Living in Chatham – The Ultimate Moving Guide

Thinking of living in Chatham?

Making a move is always a bit of a leap, and if you’re thinking about relocating to historical Chatham, you’ll want the low-down on what life is really like, while also tackling the practical side of the move itself.

The town sits within the Medway unitary authority in the ceremonial county of Kent, known as the Garden of England.

Chatham benefits from strong transport links to London and provides its population with commuter convenience, along with a more relaxed, laid-back kind of pace than the capital.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what it’s like to live there, what to look out for when moving home, plus how choosing a smart removals partner means less stress for you and your household.

A Brief Look Back at Chatham’s Past

Chatham’s story stretches right back to 880 AD, when it was known as “Ceteham” – meaning the homestead of the Cetes.

Its riverside position on the Medway soon made it a natural hub for trade and shipbuilding.

By the 16th century, Chatham had become a powerhouse of naval strength, renowned for its dockyard and ship construction, particularly during battles such as the clash with the Spanish Armada.

Although the town experienced a decline in the 19th century as shipbuilding shifted elsewhere, it remained a key defence base throughout both World Wars, enduring heavy bombing.

Post-war regeneration brought new housing, shopping, and leisure facilities – transforming Chatham into the lively, modern town Kent knows today.

Location, Transport & Access

Let’s start with where you’ll be based and how you are going to get about in the area.

Chatham lies within the unitary authority of Medway Council in Kent, around 33 miles from London.

One of the big advantages for people moving here is the transport link: the main station, Chatham railway station, offers convenient routes into London (40 mins), making commuting a wholly viable option.

If you prefer to use the local bus, Arriva Southern Counties and Nu-Venture operate services across the region.

There are routes to various destinations in Medway, including Gillingham, Grain, Strood and Rochester and also to other towns in Kent, including Maidstone, Gravesend, Blue Bell Hill, and Sittingbourne.

There is also an express bus via Strood, Rochester, and A2 to Bluewater in Greenhithe.

With green initiatives taking hold across the UK, Chatham also has 139 cycle routes to explore, not just for getting to the office, but for recreational purposes.

Explore the local routes via bikemap.

Overview of Chatham’s Housing Market

Next up: what’s it like to buy/ rent and move into a property in Chatham?

It’s worth knowing what the housing scene looks like. Chatham offers relatively good value compared with many commuter towns closer to London and, of course, London itself.

You’ll find a mix of housing types: Victorian terraces, modern apartments, and homes along the riverside, pointing to growing regeneration.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average house price in the wider Medway area was about £303,000 in August 2025, up 5.7% year-on-year.

More locally, data from Rightmove shows that in Chatham, the average property currently sits around £315,894, with terraced homes averaging £282,852 and detached homes £467,333.

If you are planning to be living in Chatham, you can expect a good return for your investment.

On the rental side, average monthly rents in the area hit around £1,216 in September 2025, marking a 9.1% annual rise.

Education in Chatham

If you’re moving to Chatham, the local education scene is well worth a look; in fact, it will be vital.

The Medway Council oversees school performance in the area and publishes full listings of inspection reports and test results, so you can get a feel for each school’s standards.

For example, Chatham Grammar (for girls aged 11–18) was recently rated “Good” by Ofsted in October 2023.

In the primary sector, several schools in the Chatham/Medway area hold “Outstanding” or “Good” judgments, with the performance group Snobe listing four primary schools as Outstanding and many secondaries as Good.

Furthermore, the local grammar‐school entry test (“Medway Test”) is competitive: in 2024, 3,844 children took it, with 936 assessed as eligible for grammar school places.

All in all, Chatham offers a range of schooling options, be it state comprehensives, grammar schools, or primaries, meaning there is plenty of choice for families relocating here.

Things to Do, Local Leisure & Surroundings

When living in Chatham, you’ll find a mixture of heritage, green spaces, and riverside walks.

For example, vestiges of the town’s naval past and historic dockyard sites provide character.

For leisure, being in Kent means you’re close to some of the UK’s most stunning countryside and a swathe of coastal locations, and yet still quickly connected to the city if you prefer.

Having access to plenty of great things to do, see, and experience makes looking forward to the weekend even more exciting.

TripAdvisor is  a great place to start your search for something to do in Chatham, plus each activity is rated, so you really do get a good idea if it’s worth a visit.

Work and Employment Opportunities When Living in Chatham

Alongside commuting into London, Chatham and the wider Medway area also offer a broad mix of job opportunities across multiple sectors.

The town’s economy is driven by logistics, manufacturing, retail, and public services, with Medway Council itself employing thousands across education, health, and community roles.

Local job boards list hundreds of openings in customer service, skilled trades, and engineering. You might also want to explore online employment agencies such as CV Library and totaljobs.

Thanks to strong rail links to London and nearby business hubs like Maidstone and Rochester, many residents also enjoy commuter access to a wider employment market.

Whether you’re starting a new career or seeking stability for your family, Chatham’s work prospects are diverse and well-connected.

Practical Moving-Day Tips for Chatham

Now you have a better overview of the town, the surrounding area and GoodMove,  let’s get into the nitty-gritty. When you’re planning a move to Chatham, here are some practical pointers to consider:

• Parking & loading: Secure a space outside your new property for the removal van. Contact your local council if needed to arrange a temporary suspension or loading bay.
• Access: Check whether your new address has narrow roads or restricted time windows for moving vans. Some older parts of town might need special arrangements.
• Stairs & lifts: Older homes may have steep stairs; newer builds may have tighter corridors or lifts requiring advance booking.
• Neighbours & timing: Try to avoid peak hours if your move involves large vehicles on busy routes into town. Early morning or weekends may be quieter.
• Unpacking plan: Positioning furniture and boxes optimally on arrival helps reduce noise and disruption for neighbours — and gets your home usable quicker.

Choosing GoodMove as Your Preferred Removal Company

When you’re relocating to Chatham, you’re doing more than just moving boxes; you’re starting a new chapter.

That means you’ll want to partner with a removals company that understands the area, the roads, the property types, and the timings.

At GoodMove Removals & Storage we bring practical expertise in local logistics, a friendly approach that puts you at ease, and a solid track record in making moves smooth for families and professionals alike.

We can handle the heavy lifting, plan the details, and let you focus on settling into your new home and community — so your move to Chatham becomes an exciting transition, not a stressful ordeal.

Get in touch today – start your journey with us and don’t delay; your new life in Chatham awaits.