anyone done similar and it's gone completely tits up or conversely was it the best thing ever? Really feel like life needs to be flipped. I've lived in London forever and wanted to be out of here for many many years.

I currently live in / near Kent (technically at least) and honestly this is my response too! I just see it all as London (without tubes 😆😆)!

Then you are - ill-informed, shall we say. Suggest you get out and explore a bit away from the motorways.

Most of our neighbours here are originally from London. We made the move 12 years ago. We moved to the far side of Kent, lovely little villages, close to Hythe and Folkestone.

There is Kent and Kent. Which Kent are you thinking?

I am London born. My YA, DD born in London followed us and DGD also London born started primary school here. Small village school, 100 DC.

DGD will go back to London I think, she is happy here but I feel London will call her back.

My neighbours who came when their DC were 10 and 12, both have finished Uni, the eldest will go back to London as soon as the opportunity arises, although he is happy here also.

Personally I like the pace of life compared to
London. My DD, now has her family here and is glad she made the move.

Come down for the day, multiple times, that’s what we did.

You have to drive here, no Oyster cards, but good links into London by train. I use the High Speed. Come into London but sigh a sight of relief when I get on that train and head back
to Kent.

Thanks everyone

We moved from just outside London to the Midlands when the kids were 9 and 7.
Based on that experience I would not uproot older children, unless things are going wrong for them where you
The problem is that every time something goes wrong, they look back with rose-tinited glasses at their former home and to their former friend groups..

Don’t forget, Kent is a grammar school area so that may affect schooling.

Aylesford is a lovely village, but quiet compared to London.

Are the local councils in chaos? Which ones? I work in the community and business section of Kent County Council and have regular meetings with other councils in Kent. I haven't come across any chaos at all!

I live in Kent, pay my council tax, rubbish collection is always on time, no Reform leaflets through the door, do not live in fear, I am black, by the way! Oh and I don’t vote Reform. KCC seems to be functioning well from what I see. Pot holes are a problem and lots of diversions while they fix the many water leaks, but I blame SE Water for that, but don’t let that put you off!

if it’s Sevenoaks, Kent you have the best of both world - close enough to London but also feel out in the country . However, I wouldn’t move at your eldest’s age unless he was totally up for the move

This is good advice.

DH works in the area and commutes from Bromley rather than live there (there's a decent train service).

None of your children have SEND do they? Kent is notoriously awful for SEND.

My friend did it … said best thing she ever did and first few weeks they could t sleep because how much quieter it is. Her daughter is in a grammar school, son in the village school, one class per year, and she can commute to London in 25 minutes for work. Her kids were a bit younger when she moved though.

Where in Kent? Some parts are still London with TFL etc so that’s considerably less of a change than if you’re suddenly out in an oast house or in Dymchurch.

Moved from SE London to a tiny Kent village 4 years ago and wish I’d done it sooner. It’s quiet, clean, council does their job, no madness, can walk the dog late at night without fear. I’ve not had any reform leaflets through the door either!

I live in "London Kent with TfL" 😂 love that
Grew up in posh West Kent.
As I said DH works in not posh East Kent.
This is a huge country and moving here requires a lot of research, especially considering the grammar system, Reform Council and very variable amounts of public transport.
Check carefully also for giant housebuilding projects.