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Some villages and towns have been quietly dropped from the Best Places to Live in Kent list for 2026 by Muddy Stilettos, but that's given others a chance to make the grade. The lifestyle website has once again curated its most desirable top spots, but it's trimmed the list down to eight, from the usual 10.
It said its list would "guide potential buyers to the local hot spots and up-and-coming areas". Describing Kent, it said: "From the rolling hills, vineyards and orchards of west Kent to the cool, coastal towns and creative vibe of east Kent - the Garden of England has it all.
"With commuter catnip rail links into London, a blossoming foodie scene and the best wineries in England on your doorstep." The list for 2025 was weighted heavily towards west Kent, with seven from this area.
They were Sevenoaks, Cranbrook, Tunbridge Wells, Penshurst, Westerham, Tenterden and Speldhurst. Folkestone, Faversham and Canterbury also made the cut last year.
However, on the tighter list for 2026, some of those places have been left on the cutting room floor. Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells, as always, appear on the list, with Cranbrook returning this year.
New additions are Faversham, Plaxtol, Wye, Marden and Ramsgate.
Those for the chop
And for the chop were Penshurst, Westerham, Tenterden, Speldhurst, Folkestone, and Canterbury. This is part of what it says about Tunbridge Wells: "Forget those letter-writing retired colonels: this spa town now pulls in well-families chasing a best-of-both-worlds commuter lifestyle.
"With yoga studios, art galleries galore and the Garden of England's apple-orchards on the doorstep, this town has it all." While it said this about Ramsgate: "Known for its stunning sandy beaches, vibrant marina, and rich maritime history.
"Ramsgate boasts a unique blend of Victorian elegance and seaside charm." Cranbrook was described thus: "This weather-boarded gem set in beautiful countryside has one of the country's most unique grammar schools, a strong community and even its own local wines."
And Marden was also praised: "Surrounded by vineyards and countryside, yet with excellent transport links, this popular village has its own smart sports club and good schools nearby." Faversham's profile said this: "This pretty market town is one to watch as an investment due to its growing reputation as a foodie destination, stunning scenery all around, from coastal rambles to countryside walks, and decent train links to London, should you ever want to leave."
This town is no stranger to being ranked on prestigious lists, it's Sevenoaks with judges saying: "Craving the rolling hills of rural west Kent but still want an easy commute into London and a busy social scene? This pretty market town is popular for a reason."
Plaxtol is described the following way: "A rare gem, Plaxtol isn't a 'through village' - which means peace, charm and a proper sense of community in a picture-perfect setting. And lastly, Wye hit the right notes with the team, which said: "Nestled near the pretty North Downs, you're in prime walking territory here.
"Perfectly placed between Ashford, Canterbury and the coast, this village is all about location, location, location." Muddy Stilettos founder and editor-in-chief Hero Brown said: "When people decide to move, they're searching for more than just a house - they want a home, a lifestyle that works for them and their family, and if they're strategic, a long-term investment too.
"Our 2026 'Top 260 Best Places To Live' guide will give them that extra reassurance they need to make their search easier in these difficult economic times. We've built our reputation on our first-hand knowledge of the most exciting, vibrant places to go and things to do outside London.
"Now, with Scotland and Wales added to the guide and new information added on important considerations such as schools, culture and health and wellbeing, the 2026 list is a natural step for us to continue to expand our authority in this area. Combined with up to the minute listings of desirable properties, we think it's a unique reference point in a turbulent yet hopefully resilient property market."
The list for 2024 was Ickham, Tankerton, Westerham, Cranbrook, Tunbridge Wells, Folkestone, Faversham, Sevenoaks, Speldhurst and Tenterden. You can see the full Best Places to Live 2026 Muddy Stilettos list here.
The best places to live in Kent for 2026 - full list (in no particular order) Sevenoaks Cranbrook Faversham Tunbridge Wells Plaxtol Wye Marden Ramsgate
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