The Ultimate Guide to Living and Working in Dartford

Welcome to our ultimate guide to living, working, and visiting Dartford. Located in an area known locally as the London Basin, Dartford is a commuter town that lies southeast of central London offering fantastic community links to the bigger cities and towns of the area. With the River Darent flowing through the town centre, Dartford was once a historically important market town and has a long history intertwined with religion and cultural importance. Use the handy links below to skip the section you would like to read!

Is Dartford a Nice Place to Live?

Dartford, Kent, is a good choice for those looking for strong transport links but need housing to be affordable. There are direct train services to central London in less than an hour making it at a commuter’s dream. There are also some great local amenities for residents such as Bluewater Shopping Centre, The Orchard Theatre and some vibrant markets. If you are a family looking for a good school, then Dartford might be attractive as many a drawn to it for its reputation for high achieving school. There are also plenty of green spaces like Dartford Heath and Darenth Country Park.

However, living in Dartford does come with it challenges, there is a lot of traffic congestion due to the M25 and the crime levels are higher than the Kent average. There are also some parts of Dartford, such as the town centre, that are in need of rejuvenation. But other popular spots such as West Dartford and Wilmington are known for their quieter, greener surroundings, making them appeal to families and professionals.

What Is the Population of Dartford

The Office for National Statistics states that as of 2022, Dartford had an estimated population of 116,800. There are no official statistics for the population of Dartford for 2025, but its expected population will have increased.

Crime in Dartford

Dartford has a slightly elevated crime rate compared to the Kent average, with around 116 crimes per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the national average and about 7-9% hight than Kent, which is about 74 per 1,000 residents. The most frequently reported crimes are violent and sexual offences counting for 31.6% of all offenses. However, vehicle crime is also a major issue in Dartford, which is 168% of the national average.

Key Dartford Crime Statistics

• Overall crime rate- 166 crimes per 1000 residents
• Violence and sexual crime- 39 crimes per 1000 residents
• Vehicle crimes – 9.3 crime per 1000 residents
• Shoplifting and antisocial behaviour- above average

Keeping Your Home Safe in Dartford

No matter the crime rate in the area in which you live it’s always best to make your home as secure as possible. You can find some in depth advice on how to secure your home on our Home Security Hub . However here are some quick tips that can make your home feel more secure.

• Make sure your locks are in full working order, if they are not working properly, it can leave you unsecure.
• Outdoor Lighting, burglars love the cover of darkness to commit crime, so by lighting up the outside of your property, you will hopefully scare them away.
• Security Cameras, the sight of security cameras both inside and outside your property can deter a potential burglar.
• Consider installing a burglar alarm, the loud noise that emits when they are triggered should be enough to deter an intruder. Plus modern smart alarms can send notifications to your phone if someone enters your property without permission.

Average House Prices in Dartford

As of June 2025, the average house price in Dartford is £346,000

House Pricing by Property Type

Detached- £690,000

Semi-detached- £424,000

Terraced- £335,000

Flats- £218,000

*As of September 2025

The cost of a property to buy in Dartford is higher than the average for England, this is because of the proximity that Dartford has to London, but the still lower than the average house price in London.

Renting in Dartford

Renting in Dartford

Renting in Dartford is more reasonably priced than buying a property and is more in line with the rest of Kent and the Southeast.

To rent a flat in Dartford you can expect to pay £1,518-£1,524 per calendar month as of mid-2025.

• 1 bedroom- £1,050
•  2 bedroom: – £1,366–£1,372
• 3 bedroom- £1,642–£1,648
•  4+ bedrooms- £2,297–£2,302

What Neighbourhoods in Dartford are the Best?

The safest neighbourhoods in Dartford are Belvedere and Eynsford, which has a family vibe to it making it a good place to move to if you are trying to get on the property ladder or have a family.

If you are looking for larger Victorian properties with 4 or 5 bedrooms, then you might want to venture to the east side of Dartford, whereas the west side is home to 3 beds detached and semi-detached homes and smaller 2 bed properties.

West Dartford

This leafy residential area has good school, well kept green spaces and tends to be quieter than the town. While West Dartford house prices are higher, it is popular with families who want green surroundings. Those looking to commute to work, might face a longer commute to transport hubs.

Wilmington

This area has more of a village feel, with larger houses, more green spaces and a strong sense of community. This is a sought-after area for families, as its in catchment for several highly regarded schools.

