Sometimes known As London on Sea, Brighton and Hove is becoming an ever-more popular place to live. But why, you may ask? Brighton is now one of the most fashionable cities to move to anywhere in the UK.
It is pioneering the way politically, with one of its MPs, Caroline Lucas (the MP for the Pavilion ward of Brighton), being the only representative for the Green Party in the House of Commons.
Those who move to Brighton cite the low crime rate, the quality of life and the excellent employment opportunities as their main reasons for moving.
Living in Brighton offers a host of benefits, from its handy location just a stone’s throw from London to its amazing amenities and cosmopolitan feel. If you’re thinking of relocating within the UK, we think you should definitely consider moving to Brighton.
So read on to find out why this is our expert advice on the subject, and discover our top tips to help you get the most out of becoming a Brighton resident.
In this article, you’ll find:
- Brighton boasts proximity to London but a lower cost of living
- Brighton and Hove boasts a wealth of properties
- Families with school aged children love to live in Brighton
- Brighton has it all – shopping, nightlife and culture
- Great job opportunities in Brighton
- Brighton – a top choice for people of all ages
Brighton boasts proximity to London but a lower cost of living
While the costs of living in Brighton and Hove aren’t cheap compared to other places to live in the country such as Liverpool or Manchester, this part of East Sussex certainly has a lot to offer that makes buying or renting a property great value for money.
For those who want the cosmopolitan feel of the capital but the more affordable cost of living on the South East coast, Brighton is a perfect choice. Here, property prices are lower than those in London itself, yet its city centre offers many of the excellent amenities that you would expect from a major city. You can expect average house prices here to come in at around half the costs you’d find in London, which makes a move here highly appealing to Londoners used to the high prices of the capital.
Not only that, but Brighton is within surprisingly easy reach of London thanks to the outstanding connections via trains and other public transport links, and easy road access. Commuters can, therefore, enjoy the best of both worlds by moving here, enjoying home life on the South coast with quick and easy transportation from the local train station into London for work and leisure. The train journey takes on average just 60 minutes and costs as little as £5.
Need money saving tips for your new home? Find out how you can furnish your property on a budget this year.
Furthermore, on average, it costs around 36% more to live in London than in Brighton Hove. The whole of the South of England is, in general, more expensive than the north, but compared to the cost of living in London, Brighton (and East Sussex in general) can give you a lot more for your money. Not only can you afford a bigger and better house for the same price, but a move here allows you to reap the benefits of living close to beautiful countryside with the glorious southern coastline on your doorstep.
If you rent a property in Brighton, you’ll be paying far less per month than you would for a similarly sized flat or house in the capital. Current data shows that a one-bedroom property in Brighton costs on average around £1000 per month while in London, a one-bedroom house or flat will set you back almost double. This makes Brighton a less expensive choice for those who are willing to be commuters.
Brighton and Hove boasts a wealth of properties
If you would like to live in Brighton, you can rest assured that there is no shortage of fabulous properties on the market for you to choose from. Whether you intend to buy or rent, Brighton offers a host of options to suit every need, from modern studios and flats to large Victorian family houses.
Read more: what does rent to buy mean?
Brighton is home to some unique architecture. The city is famous for its unusual Royal Pavilion, and thanks to its Regency history and heritage, it has some gorgeous buildings that date back to the time of the Regency when members of the royal family made the town their home.
The seafront was developed by architects of the period to meet the requirements of the wealthy London families who would regularly travel from the city to experience the joys of this splendid seaside location. Many of these buildings are now stylish flats, but some are still large houses.
During the Victorian era, the previously separate town of Hove, located a mile to the west, was joined to Brighton to make one large city. It has continued to expand ever since, encompassing many of Brighton’s neighbouring settlements like Rottingdean to the east and Portslade to the west into its suburbs.
Today, this entire area of East Sussex is known as Greater Brighton, and its residents have easy transport access into the centre of town by road, bus and trains. It’s also an easy commute into the capital. Since the city offers such a wide variety of homes on the market, living in Brighton is within easy reach of all kinds of people, old and young alike.
