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More on KentOnline
The number of charity shops in Deal's High Street has been flagged as the town's only con in a new list of best commuter towns.
Deal and Folkestone both appear in the Evening Standard's Home & Property review of 'Where to buy a home in 2020: the best towns for London commuters seeking good-value houses, fast train links and good schools'.
They are among seven destinations picked out by journalist Ruth Bloomfield based on lifestyle, regeneration potential and value for money.
Folkestone takes first place on the list with particular credit given to billionaire Roger De Haan - whose father founded the Saga empire - who has invested millions into reviving his home town.
She mentions its thriving new creative quarter on the Old High Street, the1,000 new homes planned and 'outstanding' by Oftsed schools such as The Harvey Grammar School and The Folkestone School for Girls.
Slightly further down in fifth position, Deal is described as as cute seaside town with a burgeoning café culture.
Reference is given to its housing variety which includes Georgian townhouses,Victorian villas and fishermen’s cottages and their price point.
The average home stands at £311,000 according to Rightmove, up almost £100,000 over the past five years.
Ms Bloomfield writes that Deal also has 'great sports facilities' with opportunities to learn to sail or row.
Praise is awarded to Warden House Primary School which holds an 'outstanding' Ofsted report and the highly competitive grammar schools – Dover Boys and Dover Girls.
The pros include its own pebble beach, but the one con, she says is the 'too many charity shops on the high street.'
The main stretch of the town centre features more than five, including Dog's Trust, British Red Cross and Sue Ryder.
Naturally, it's the high-speed rail links that have made both towns viable options for London commuters.
Trains to St Pancras International take 54 minutes from Folkestone Central and around an hour and 20 minutes from Deal.
An annual season ticket costs from £5,812 for Folkestone and only £28 more from Deal.
Other towns in the list were Bishop's Stortford, Woking, Milton Keynes, Ipswich and Camberley.
Last summer, Deal was also listed as one of the most desirable places in the UK to retire to.
