A Guide to Living in Broadstairs

Thinking of living in Broadstairs?

This picturesque coastal town in Kent has become one of the most desirable places to live in the county.

With its stunning beaches, excellent schools, and close proximity to London, Broadstairs offers an appealing lifestyle for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Whether you’re looking for a seaside retreat or a family-friendly community, Broadstairs has something for everyone.

Moving house, particularly to a new area is never as easy as it seems!

This is especially the case when you do not know a lot about the area you are moving to.

Before you organise your move, gathering as much information about the area as possible is an important step.

We have used our years of experience moving customers across the UK to provide you with a detailed guide to moving to the area.

This guide will provide everything you need to know about living in Broadstairs, from property prices to transport links and things to do, helping to make your decision to move much easier.

Why Live in Broadstairs?

Living in Broadstairs offers residents a unique lifestyle that is hard to find anywhere else in Kent.

Nestled on the Kent coast between Margate and Ramsgate, Broadstairs provides a stunning seaside setting with one of the best beaches in the region, Viking Bay.

Its combination of picturesque scenery and excellent transport links makes Broadstairs the ideal location for a range of different buyers including families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the top reasons to live in Broadstairs, which we will explore in more detail throughout this guide:

• Access to excellent beaches and coastal walks – Broadstairs is renowned for its golden sandy beaches and scenic coastal paths, perfect for weekend strolls and family days out.
• Great transport links to London and Europe – Broadstairs is just over an hour from London by train, making it a viable option for commuters who want the best of both worlds.
• Highly rated schools and family-friendly neighbourhoods – The town is home to a range of highly rated schools, making it ideal for families.
• A diverse range of properties, from period homes to new builds – Whether you’re after a period home, a seaside cottage, or a new build, Broadstairs offers a variety of properties to suit different tastes and budgets.

Broadstairs Housing Market

Broadstairs is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods, each offering its own unique character that will appeal to buyers with different interests.

Whether you’re looking for bustling seaside living or a quieter village feel, there’s an area to suit everyone.

Firstly, there’s the Viking Bay Area, sitting in the heart of Broadstairs, close to the beach and local amenities.

The area is very popular with tourists, meaning it’s perfect for those who want to live near the action, with stunning sea views and easy access to shops and cafes.

For a more residential area, St Peter’s offers a peaceful atmosphere with good schools and local amenities.

This neighbourhood is ideal for families who want a quieter setting but still be close to the town centre.

Known for its larger, luxurious properties, Kingsgate is a quieter area with easy access to other nearby beaches like Botany Bay.

It’s popular with those looking for a more exclusive, peaceful lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of the main town.

Now that you know a bit about some of the best areas to consider moving to, let’s take a look at property prices.

When it comes to buying a home in Broadstairs, the property market is varied, offering a mix of seaside cottages, period homes, and modern developments.

While Broadstairs is considered a premium location within Kent, it remains more affordable than London.

Current average property prices in Broadstairs by property type are:

• Flats: £288,134
• Terraced homes: £275,365
• Semi-detached homes: £434,609
• Detached homes: £521,290

The average property price in Broadstairs is £415,065, reflecting its status as one of the most sought-after coastal towns in Kent.

While prices are higher than in other parts of Kent, the lifestyle and amenities on offer make it a popular choice for those seeking a seaside home.

If you’re considering renting in Broadstairs, expect to find a range of rental options, from modern flats to family homes.

Rental demand can be high, particularly during the summer months when tourism is at its peak.

Cost of Living in Broadstairs

It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of living in Broadstairs is higher than some other towns in Kent, but it’s still more affordable than living in London.

As with much of the UK, rising energy and food costs are a concern, but there are ways to manage expenses.

Average weekly living expenses in the UK are around £628, according to NimbleFins, and Broadstairs falls within this range.

However, there are plenty of ways to cut costs, such as shopping at budget-friendly supermarkets like Lidl and Iceland, both of which are conveniently located in the town.

Additionally, Broadstairs’ biggest attraction is its natural beauty – Viking Bay is completely free to enjoy, making it the perfect way to save money while embracing the seaside lifestyle – you may want to avoid the delicious icecream parlours if you are on a budget which is easier said then done!

Schools in Broadstairs

If you’re moving to Broadstairs with children, you’ll find a variety of excellent schools on offer, making it a top choice for families.

Ensuring there are plenty of schooling options is an important part of choosing a new place to call home.

No matter where you are thinking of moving to, it is vital to examine some of the area’s top schools!

Living in Broadstairs ensures your children will be admitted to a choice of top schools.

The town and surrounding areas provide plenty of choices when it comes to education.

Top primary schools in Broadstairs include:

• Chilton Primary School – Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, this is a popular choice for parents.
• Cliftonville Primary School – Another ‘Outstanding’ school known for its strong academic performance.
• St Mildred’s Primary School – A well-regarded school with an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating.

