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.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/144324071#/?channel=RES_BUY

Well its ticks the 1.5hrs from London box on the fast train from Clacton, within budget and SE. There is a pool in the area too. Not sure its considered 'good' though?

Thame in Oxfordshire?

Canterburys also very close to Whitstable which is very trendy but expensive (sea swimming, sea sports clubs). Lots going on in Canterbury as it's also a student town so good leisure and arts facilities.

Maybe Rye?
It is pretty, by the sea and you can get to London in 1h15

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/146594369

Southsea

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/148825670

Shoreham. You might squeeze a 2 bed maisonette for that budget.

Folkestone, Ramsgate, Margate, Deal.

I’m really sorry OP I’m just chiming in to say please don’t even consider Hailsham. It’s got a horrible small town mentality and really bad reputation, DH grew up there and made his life choices in order to never move there again! Polegate would be better as the station is right there and you’re not far from Eastbourne for gyms and coffee shops 👍🏻

Visited Margate recently and it had a nice vibe! 3 bedroom terraced house for sale in Eaton Road, Margate, CT9 (rightmove.co.uk) THis 3 bed terrace is £250k.

North Buckinghamshire? Aylesbury, Buckingham, Milton Keynes areas

Thanet could work - Ramsgate or Margate rather than Broadstairs.

Good grief I think you've just recommended the 3 worst places in Kent 🤣. Please don't consider living to any of these!!!

I'd look at E.Sussex tends to be a bit cheaper although often due to more limited London commuter links. 1hr30 train journey (so probably 2 hours all in) is a fair old commute for more than a day or two but is far enough you should get a bit more for your money.

3 bed house in Folkestone?

www.milesandbarr.co.uk/property-for-sale/house-terraced-for-sale-in-burrow-roadfolkestone/37801

Another vote for Southsea. Lots going on, (looked superb during the recent D Day ceremony and also have the fab Victorious music festival in the summer) , super places nearby and students around which brings a liveliness to it.
Train to Waterloo.
Would it have to be a house as there are some good 2 bed apartments?

Folkstone and Margate have a great social scene, quite the hipster crowd BUT despite some nice housing stock, they are still very deprived areas so you'd do well to rent first and get to know the area before buying.

Another Margate one - a flat rather than a house but with fab sea views! 2 bedroom flat for sale in Sea View Terrace, Margate, CT9 (rightmove.co.uk)

Basingstoke

Chippenham will get you something ok and it's only 1 hr 10 to London (Paddington) quick lizzy line change and it's doable - it's also only 12 minutes then on train into Bath too.

It has all the stuff you asked for and I think has improved a lot by people priced out of Bath

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/148304375#/?channel=RES_BUY

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/148851317#/?channel=RES_BUY

I love Hastings , that would get my vote . Old town is like a small Brighton vibe , on the beach , parks close by . Lots of arty types moving in. Could get a lovely period property for your budget .

Faversham maybe? It's a tough one.

Canterbury has some 2 bed terraces - Cant East (a ten min walk from most of Wincheap which is this part) goes to Victoria in about 1hr. Wincheap primary has a diverse mix of families but always does well with value added, is a grammar area if that is your bag. Council are rebuilding the leisure centre so will be brand new, lots of gyms PureGym nearest to Wincheap but more on the other side of town (DW). Has a nice kids park, some independent shops...worth a look https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/find.html?locationIdentifier=REGION%5E27043&maxBedrooms=2&minBedrooms=2&sortType=1&propertyTypes=detached%2Csemi-detached%2Cterraced&mustHave=&dontShow=&furnishTypes=&keywords=

This is an absolute belter of a house for the money in Hastings OP- I didn't suggest Hastings as I thought it might be over budget- but I like it- it does have some rough bits yes- but to be honest most places do - and lots of nice things to counter that

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/147737621#/?channel=RES_BUY

Another vote for Folkestone
Check out the Harbour Arm area
Kings Cross in 50 mins
Stratford, East London in 40 mins
Lovely houses for about £250

Aylesbury?

www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/66912933/