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SEA YOU THERE
I live in the coastal town named one the ‘best places to move to’ in the UK – here’s why I agree
You can even be in France in just 35 minutes
EVERYONE dreams of one day moving to live beside the seaside, with a daily walk along the beach.
I made it a reality a few years ago - with my new town named one of the best places to live in the UK.
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The latest Best Places to Live in 2024 study has been revealed by the Times.
Some of the winners included North Berwick in East Lothian, as well as regional winners such as Clerkenwell in London and Stockport in Manchester.
However, the best place to live in the south east was revealed to be Folkestone - my new hometown of six months.
Having lived in London for most of my twenties, I always knew I would never be able to settle down in my hometown back in Oxfordshire, due to soaring house prices.
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So instead I settled on heading to Kent, living in Margate before opting for Folkestone.
And despite my short time here, I can see why it is rated so highly.
Within just weeks of moving here, I met new friends on a wine tour who lived just around the corner, and I now often meet up with for a pub visit.
I've met all my neighbours following a number of 'welcome to the neighbourhood' cards that were posted through, and the doorstep chats that often happen.
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Even visiting the shops or the supermarket results in a chat with the staff there, often wanting a natter about goings on in the area.
Then there is the Harbour Arm, with trendy bars and eateries ranging from Japanese to Mexican, or the multicoloured high street with local cafes and shops.
There is amazing local vineyards and breweries, although I can hope on the Channel Tunnel and be in France within 35 minutes if I fancied a cheap booze run.
It even has F51, the worlds first multi storey skate park with climbing wall too.
The Times raved about the "cultural regeneration" along with "impressive schools, state-of-the-art sports facilities and high-speed trains to London".
I can see why it is often called the new Brighton too.
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Not only does it have a similar welcoming vibe - and a bustling LGBTQ+ community with events at the Folkestone Bookshop and the Quarterhouse - but both are less than an hour by train from London.
And Folkestone is much more affordable too - the average house price being £313,560 according to Zoopla, compared to Brighton's £492,257.
There's lots to be excited about - there is the return of the Leas Lift, set to reopen in 2025, as well as the return of the outdoor art festival Folkestone Triennial next year.
Of course it has it's problems - the ongoing sewage discharges affecting the UK coastline is also affecting Folkestone.
And there has been recent backlash following a number of expensive newbuilds along the coastline, with many saying they are pushing out locals and taking up valuable parking.
But for me, it's become a place where I've met some amazing new people as well as improved my work-life balance and found a new start.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
In the mean time, here are three other seaside towns Brits should visit this year.
And one woman who has been to 40 seaside resorts in the UK has revealed her favourite, unspoilt one.
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