Need help on where to move to in Kent

[laraq01]

We have just sold our house in Surrey and our looking to move to Kent to be nearer to my mum in Whitstable. Our search criteria is that we can afford a 3/4 bed house, has to have a high street with few pubs/ cafe/ shops, things going on for a 1 year old, has to be walking distance to a station and overall commute to Soho/ Ox St area not longer than 1.5hrs, ideally closer to an hour, and an hour ideally max to Whitstable. We also want a nice community/ safe place to bring up a family.
It feels like we have searched everywhere and still haven't totally cracked it. Areas we really like are Oxted (although its Surrey and mega expensive), West Malling and we have just started to investigate Rochester. Is there anywhere else we should look?
I would really appreciate any advice on this especially any opinions on Rochester from those that have moved. It seems lovely but I've heard a few worrying things.
Thanks in advance for your help

Canterbury or the villages such as Pluckley or Charing?

Driving distance from ash ford (for the high speed line) put you in lots of lively villages where you get lots of house for your money.

I think if you are used to a naice Surrey town then Rochester might be a bit rough. Have you looked at Faversham? Pretty town with great housing stock, Grammar schools, Oare marshes.

Agree Faversham or Wye would be worth a look

Agree faversham, villages around that area tenterden is nice as well.
Rochester must admit wouldn’t be my first choice, although it’s a lot better than Chatham.

Rochester is pretty rough... I would avoid! Is Canterbury worth a look?

Cranbrook

Petts Wood is a good location for central London commuting, technically in a London Borough (so great when kids are older and free transport), good schools, restaurants etc. On edge of Kent so very leafy and safe. One hour drive to Whitstable.

Rochester and Medway towns in general are pretty dire.
I agree with pp Cranbrook is lovely (plus great school) and there are lots of nice villages around Staplehurst (1 hour train to Charing Cross). Tenterden is also really nice but slightly longer commute to London.

look at tonbridge/ Hildenboro just 35 mins train to London and 40 mins to Whitstable on a weekend via M20/M2