Is Great Chart a Nice Place to Live?

Great Chart is a quaint little village in the Ashford district of Kent. It has a charming, countryside feel but with the added benefit of being quite close to the bustling town of Ashford. Public opinion is generally positive, though there are definitely some drawbacks to consider. Let’s take a deeper dive into what it’s like to live in Great Chart.

Is Great Chart safe?

When it comes to safety, Great Chart is better than many places but not without its issues. Public opinion is mixed, with some residents feeling very secure and others a bit wary. The most common crimes involve shoplifting and incidents near parking areas. For instance, there were a number of petty crimes reported near the Great Chart Playing Fields and Baileys Field. However, burglary seems to be a non-issue here, which is a positive. Most locals find the village to be peaceful, particularly in the residential areas.

Is Great Chart a nice place to live for families?

Great Chart has largely been seen as a family-friendly locale. Schools and family activities are abundant, making it a considerable option for those with young kids.

Primary & Secondary Schools

There is an outstanding primary school right in the village – Great Chart Primary School. It’s highly rated and well-regarded among parents. However, competition can be tough, especially if you live on the fringes of the village. Other nearby primary schools include The John Wesley Church of England Methodist Voluntary Aided Primary School and Beaver Green Primary School, both of which have good ratings. Unfortunately, there aren’t any outstanding secondary schools within Great Chart itself. Most parents opt for schools in Ashford, which, let’s be honest, can be a bit of a hassle.

Parks, Playgrounds & Family Activities

There are several parks and playgrounds to keep the little ones occupied. Great Chart Playing Fields and Singleton Oast Play Park are popular spots. Family activities are ample too, especially with Ashford being so close by. The number of families living in the village makes it a community-oriented place, with plenty of scope for playdates and family gatherings.

Is Great Chart expensive?

When it comes to house prices, Great Chart is somewhat middle-of-the-road. The average property price stands at around £300,000. Terraced houses are a bit cheaper, averaging at £285,000, while semi-detached houses go for around £310,000. Flats are the most economical, fetching around £160,000. The area is somewhat affordable compared to other parts of Kent, but it’s not exactly a bargain. For those looking at rentals, a 2-bed terraced house can cost you about £1,150 per month, and a 2-bed flat will be around £1,050. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider neighboring areas like Ashford itself, which offers a wider range of housing options.

What transport links are there?

Great Chart benefits from decent transport links, especially if you’re commuting to nearby cities. Buses are frequent and cover routes to Ashford and beyond. There’s good road connectivity with the A28 running close by, making it relatively straightforward to get to places like Canterbury. Ashford International train station is just a short drive away, offering high-speed services to London, which is a big plus for those who need to commute to the capital.

What amenities are available in Great Chart?

For a village of its size, Great Chart has a fair selection of amenities. You’ve got a few takeout spots like Singleton Fish Bar and Sumo Sushi Ashford. There are also some sit-down options like Thai Basil UK and Munchies Burgers. If you enjoy a good pub, Singleton Barn and Swan & Dog are popular local watering holes. For groceries and day-to-day essentials, there’s a Morrisons Daily convenience store. Healthcare facilities are quite adequate with multiple doctors, a post office, vet services, and a couple of pharmacies. Hair salons are also available if you need to freshen up your look.

What is the surrounding outdoor area like?

The surrounding outdoor areas in Great Chart are quite lovely. There are several parks and nature spots like Buxford Meadow and Ashford Community Woodland. These areas offer plenty of opportunities for walks, picnics, and enjoying the great outdoors. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of greenery and fresh air.

So, what’s the verdict?

To sum it up, Great Chart has quite a bit going for it. It’s generally safe, family-friendly, and offers a decent range of amenities. House prices and rent are reasonable, though not exactly cheap. Transport links are good, making it easy to commute to nearby towns and cities. However, the lack of outstanding secondary schools and some minor safety concerns might be drawbacks for some. Overall, it’s a solid choice, especially if you’re looking for a village feel with easy access to urban conveniences.

What are the alternatives?

If Great Chart doesn’t quite fit the bill, there are several nearby alternatives worth considering. Ashford offers more in terms of amenities and schools, but it can be pricier. Kingsnorth is another option with a good mix of suburban and rural feel, albeit with slightly higher property prices. For those looking for something more affordable, Willesborough might be a better choice, though it lacks the same village charm. Each of these areas has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s worth taking a look to see which fits your needs best.