Let’s move to Dover, Kent: ‘It’s been overlooked for years’

What’s going for it? Britain’s gatehouse, thanks to Brexit, may be about to resume the role it has held for a millennium or two. The past few decades have not been kind to Dover: bombed to smithereens in the second world war, rebuilt – vigorously, if we’re being generous – in the 1960s and on its uppers since airports and the Channel tunnel snatched away its historic role. Maybe the future will be kinder. The hefty chunks of the past that have survived hint at a more prosperous incarnation: the castle, of course, none sturdier in the country, and the beautiful Regency terraces along the waterfront. Combined with its dramatic geography, squished into a cleft where the North Downs hammer into the sea, this should make for a spirited town, as impressive as its famous white cliffs, our “glittering breastplate”, as Carol Ann Duffy called them. What it needs is attention, money and a new confidence.

The case against An air of despondency from years of being overlooked. How will Dover respond to Brexit? Customs strikes and 14-hour queues this year are a worrying augury. The waterfront needs serious work. Will the St James retail park, opening next year, liven things up?

Well connected? Very. Hourly trains to St Pancras (67 mins), hour/half-hourly to Charing Cross (2 hrs) and Victoria (2 hrs); half-hourly to Canterbury (25 mins); three an hour to Folkestone (14 mins) and Ashford (30 mins). Driving: 30 mins to Canterbury or Ashford, 20 to Folkestone and the M20.

Schools Primaries: among many good, says Ofsted, White Cliffs and River are “outstanding”. Secondaries: selective; Dover Grammar for Boys, Duke of York’s Royal Military, and Dover Grammar for Girls “outstanding”.

Hang out at… The Allotment, the local saviour for the past few years, is under new ownership.

Where to buy Castle Ward, on and off Maison Dieu Road. Pretty Castle Street hints at Dover’s civilised past, as do the amazing Regency town houses on much of the front. For suburbans, look to Temple Ewell, River and Kearsney. Large detacheds and town houses, £400,000-£900,000. Detacheds and smaller town houses, £250,000-£400,000. Semis, £130,000-£400,000. Terraces and cottages, £120,000-£250,000. Flats, £70,000-£200,000. Rentals: a one-bedroom flat, £450-£550pcm; a three-bed house, £650-£850pcm.

Bargain of the week They’re all bargains here. Take this vast Regency town house on East Cliff, needing restoration, at £299,000, with Thomas & Partners.

From the streets

Diederik Smet “It’s on the up, with lots of development. Wonderful green spaces nearby, including cycle and walking routes. Gorgeous architecture, if you look up.”

Justine Wingate “Follies, a great new independent pizzeria, and Cullins Yard in the marina for good food and live music.”

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Do you live in Scarborough? Do you have a favourite haunt or a pet hate? If so, email lets.move@theguardian.com by Tuesday 13 December.