Leeds to Kent County - any advice?

Jmaster and myself have added a new fun twist to this year's list of life-changing events - moving south!

We are moving at the end of July to somewhere around orpington (that's where his work will be) and we'll be looking to rent a 3 bedroom place up to a commute distance of 40min drive.

I will finish my dissertation at home, I will be fine away from the Uni and can always go back up there if need be.

any suggestions about renting in that area? preferable places as opposed to less desirable ones? There is so much to consider, like we have to join a new gym (we are at virgin active now) etc...

I'll be happy to be able to go to the London meetups once in a while too since I'll only be a train ride away

oh and cheaper flights back home are always a plus!

Hiya... glad you got your wish to move south, and i hope it all goes well for you.
Just wanted to say, though, that it's just called 'Kent'.  No one calls it 'Kent County', so you might confuse a few people if you say that.

As far as advice on Kent, i cant help from personal experience... but i have friends in Rochester and Orpington, and they both like where they live.

All the best. 

Kent girl here. What things are important to you. Do you like quiet country living then you may consider areas like Sevenoaks - though it is the most expensive place in Kent. Do you like the buz of city life, then you may consider areas close to London or you may consider Maidstone where there is plenty of nightclubs and pubs to choose from and a decent shopping centre.

Rochester has some nice places and its a historic town. Not very lively though and it is part of the Medway towns. there areant many good shops but bluewater is not far where you can shop till you drop. There is one very well known nightclub in Rochester, it doesnt always get a good reputation. There is a lot of regenaration going on in Medway and its part of the Thames gateway. So in the future it may be a place where a lot of people may want to live. Rochester is the best i think of all the other grim Medway towns.

As you go up the other places like Gravesand and Dartford. These are more muliticultural.

Have you got any other areas you have thought about. Personally i wouldnt live in Orpington but thats just me.

Also try www.upmystreet.co.uk [nofollow] and type in these areas and check the conversations for the areas it will give you an idea.

No one calls it 'Kent County'

you didn't get the memo Q-G? We call it The KC now. 

Welcome. Orpington is fine and so are many of the surrounding areas.