“Along with fast rail links to London (and Paris via the Eurostar), Northfleet has Bluewater shopping centre, the M25 and the Dartford Crossing nearby.”
Living in Northfleet
When it comes to transport links to and from the capital, Northfleet is a dream for commuters with trains into Charing Cross and St Pancras.
The town is in the Gravesham Borough of Kent and is a 10-minute drive into the centre of Gravesend. Northfleet, Gravesend and other neighbouring spots like Swanscombe make up a group of more affordable commuter towns, though the area in general is not as upmarket other commuter regions in Kent.
However, much of Northfleet’s appeal is convenience of where you can get to quickly and easily. Aside from the fast rail links to London (and Paris via the Eurostar), Bluewater shopping centre, the M25 and the Dartford Crossing are all a short 10-minute drive.
House prices in Northfleet
Northfleet’s overall average price of around £256,000 is similar to next door Gravesend’s average of £268,000, though both are considerably cheaper than Swanscombe and Istead Rise, with averages of £334,000 and £367,000 respectively.
“Aside from the fast rail links to London (and Paris via the Eurostar), Bluewater shopping centre, the M25 and the Dartford Crossing are all a short 10-minute drive.”
Transport
Our Locality Reality mapping tool rates Northfleet as having the best transport in Kent. Residents have the choice of three rail stations, serving to two different lines into London.
Northfleet and Swanscombe stations have a direct service, starting in nearby Gravesend, into Charing Cross via London Bridge, taking roughly an hour. Alternatively, Ebbsfleet International runs services that get into St Pancras in around 20 minutes, while in the opposite direction the service goes all the way to Faversham, Margate and Sandwich. The Eurostar is also an option at Ebbsfleet International.
By car both the A2 and M25 are less than 10 minutes away, while Arriva runs bus services to Dartford, Gravesend and Bluewater.
Lifestyle
Immediately in Northfleet are mostly a random assortment of specialist trade shops and takeaways. However, there is the Ye Olde Leather Bottle, which serves pub grub and roasts on Sunday, and Americana restaurant Hotrod Diner. A 10-minute drive away, Gravesend provides a more conventional selection of high street shops, including Argos, Primark, Debenhams and many more. Equidistant Bluewater shopping centre has more choice of restaurants and shops as well as a multiplex cinema.
As you’d expect from a city where the Norwich City FC Stadium restaurant is run by none other than famed chef Delia Smith, there’s plenty of good restaurants to be found here. Highlights the include the stylish Roger Hickman’s Restaurant, lively gastropub the Last Wine Bar and Benedict’s for those seeking classic French bistro food. Close to the coast, the nearby towns of Cromer and Sheringham also host an annual Crab and Lobster Festival for fans of these tasty crustaceans.
Groceries
For grocery shopping there is a Co-Op in the centre of Swanscombe and a Marks & Spencer in Ebbsfleet International station. However, next door Gravesend has a Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi just a short drive away.
Health & Sport
With local football team Ebbsfleet United on your doorstep, you may be inspired to get down to the local gym, Snap Fitness. In Gravesend you can also choose not only from other gyms, but also personal fitness instructors and kickboxing classes.
Culture
Northfleet’s name derives from being on the northern reach of what was once known as River Fleet, which today is called Ebbsfleet.
Schools and Education
Northfleet has several ‘Good’ Ofsted-rated primary schools, including Lawn Primary School, Manor Community Primary School, and The Craylands School. Local secondary school The Ebbsfleet Academy also has a ‘Good’ rating.
Safety
With a population of around 40,000 people, this densely populated area’s crime rate is higher than average for Kent, with many of the offences tending to be violent crime and anti-social behavior.
Green space
Northfleet has the Northfleet Urban Country Park on its doorstep, while its proximity to the A2 means the countryside is no more than a 15-minute drive away.