Let’s be real… Gravesend doesn’t always get the plaudits it deserves.
Here’s the real, unfiltered, very local version of why Gravesend works and why people genuinely choose to stay.
It rarely tops national “Best Place to Live” lists. It’s not on every influencer’s bucket list. And if you ask Siri, she might not sound that excited. But the people who live here? They love it.
And once you’ve lived here, you start to understand why.
Location, Location, Location
If you need access to London, Gravesend is one of the smartest moves you can make: Meopham to Victoria: ~30 minutes Gravesend to Stratford & King’s Cross: ~22 minutes on high-speed rail. That’s not “easy for Kent”, that’s ridiculously convenient. You can spend less time on trains and more time living.
Choice of Homes for Every Lifestyle
One of the biggest draws we see over and over?
The variety.
No matter what you’re after, Gravesend delivers:
- Victorian character homes
- Modern houses with open plans
- Classic small terraces
- Spacious detached houses with gardens
- Bungalows
- Village vibes in Istead Rise and Meopham
- Country living that’s still close to culture, coffee and convenience
You don’t have to sacrifice space or style, you can have both.
Local Flavours, Proper Quality
Some places have cafés… Gravesend has gems:
Basement Bakehouse – artisan bakery doing cinnamon buns and brownies that should probably come with a warning label. Also incredible sourdough that turns you into a bread snob overnight.
Aero Coffee Shop – go in for “one coffee” and somehow end up staying til lunch. Great vibe, better beans.
Core Reformer – not food, but absolutely part of the lifestyle here. Think Pilates, but harder, more fun and actually social.
Shops, Days Out & Everything Nearby
Need a shopping day?
Bluewater is just 15 minutes away, all the shops, all the brands, all the reasons to treat yourself.
Fancy a wander in a historic town with pubs and character?
Rochester is on the doorstep with charm to spare.
Need countryside with a pint after a walk?
You’ve got great local pubs within minutes.
It’s the best of all worlds, town, country, shops, culture, and none of the long drives.
Golf Days, Good Friends & Midweek Escapes
For golf lovers:
Both are brilliant courses, and yes, that Wednesday golf ritual is a thing (we know).
Even if you’re not a golfer, you’ll appreciate the space, the greenbelt views, the laid-back social life.
Nature on Your Doorstep
There’s countryside, and then there’s proper countryside:
Jeskyns Forest
Shorne Woods Country Park
Riverside walks
Fields and trails you actually enjoy
The kind of places where kids run free, dogs come home muddy, and weekends just feel like… weekends again.
Best Local Eats (Team Favourites)
Café Lounge in Meopham
Is a team favourite. Great food, great vibe, why are we always there? because it’s actually lovely.
Lunch dates, catch-ups, birthdays, it ticks every box.
Bartellas and The Cricketers are fantastic for social gatherings and meal.
Every neighbourhood ends up with its own little roster of favourite spots, and that’s the point, Gravesend feels like a place with places you belong.
NWK CrossFit: The Fitness Community Everyone Chats About
If you like community vibes and a workout that pushes you to question your life choices with friends — NWK CrossFit is one of the warmest and most encouraging fit communities around.
You walk in as a stranger…
and walk out being recognised on the street the next week.
Schools That Actually Matter
For families, it’s not just about the house, it’s about the life that comes with it.
Gravesend’s schooling options are a big reason people choose to move here.
Primary? Check.
Secondary? Check.
Grammar options? Yep.
Village schools? Absolutely.
Consistency, choice and quality, and it shows.
Community You Actually Feel
This is the thing that doesn’t show up in data but people feel right away:
Gravesend has a real sense of community.
People know people here.
Neighbours chat.
Kids make friends.
Local clubs thrive.
Events are a thing.
You bump into someone you know when you didn’t even expect it.
It’s not big-city anonymity, it’s connection.
Basically… Gravesend Just Works
Close to London.
Easy travel.
Great food.
Lovely homes.
Community spirit.
Green spaces everywhere.
Choices for families, first-timers, empty nesters, everyone.
It doesn’t need to shout, because the people who live here already know.
Thinking of making the move?
If you’re curious about buying, selling, upsizing, downsizing, relocating — or just want a proper local take:
WhatsApp Josh anytime — 07487 805 780No scripts.
No pressure.
Just honest local insight from people who live here, work here and genuinely love this place.