Families with school aged children love to live in Brighton
Brighton and Hove is the best place in East Sussex for couples with children to make their home, so it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular cities for those with youngsters of school age.
There are many excellent community secondary schools and primary schools here which have been rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted (for example, St Luke’s and Eastbrook Primary schools and the Varndean secondary school). Not only that, but there are also some excellent independent schools, including Brighton College, which was recently named School of the Decade.
Not only is this school one of the top schools in the whole of East Sussex, but it is also one of the most respected co-educational independent schools in the country. Brighton is also home to a Bilingual Primary School, reflecting the international character of this friendly and vibrant city.
For those with older children, the local universities offer outstanding higher education. The University of Brighton and the University of Sussex attract students from all over the country who are drawn to Brighton to go to university not only because of the quality of teaching and learning but also because of the excellent lifestyle that the city can offer.
Brighton’s excellent seaside location, strong and exciting culture and friendly atmosphere are all reasons why young people flock here to study.
Younger residents of Brighton also have plenty of ways to enjoy themselves outside of the school day with a wealth of activities and attractions to take part in and visit.
The beach is an obvious attraction for families, and the opportunity to spend a day at the seaside is a major reason why the city is so popular. The many green spaces in the local Brighton area are also very appealing to those with children.
The South Downs are close by, while Preston Park and Stanmer Park are easily accessible to those living in Brighton, making it simple for those living in the city to be in the green of the countryside in minutes.
There are plenty of fun sports activities to enjoy in Brighton too, from swimming at the beach to taking a cycle ride through the park.
Read more: questions to ask when viewing a property.
Brighton has it all – shopping, nightlife and culture
Brighton is famous for its culture and its nightlife, with its North Laine district being one of the best local areas for restaurants, shopping, bars and pubs. This cluster of streets boasts some of the very best independent shops and restaurants in Brighton and is a popular spot for fans of the arts to hang out.
Brighton Square, right in the centre of the historic Lanes district, is home to restaurants and shops that offer an exciting shopping experience for both residents and tourists alike. The square is a unique place for retail therapy with none of the chaos of a typical mall, and with handy parking just minutes away on foot, it’s a brilliant place to shop until you drop.
Of course, Brighton’s gay scene is world-famous, and there is a strong LGBTQ presence. There are many clubs that cater primarily to the LGBTQ community, although thanks to the friendly atmosphere, everyone is welcome. Data from 2014 has shown that, on average, 15 per cent of all adults residing in Hove and Brighton identify as LGBTQ, which is one reason why the city hosts the UK’s biggest Pride Festival every summer. Hate crime against the LGBTQ community is much lower here, and it has become one of the top spots for those who wish to explore their sexuality to live.
The arts are also well represented in Hove and Brighton. The Brighton Centre concert hall and other local music venues bring culture within reach of the wider community, while performing arts also thrive in Brighton with the Theatre Royal hosting, on average, over 50 different shows each year.
Great job opportunities in Brighton
Brighton has become well known for the excellent quality of life that it can offer those who move here. Not only is there a low crime rate, but those who reside in Brighton can also benefit from a high average salary of around £28,000 per annum.
Big companies like American Express have made their move to Brighton to set up their operations. Many more organisations are moving out of the capital and into Sussex because of the cheaper costs of property and the greater expanse of land to build on.
This corporate move to Brighton has meant that locals can take up positions closer to home that offer lucrative salaries and the chance to move up the career ladder.
Brighton – a top choice for people of all ages
Hopefully, our guide to Brighton will have helped you decide whether or not this part of the country is the best choice for you and your family when you’re considering a move. With so much to offer, it isn’t too surprising that Brighton was rated as the happiest place to live in the UK in 2019. Thanks to its low crime rate, its fantastic work/life balance and its cultural vibrancy, its popularity isn’t likely to wane any time soon.
