Tunbridge Wells was voted the best place to live in Kent in 2024 by the luxury lifestyle website Muddy Stiletto’s with The Pantiles, the ease of travel to London, and its “growing foodie scene” being mentioned. The parks, independent shops, galleries and bars were also highlighted as great things about Royal Tunbridge Wells. The “exceptional schools, including many prestigious grammars” were also mentioned.

The town is also home to a brilliant blend of over 6,500 active businesses made up of  entrepreneurs (4,890), small businesses (500) as well as medium (80) and large (15) companies. 

With an 82.9% employment rate (well above the UK 76.8% average) and an average disposable household income of £29,087 (UK average £20,425), it’s no surprise it is a bustling commercial town. There is flexibility too with 70% of people working in full time roles (31+ hours per week) and 30% in part time roles (>30 hours per week).

Whilst there is some work to do, it is encouraging that the percentage of female founders is 14.29%, with male founders at 85.71%. Female directors represent 29.60% of the total directors in Tunbridge Wells.

The commute is another consideration, with the average person taking 10 minutes by bike, 7.9 minutes by car or 12 minutes by a combination of walking/public transport to get to work.

Employees in Tunbridge Wells gave their happiness rating as 7.4/10 and their life satisfaction as 7.7/10, above the national average of 7.5/10.