Is Chilham a Nice Place to Live?

Ah, Chilham. Nestled in the heart of Kent, this picturesque village sits just a stone’s throw from Canterbury. With its charming streets and quintessential English vibe, you might wonder if Chilham is the perfect place to call home. But hold your horses — let’s take a deeper dive into what living in Chilham is really like, warts and all.

Is Chilham safe?

So, safety first. Generally speaking, Chilham is considered quite safe. It’s a sleepy village where not much happens, and that’s reflected in the crime stats. The crime rate, in general, is lower than the regional average, which is reassuring. However, certain spots like Soleshill Road and Cobbs Hill have seen a handful of incidents, mostly petty theft. So, while you can mostly leave your front door open, it’s always good to keep an eye out, especially in those areas.

Is Chilham a nice place to live for families?

Right, let’s talk family life. Chilham certainly has its perks for those with little ones in tow.

Primary Schools

First off, schools. Chilham St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is your best bet locally. It’s rated “Good” by Ofsted, which isn’t too shabby. However, if you’re after an “Outstanding” school, you’ll need to look a bit further afield. The competition for places can be fierce, especially as some schools in surrounding areas might be out of catchment.

Secondary Schools

When it comes to secondary education, the choices are a bit more limited within the village. Parents often look towards Canterbury for more options, which can mean dealing with the daily commute or bus routes.

Parks and Family Activities

The village green plays host to a playground that’s rather sweet. It’s modest but does the job. For more extensive play areas or family outings, you might find yourself heading to Canterbury or Ashford. That said, the sense of community in Chilham is strong, with plenty of local events and activities to keep families entertained.

Is Chilham expensive?

Now, about the wallet. Chilham isn’t the cheapest place to buy a house, but it’s not sky-high either. The average property price stands at around £310,000, with most people snapping up semi-detached homes at about £390,000. If you’re after something more affordable, you might want to look at terraced properties, which go for around £225,000.

Renting is a mixed bag. Availability is somewhat limited, with rental prices noticeably higher than the regional average. For instance, a 3-bed cottage might set you back £2200 a month. If you’re considering neighboring areas, places like Ashford or Faversham might offer more bang for your buck.

What transport links are there?

Chilham’s got decent transport links given its rural setting. The village has its own train station, which connects you to Canterbury and Ashford with relative ease. Buses are also an option, though they’re not as frequent as you might like. If you’re commuting to London, getting to Canterbury West for the high-speed train is probably your best bet. Roads are pretty good too, with the A28 running close by, making drives to nearby towns fairly straightforward.

What amenities are available in Chilham?

When it comes to amenities, Chilham punches above its weight for a village of its size. You’ve got your basic essentials covered: a post office, a couple of doctors’ surgeries, and even a fitness centre. For a bite to eat, there are a few cosy options like The Church Mouse Tea Rooms and The Hidden Tearoom Chilham. If you fancy a pint, The White Horse Inn and The Woolpack Hotel are solid choices for a drink and a natter.

What is the surrounding outdoor area like?

If you’re an outdoorsy type, Chilham will suit you down to the ground. The village is surrounded by stunning countryside, perfect for walking or cycling. The North Downs Way passes through here, offering some fantastic trails. Kings Wood is a short jaunt away and is great for a woodland walk. Then there’s Godmersham Park, which is ideal for a family picnic.

So, what’s the verdict?

So, is Chilham a nice place to live? For the most part, yes. It’s got that idyllic English village feel with a strong sense of community and beautiful surroundings. However, it’s not without its downsides. Limited school options and higher rental costs might be a sticking point for some. But if you’re after a peaceful, picturesque place with good transport links and a friendly vibe, Chilham could be just the ticket.

What are the alternatives?

If Chilham doesn’t quite tick all your boxes, nearby alternatives like Wye, Ashford, and Canterbury offer their own sets of perks and quirks. Wye is another charming village but comes with a higher price tag. Ashford is more affordable and has excellent transport links, particularly for London commuters, but lacks the quaint village feel. Canterbury, on the other hand, is bustling with amenities and top-notch schools but can be pricier and busier. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you value most in your future home.