Good and cheap to live South East

[gymgoals2024]

Where is cheap and good to live in the South East? 1hr 30 max to Central Londom by train. 2 bed house for 265k max. Ideally would have coffee shops, good sized park, gym/pool/classes.

Nowhere is really cheap in the South East due to closeness to London, but you could try Hastings or Bexhill.

They are more affordable than Brighton/Lewes and have train stations and links to London. Hastings has coffee shops ect, but is described as 'vibrant' due to parts of it being really rough, and Bexhill is a bit dead in the water, but does have things going for it. They are both cheaper for a reason though.

I come from East Sussex, so only really have knowledge of that area, there could be parts of Kent that meet your criteria better. Hopefully someone with local knowledge will be along to advise you.

Depends on what you consider 'good.'

For me, 'good' means a low crime rate. High Streets without a ton of closed shops. Some stuff (amenities) nearby.

I could recommend a ton of places in Kent where your budget will get you a 2 bed but that budget's a bit tough if we're only looking at places you have no problem with your kid walking home from after school alone.

What's your definition of 'good' OP?

I'd maybe look at Crawley? I don't think it's anyone's first choice and it's a bit run down, but it's within your budget and has all the amenities. Surrounding areas are nice.

Might be worth looking at Sittingbourne , the high street is diminishing at an alarming rate but it does have coffee shops , supermarkets, gyms ( various offerings and quality ) and some nice parks and green areas .

Folkestone is on the up and the guy who founded Saga is pumping in a lot of money. Worth a look, on HS1 so easy to get to London.

I grew up there. I've based my entire life choices around not wanting to live there 😂

It's just soulless. Ideal for me would be Reigate or Hove, but I can't afford either.

Safety is important, yes.

How about Southsea? Its part of Portsmouth but has its won 'vibe' with trendy coffee shops, pubs, restaurants etc and a wide variety of people and also very compact and walkable. Of course its on coast too with seaside attractions etc within a 10 minute walk. Its just under 1hr 30 from Fratton/ Portsmouth&Southsea stations into Waterloo and you would be able to get a 3 bed terraced house for £250,000 ish

Look at Hailsham if you can get to Polegate (1hr 15 to Vic) it’s so much cheaper because there’s no station. Nice town.

Southsea and Hailsham both sound appealing. I've cycled round Hailsham. Will consider those, thanks.

Alton in Hampshire fits your bill I think?

Does Southsea have a beach/outdoor swimming community? Active sort of local life is what I am looking for.

Herne Bay

Worthing. You could get a 2 bed for your budget. Lots of new restaurants/cafes popping up, pleasant seafront. Train goes to Victoria in around 90 minutes.

Thanks so much for these suggestions. I need to go and visit them. I've lived my life on the London to Brighton route and it may be time to branch out.

Try Croydon. After 5 minutes of being there, you'll happily take Crawley back!

If you like Hove then Worthing is only a bit further on and is getting trendier as people are priced out of Brighton and Hove. Or look at Rochester, Ramsgate and Folkestone in Kent.

I know you have said 1.30hr max to London but 2 hours puts some amazing northern cities with the vibe you are looking for. You said you are looking to branch out….obviously if u have to be in London every day it’s unfeasible but if you have any flex I think you would find the South West of Sheffield perfect for what you describe; massive outdoors scene, cafe culture, Peak District on your door step and some of the best schools in the North. You’d also get a lot more for your money. I mean it’s an expensive bit of Sheffield but not on a par with the South East

I’m afraid that’s one of those ‘you can pick any two from 3’ scenarios.

Good
Cheap
South East

You can’t have all 3, so which one are you going to compromise on?

I think if you want cheap and SE then Chatham, Gillingham, Gravesend are commuter towns but not much cafe culture there.
Canterbury is nice but the trains from any of these further/coastal stations will be ££.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/148784402

Haha Crawley is the wannabe Croydon.

@Walkthelakes I only need to be in London 1-2 days. But commute costs are a factor.

My good list isn't overly demanding, so probably this.

I just want something that offers a little more than dull suburbsville but isn't obscenely expensive. I grew up in quite a socially mixed town. Where I live now has its edges but is also incredibly dull.

I'd then say I could compromise on South East...but this is quite a scary move. I do really really like being able to drive to a beach in say 40 mins (which I can currently).

Budget is pretty fixed, I could stretch to 275k.

Swindon?

I like that @Turmerictolly .

Feeling more optimistic about hunting now.