Greenhithe

The Greenhithe area is more modern with easy access to amenities. With its riverside location, modern mix of apartments and houses make is appealing for young professionals. One benefit of Greenhithe is that you are close to the famous Bluewater shopping centre. However, this proximity does bring some heavy traffic and busyness.

Stone

An up-and-coming area, with a major new housing development, which means there are modern homes, green spaces and improved transport links. This is a great option for first time buys and families looking for affordable housing.

What Schools are in Dartford

Dartford is known for its excellent primary and secondary schools and is home to a few academies and grammar schools too.

Primary Schools

There are 9 primary schools in the Dartford Area that have a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted or higher, with The Brent Primary School the standout with a rating of ‘Outstanding’. Catering for children aged 4-11 this academy, Brent Primary offers an outstanding education for children, from early development to honing their English and Maths skills. A very popular school, they are larger than most primary schools in the area and are often oversubscribed.

Secondary Schools

There are 5 schools available to choose from in the Dartford area for children ages 11-18. Most have a rating of ‘Good’ from Ofsted but unfortunately one does have an inspection rating of ‘Requires Improvement’. Local favourite are the Wilmington Academy and The Leigh UTC.

Grammar Schools

There are 4 main grammar schools for children of Dartford to attend in the area. Dartford Grammar School and its counterpart Dartford Grammar School for Girls have both received a rating of ‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted, with the rival Willington Grammar School for Girls also receiving an ‘outstanding’ mark but their counterpart only receiving ‘Good’ from Ofsted.

To attend either of the grammar schools, a child must meet testing requirements and be eligible to apply for admission.

What is the Transport like in Dartford

As a commuter town, Dartford is linked well to other larger cities and towns and even has relatively impressive internal transportation links.

Trainline Connections

Served by several train stations, Dartford offers the commuters favourite mode of transport with ease. Dartford train station is a short walk from the town centre and runs through to London Charing Cross, Cannon Street, Waterloo East, London Bridge and London Victoria. The North Kent line also runs through Dartford and offers access to Medway Towns and the Kent Coast.

Bus Routes

Not only is there an efficient system of local bus routes that connect one part of Dartford to another, but thanks to the M2 and M25 there are multiple links that connect Dartford to other locations such as Bluewater, Greenhithe, North Ken and South East London.

By Car

Linked by the A2, Dartford is connected to London and offers an easy drive into the nation’s capital, whereas travelling along the M25 gives access to Essex and the northbound M25 for travel North.

Heading south on the M25, move onto the M20 to get access to Maidstone, Folkstone and Dover or move onto the M23 to get to Gatwick Airport or Brighton. Follow the A3 further and reach Guildford and Portsmouth, with the M3 taking you to Southampton.

Staying Overnight in Dartford

Premier Inn Dartford Hotel.

This well-known hotel chain offers comfortable beds, easy access to some of Dartford’s biggest attractions and all at a reasonable price! With a rating of 4/5 on Trip Advisor, past customers are singing the hotel staffs praises in the reviews. A great place to stay whether for business or leisure.

Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa

If you are looking for a boutique experience, with fabulous dining and spa facilities, then a stay at Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa is a must. The luxury 4 star hotel is situated in the heart of Dartford and is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. With a rating of 4 on Trip Advisor, this is the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

Holiday Inn Express

The Holiday Inn Express in Dartford is another well known hotel brand that has great reviews on Trip Advisor (4 out of 5) and offers comfort with little touches of luxury. In a prime location to explore the local surroundings, this the perfect place for a quick overnight stay in Dartford.

Attractions in Dartford

To Do with the Kids: Dinotropolis

Discover a hidden world of long forgotten dinosaurs, where you can go wild in the Dino Jungle, race around the Raptor Run, discover your passion for archology as you dig for fossils and let your inner scientist explore in the Discovery Cove.

With a 3 story soft play, themed café, and endless adventures to be had, this is a must do if you have kids.

For a Bit of Culture: The Orchard

Whether it’s visiting the kookiest family around, heading back to Rydell High or reliving cult classics, there are plenty of shows to enjoy. From family tales to adult favourite, be sure to secure you seat at The Orchard.

Family Day Out: Central Park

Ranging across 26 acres, this wide open space is perfect for a family day out when the weather is nice. Grab a picnic basket and head over to one of the large open spaces, wonder through the ornamental gardens or even play in the local park. If you’re lucky enough to visit in July, you might catch the Dartford Festival which is also held here.