For secondary education, Broadstairs is home to:

• Dane Court Grammar School – A top-tier mixed grammar school offering the Baccalaureate, also rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
• Chatham House and Clarendon House Grammar Schools – Both provide high-quality education for children aged 11 to 18.

Broadstairs’ excellent school options make it an attractive destination for families looking to provide their children with the best possible start in life.

Transport Links

Living in Broadstairs doesn’t mean being cut off from the rest of the UK.

In fact, the town enjoys excellent transport links, making it a viable option for commuters and frequent travellers.

By train

Broadstairs is just 1 hour and 20 minutes from London St Pancras International, thanks to high-speed services that make commuting straightforward.

Trains run regularly, making day trips to the capital easy.

By road

The town is around 80 miles from London, a journey that typically takes 1 hour and 50 minutes by car via the A255 and A299 roads, offering convenient access to other towns in Kent and the wider region.

Ferry and international links

Broadstairs’ coastal location also makes it well-positioned for travel to Europe, with ferry services from nearby Dover to Calais, ideal for weekend getaways.

Things to do in Broadstairs

Broadstairs provides locals with a range of excellent activities and amenities to enjoy.

Having already made our list of the best coastal towns in Kent, it should come as no surprise that the area is bursting with things to do!

Here are some of our top picks to keep in mind:

• Viking Bay: This iconic beach is the jewel in Broadstairs’ crown, offering golden sands and perfect swimming conditions. It’s a family favourite for days out, with a traditional seaside feel.
• The Charles Dickens Festival: Each year, Broadstairs celebrates its connection to Charles Dickens, who often visited the town. The festival includes parades, performances, and literary events.
• Dickens House Museum: Situated on the seafront, this museum offers a glimpse into Dickens’ life and his time spent in Broadstairs.
• Westwood Cross: When the weather begins to turn, Westwood Cross offers locals a modern shopping and entertainment complex with a cinema, casino, and plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Broadstairs offers something for everyone, whether you’re a culture lover, a beachgoer, or simply looking for a relaxing day out.

Dining Out in Broadstairs

The town boasts a diverse culinary scene. With its coastal location, seafood is an obvious choice.

Restaurants serve freshly caught fish and traditional dishes, but there’s also an array of international cuisine, making it a food lover’s paradise.

If you are a burger lover Please Sir! is the place to be.

With over 575 excellent reviews on Tripadvisor, it may even be the best burger in the county!

Click here for a list of even more great places to eat in Broadstairs, there are plenty to choose from.

Employment in Broadstairs

While living in Broadstairs offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle, there are also employment opportunities in the town and surrounding areas.

The local economy thrives on tourism, retail, healthcare, and education, providing a range of jobs for residents.

For those willing to commute, Broadstairs’ proximity to London opens up even more possibilities.

Thanks to the excellent train connections, professionals can easily access the capital for work while enjoying seaside living.

Ready to Start Living in Broadstairs?

Are you thinking of moving to Broadstairs?

Whether you want to make the most of the choice of good schools or excellent properties, Broadstairs is sure to appeal.

There is surely a home for you when living in Broadstairs.

GoodMove will make your move to Broadstairs an easy and stress-free process.

We take great joy in ensuring everything runs smoothly and flawlessly, helping you to settle into your new home right away.

As well as our competitively priced removals package, we can also offer extra services such as temporary or long-term storage facilities should you need them.

As members of the British Association of Removers (BAR), we follow the highest standards of service and professionalism in the removals industry, helping to guarantee that your move is handled with the utmost care.

To find out more about how we could get your dream move to Broadstairs or any other location underway do not hesitate to call us on the number listed above.

Alternatively, fill out a quick quote form or click on our live bot in the bottom right and a member of our customer services team will be in touch shortly.

FAQs

What is the average house price in Broadstairs?
The average house price can vary, but as of recent data, it’s approximately £442,388. However, this can fluctuate based on location and property type.

How far is Broadstairs from London?
Broadstairs is roughly 80 miles from London. By train, it usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is Broadstairs a good place for retirees?
Absolutely! With its serene environment, engaging community activities, and excellent healthcare facilities, many retirees find Broadstairs an ideal place to settle.

Are there any hospitals in Broadstairs?
Yes, Broadstairs has healthcare facilities, including QEQM Hospital in nearby Margate, ensuring residents have access to medical care when needed.

What’s the climate like?
Broadstairs has a temperate climate. Summers are generally warm, and winters are mild, with occasional rainfall throughout the year.

Can I find rental properties in Broadstairs?
Yes, Broadstairs offers a range of rental properties, from apartments to beachfront homes, catering to diverse needs and budgets.