Best places to live in Sussex

Published May 13, 2024

8 mins read

If you are wondering where the best places to live in Sussex are, Garrington can guide you with their expert local knowledge.

With its rolling countryside, historic towns, and miles of coastline, Sussex offers home buyers plenty to love. This county in southeast England contains everything from the bustling city of Brighton to the peaceful South Downs National Park.

Whether you are looking for a quaint cottage or a modern flat, this article explores some of the best places to live in Sussex for you to consider when searching for your perfect home.

Eastbourne

From expansive seafront homes such as those found in the Meads, secluded homes set within the Ratton Estate and properties tucked away in wooded areas near the Willingdon Golf Club; Eastbourne boasts a variety of exclusive houses appealing to a wide range of preferences.

As a seaside resort, it offers an array of amenities and attractions, including theatres, shops, restaurants, and numerous sporting activities. Eastbourne is known to have one of the finest Victorian seafronts on the south coast and cultural facilities, such as the renowned Towner Art Gallery.

There’s a lot to do in and around Eastbourne from golf courses to water sports and boating activities, and there’s Eastbourne Marina.

Eastbourne is also surrounded by natural beauty, including South Downs, the famous Seven Sisters cliffs, and Beachy Head. Additionally, world-class opera is available at nearby Glyndebourne, and channel ferries operate from Newhaven.

The town offers excellent educational options making it popular with families, there are both well-regarded private and state schools. Private institutions include St Andrews, Bedes, and Eastbourne College, while state schools include Willingdon, Cavendish, and Gildredge House.

Mainline train stations, Eastbourne and Polegate, are within a 5-10 minute drive and offer direct connections to London Victoria and Gatwick, ensuring convenient travel.

In 2024, Eastbourne was ranked to be one of the top places to invest in UK property. Given the array of properties available to buy and many at a more appealing price point than better known locations such as Brighton, it’s of little wonder that it is fast becoming such a popular place to call home.

Lewes

The county town of Lewes is considered one of the best places to live in Sussex. Known for its history and culture, it offers home buyers a lively community rich in arts, events, and access to nature.

Located beneath the scenic South Downs, the most popular area includes the historic centre with its picturesque streets lined with independent shops, cafes, and also a weekly market.

Top restaurants include the Rights of Man pub with seasonal British fare and The Flint Owl Bakery & Taproom for artisan pastries and wood-fired pizzas. Nearby attractions include Lewes Castle, the centuries-old Anne of Cleves House Museum, and miles of walking trails. Excellent schools like Lewes Old Grammar School also make the town popular for growing families.

With a pedestrian-friendly town centre hosting year-round events like bonfire pageants, brewing festivals, and literary meetups, plus quick access to cosmopolitan Brighton and only a 1hr 10min journey to London on the mainline by train — Lewes provides idyllic country living blended with high-quality amenities.

Mayfield

Tucked amid the rolling Sussex Weald countryside, Mayfield offers home buyers a hidden gem with a lively community spirit, independent shops and eateries, historic houses, and quick access to nature.

Perfect for growing families, standout schools like Mayfield Church of England Primary School help make the mediaeval village centre an appealing place to set down roots. The High Street features a range of independent stores and a monthly farmer’s market, while restaurants such as The Middle House indulge all tastes from pub grub to Michelin-quality cuisine.

Cultural attractions range from Mayfield and Five Ashes Music Festivals to touring theatre at the Memorial Hall. Also with acres of woodlands and nature preserves right on the doorstep, you are never far from an outdoor adventure. Add in events like the annual MayFest village fête and bonfire celebrations, and Mayfield delivers on English country living at its picturesque best.

Battle

Drawing history buffs and nature lovers alike, another of the best places to live in Sussex is Battle which offers home buyers a fusion of heritage and scenery just minutes from Hastings and the coast. Battle is best known as the site of the pivotal Battle of Hastings in 1066.

You can explore the battlefield walk and Medieval Abbey ruins which are dog-friendly and full of interesting information boards.

Nearby attractions like Bateman’s, Rudyard Kipling’s historic home, and the mediaeval Bodiam Castle add to Battle’s old-world charm. Flanked by the East Sussex countryside, the most sought-after area to live in is the town centre, which is exceptionally pretty with Battle Abbey towering over the High Street.

Also, beautiful country houses in the surrounding area are desirable due to their proximity to woodlands and the Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve. While small, Battle High Street packs in independent clothes shops, arts and crafts, wool shops, and book shops, as well as tiny cafés and tea rooms.

With scenic trails encircling the town and the annual Battle of Hastings re-enactments, Battle delivers on rich heritage and access to nature sought by many home buyers.

Alfriston

Set amidst the glorious countryside of the South Downs, the chocolate-box village of Alfriston blends mediaeval history with village convenience. Half-timbered cottages cluster around the ancient St Andrew’s Church, while The Star Inn, supposedly dating from 1345, draws visitors to sample its traditional ales and riverside beer garden.

Young families are drawn to Alfriston’s outstanding Church of England school located right on the village green, snapping up pretty cottages on Netherfield Road or Victorian townhouses on North Street.

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the iconic Long Man of Wilmington figure carved into the Downs, as over 50 acres of unspoiled country spread out around the village fringed by the River Cuckmere.

Yet Alfriston still offers great connections to Eastbourne and Lewes via the local bus network. With chocolate-box scenery, fantastic amenities, as well as access to South Downs National Park, Alfriston epitomises the English countryside dream for commuters and villagers alike.

Hartfield

Combining country village charm with nature adventures right on its doorstep, Hartfield offers home buyers a picturesque retreat in the heart of East Sussex.

