Where to live in Canterbury as professional?

[horsesforcourses64]

Moving to Canterbury on my own and looking for somewhere relatively safe/accessible to live. Have seen some flat shares available in Bingley Court - anyone live here/know what it is like? Any tips as to where to avoid? Thanks.

I would say most areas of Canterbury accessible and safe. Lots of areas are very student filled. As with anywhere, it depends on your budget. Lots of flats very close to city centre, but it is very compact. Maybe you could check if any students live there first? Mature and post grad students may not be an issue, but not sure I'd want to live with undergraduates!

I would maybe avoid the area around the university, often referred to as Hales place . It’s very student intensive and so suffers from litter and probably noise, and a transient feel.

Thank you - yes I've noticed that a large proportion of house-shares are student so you're right, will avoid this. Good to know it is generally safe and I hope that because of the size, I'll never be too far to walk/cycle to work.

I went to school in Canterbury and my brother lives there so I often visit. It really is compact, I can walk from Canterbury west station to Canterbury east in about 20 minutes. It’s a lovely city, only downside is it can get very busy when things are in full swing with no Covid restrictions ie students around, out of town shoppers, office workers etc. Recently it’s been quieter due to restrictions.

Personally I like the st Dunstans area for the little shops, the goodshed at Canterbury west, Westgate gardens and the slightly Dickensian feel to the place.

Thank you, that's very useful - I have heard that St Dunstans is a nice area and considering what you have both said I think I will focus my search here. Also if it tends to get very busy at peak times, being slightly out of the centre is probably for the best!

All the best!

It depends on what your priorities are. Will you need parking (and for how many cars?). A lot of houses near the city centre need residents permits and spaces are in short supply. If you do have a car definitely ask your estate agent about parking spaces (I'm sure Bingley Court has allocated residents spaces).

I used to live opposite Canterbury West which I loved, St dunstans is awesome (but the further you go up the hill towards Kent uni the more students there are). Also the area near the hospital is lovely.

Id avoid living in Sturry, Hales place, thannington, and if you don't like late night noise I'd avoid most places within the city walls - although it is lovely and there are some beautiful historic houses with fabulous cathedral views there.

Your best bet is probably to come down one day and look at a bunch of places and see what area feels like home.

Thanks for your advice. Yes, I will have a car - I think the appeal of Bingley Court is the modern rooms and car park. Ideally I would find a room in St Dunstans close to town, but nearly all the rooms available here are either student or without parking. I'll keep looking though as still have time! Am planning a trip in the next week or so so will definitely arrange some viewings and get a feel for the place, you're right. Glad you enjoyed living there!

I am moving to Canterbury too as a postgraduate student at the University of Kent. I am looking for a decent location for my children , yet close to the university. This seems quite difficult as the student houses do not want families and family houses do not want students. I am getting very anxious as schools resume soon. Any advice?

@gedaisy you might be better starting your own thread otherwise you'll get people just answering the original question and not seeing yours

@Littlebelina, I thought so too. Thank you.

@gedaisy yes might be an idea to get a separate thread - I see what you mean, that’s difficult! I’m sure you will find somewhere as there are lots of new listings everyday. If you do get caught out, it might be worth contacting the university? They may have temporary or permanent accommodation for students with children. Good luck, and enjoy your studies!

As a whole Canterbury is a safe city. Bingley court is pretty central and from what I can say quite a mixture of tenants - students and young professionals. South Canterbury and around the hospital is a lovely area, leafy residential streets, lovely properties and away from students but quite pricey. St Dunstans has a lovely feel. St stephens is also a nice area and close to town / train station. Avoid Sturry Road and Hales Place.