Top 10 Things to Do in Dartford

1. The Orchard Theatre
2. Central Park
3. Brooklands Lake
4. Darenth Country Park
5. Beacon Woods Country Park
6. Joyden’s Wood
7. Darent Valley Path
8. Dinotropolis
9. Stephen Oliver: Studio & Gallery
10. The Manor Gatehouse

Shopping in Dartford

If you are looking to loosen the purse strings, the best place to go in Dartford is Bluewater. Home to big named brands such as Apple, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Coach, Levi’s, and Pandora just to name a few, this is definitely the place to visit for a little bit of retail therapy. But the fun doesn’t stop there, whilst window shopping might sound fun for some its not always for others, so why not visit the Gravity Trampoline Park, Bluewater Nature Trail or one watch a movie in the state of the art Cinema. With so much to do here, it is so much more than a shopping centre, it’s an experience.

Hop across the River Thames and you’ll find Lakeside, a recently revamped shopping centre to rival nearby Bluewater. Find here the classic high street shopping experience, from Boots to Zara and everything in between there are plenty of shops to mooch around and maybe buy a few things. Complete your shopping experience with a trip to the food court, which is full of trusty food favourites like Wagamama, Taco Bell and Nando’s.

A Night on the Town

If you just looking for a quiet drink, cheeky couple of cocktails or are just in the mood to dance the night away, Dartford has somewhere you can haunt.

The Best Bars in Dartford

1. The Dartford Jug
2. Browns

Recipient of the Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award 2020, The Dartford Jug, is a local favourite. With a great atmosphere, an extensive range of real ales and a hefty selection of gins, this place is a little bit lower key and is a great place to visit for a relaxing drink.

If you have been hitting the shops, Browns is the perfect place to finish your day. Grab a cocktail, taste some artisan wine, or experience some local ales as you relax in this effortless chic bar and restaurant. This is a great place to visit perhaps on date night, where you grab a quick drink before dinner and a movie or end the night on a high experiencing some local cuisine.

The Best Pubs in Dartford

1. The Orange Tree
2. The Malt Shovel
3. The Wharf

The Orange Tree offers traditional country dining and is the perfect place to visit for pub grub and a beer. What’s even better about this pub is that on a Friday and Saturday night local bands and DJs are known to make a regular appearance.

A traditional pub experience, The Malt Shovel, offers real ales, home-cooked food and a spacious beer garden all set in a pub dating back to the 15^th century. Sit in the spacious and newly refurbished beer garden on a sunny day with a cool drink and you’ll understand why The Malt Shovel is a fan favourite.

If you are searching for the perfect Sunday roast, then a visit to The Wharf is a must! Not only is it stylish, modern, and effortlessly chic, but they boast a wide food menu which is sure to please even the fussiest taste buds. We suggest dining on the waterfront if the weather will allow as the view of the lake is a spectacular view to take in whilst eating.

Clubbing in Dartford

Local party goes will say that if you are planning to go clubbing in Dartford, then a trip to Atik, is a must. The largest club in town offers a different party every night at the weekend. From DJs to club classics to live performances this is a clubbing experience you won’t want to miss.

Top 10 Places to Eat in Dartford

1. SiamRadhuny
2. The Chequers
3. Miller and Carter
4. Sedir Restaurant
5. The Beacon Beefeater
6. Dosa House
7. The Fighting Cocks Pub and Riverside Restaurant
8. The Malt Shovel
9. Carnaval Meat & Tapas Restaurant Cocktail Bar
10. Assos Restaurant

Where else can I Live in Kent?

If you feel that Dartford is not a place you would like to live, then you can find out more about living in the surrounding areas, for example; Harrow and Dartford.

Need a Locksmith in Dartford

When moving into a new home changing the locks is vital as you never know how many keys are out there and risk the keys falling into the wrong hands. Arrange for an Dartford Locksmith to come and fit a new lock the day you get your keys to provide you with peace of mind. We at Keytek® Locksmiths Dartford provide a professional local mobile Locksmith service complying with British Standard and Home Insurance policies to ensure your home is as secure as can be! What’s more is all our customers benefit from a FREE home security check on site to ensure your home is as secure as can be!

There are many other things you need to consider when moving home so check out our Moving Home Checklist to help you along the way! If you’re considering improving the security of your home further still, checking out our Ultimate Guide to Home Security here!

View our Keytek® Locksmiths Dartford page to find your local Locksmith today or call us on 01322 470790!