Hartfield was home to AA Milne when writing the Winnie The Pooh books and Pooh Corner gift shop and Poohsticks bridge attract many visitors, as well as the ancient heathland of Ashdown Forest. There are some beautiful homes in areas such as Colemans Hatch, with far-reaching forest views.

Growing families also flock to Hartfield for top-ranked schools like Brambletye Prep School, set on a breathtaking 400-acre estate. Cultural mainstays include the Hartfield Fete and Bonfire Society pageants and concerts on the Village Green. Nearby estates open their expansive gardens to explore, such as the Bluebell Railway and Sheffield Park.

With cols, valleys, and Heathfield’s pottery studios dotting the landscape, inspiration abounds in Hartfield. For those looking for a magical rural location, Hartfield is considered to be one of the best places to live in Sussex.

Moreover, with lively towns like Crowborough and Tunbridge Wells a short drive away, homes in Hartfield deliver on escaping the bustle without sacrificing modern amenities and comfort.

Hurstpierpoint

An enviable location at the foot of the stunning South Downs makes Hurstpierpoint a wildly popular address for commuters and families alike. Professionals make a beeline for large detached and converted townhouses on Western Road, just over an hour by train to London Victoria.

St Lawrence Fair festivities on the village green delight children from the highly regarded Trinity St Stephen CE Primary. With the South Downs National Park virtually on its doorstep, residents enjoy 1,600 acres of idyllic countryside to explore.

The thriving high street is loaded with lovely independent shops such as Charlotte Grace Casuals for womenswear, gifts, and cards and Apple Mint Florist, plus popular eateries like The New Inn gastro pub.

Hurst’s bustling weekly market and events calendar including the Sussex Beer & Cider Festival provide a warm community spirit and for culture lovers, the Players Theatre puts on around 4 productions each year. Offering a perfect balance of rural beauty and commuter convenience, Hurstpierpoint continues to soar in popularity stakes as one of the best places to live in Sussex.

Rye

With rich history and access to nature, Rye attracts home buyers seeking picture-postcard English charm just a 1hr 20min train ride from London. Located near the scenic Romney Marsh countryside, the most popular areas include the ancient town centre along Mermaid Street and Watchbell Street lined with boutiques, galleries, and eateries like The George in Rye Hotel with its AA Rosette restaurant.

Nearby attractions encompass Camber Sands beach, the mediaeval ruins at Winchelsea, and picturesque High Weald walking trails. While compact, Rye High Street offers independent shops and the weekly Farmer’s Market.

Top academic institutions like Rye College help make Rye popular for growing families. Between the acclaimed Rye Arts Festival, the Rye Bonfire Society parade, and historic sites like the Ypres Tower museum, Rye delivers rich heritage and culture packed into an idyllic seaside setting with access to coast and country pursuits.

Wadhurst

Rich history and a vibrant community combine in Wadhurst, which lures in home buyers seeking a slice of quintessential English village life. The High Street has a butchers, post office/Jempsons local, chemist, gift shop, florist, optician, village pub, Indian restaurant, and three coffee shops which are also open for dinner at the weekends.

Surrounded by the High Weald AONB countryside, Snape Wood and Wadhurst Park close to the village centre offer stunning nature trails right out of your door. Families also value Wadhurst’s schools, namely the independent Sacred Heart School, which made the top 50 of the Sunday Times Top 100 Prep Schools in 2023.

Beyond buzzing seasonal events like the Commemoration Fayre, attractions include nearby Scotney Castle where within the grounds you can walk among the ruins of the original 14th-century castle.

Bewl Water Reservoir and Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest have loads of activities for all ages…

…with miles of trails to walk, run, and cycle or play before enjoying refreshments at their café’s. Bedgebury also has a Go Ape for the adventurers among you.

While small, Wadhurst High Street tempts browsers with its indie shops, monthly market, and cafes. With scenic walking trails connecting to neighbouring villages, Wadhurst delivers on peaceful country living.

Blended with a lively community it is deservedly considered one of the best places to live in Sussex. It is also great for connectivity with easy access to surrounding West Sussex and Kent and the mainline village station will get you into London in just over 1hr.

Arundel

Sweeping along the banks of the River Arun, postcard-perfect Arundel casts a spell with its heritage townhouses, mediaeval castle, and relaxed pace of life. Families are drawn to homes clustered around the castle gates on attractive Crown Yard Cottages and Castle View, thanks to having adventure playgrounds on the doorstep.

London commuters, meanwhile, make connections from Arundel station to the capital in a little under 90 minutes. Beyond the boutique cafes and antiques shops galore, Arundel opens up to South Downs glory with acre upon acre of woodland walks through the Duke of Norfolk’s estate and Swanbourne Lake wildlife haven.

With its gourmet restaurants, historic Gothic cathedral, and charming high street bursting with independent spirit, Arundel offers a sublime slice of West Sussex magic – spoonfuls of culture with undulating green landscapes.

Steyning

Last but not least on our best places to live in Sussex list is Steyning. Set at the foot of the South Downs, Steyning offers home buyers picture-postcard English scenery with its charming high street and vibrant community. Popular residential streets like Church Street as well as Jarvis Lane provide attractive Victorian cottages and access to the local amenities.

Just over an hour’s train ride into London, families and professionals appreciate the commute convenience. Nearby, Parham House Gardens and Amberley Working Museum tempt culture vultures, while the Sussex Produce Company café dishes out local flavours.

The Spring Arts Festival, live music at the Norfolk Arms, and events like the Steyning Festival in July provide plenty of community spirit. With the South Downs National Park also within easy reach for scenic walks, Steyning delivers countryside living paired with modern connectivity and culture to match.