Living in a town provides a delightful combination of community spirit and practicality and plenty of Sussex ‘gems’ offer a wonderful lifestyle, replete with a broad spectrum of facilities and impressive homes.
For many, transport links are crucial – both rail and road – as are increased educational options for families. Conversely, for downsizing, perhaps while transitioning into retirement, the closeness and diversity of local services and conveniences can be particularly appealing.
The following towns are some of the most sought-after in Sussex and here we highlight the many reasons why they are in such high demand with our clients looking to buy in the area.
Wadhurst
Wadhurst is officially the Best Place To Live In The UK according to the Sunday Times last year. So what attracts people to this small market town, with a population of just 5,000? Firstly, a great sense of community, maybe because there is enough going on here, that locals can be entertained easily without having to travel to one of the larger towns nearby. There is a good variety of independent shops along the busy high street, a selection of popular coffee shops which are also open on weekend evenings, and various clubs and activities for all age groups.
The town is surrounded by stunning countryside and has retained a ‘village’ feel. Residents support local businesses, and the high street pub is the hub of the community. You will find a wide variety of beautiful property here, whether you seek a country house with land or a chocolate box cottage on the high street! Wadhurst also has a mainline station, with fast trains to London in 54 minutes.
Lewes
Just 15 minutes from Brighton and around an hour from London, Lewes is very well connected, but people who move here will rarely need to go elsewhere for entertainment or amenities. This medieval town has grown in popularity year on year, and it is easy to see why. The local people are keen to uphold the heritage of the town, with numerous local festivals, markets and parades, culminating in the largest bonfire night in the country.
The South Downs envelop the town, providing incredible views as well as beautiful hikes and bike trails. The 11th century castle is fascinating and there are plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants too, but less tourists than some of the coastal towns in the area. Culture vultures will enjoy the art house cinema, comedy and live music nights, and the local art gallery and the Opera house at nearby Glyndebourne.
Arundel
Arundel's large Norman castle and Roman Cathedral create an impressive skyline which can be seen for miles around. It is an incredibly pretty town, centred around the market place, with beautiful architecture including prominent Georgian houses and flint cottages tucked away down cobbled streets. Residents enjoy the wide variety of restaurants and pubs, tea rooms and independent shops. Other forms of entertainment include the theatre, museum, lido, farmers market and the jazz and comedy nights.
Worthing and Chichester are also wonderful places to live in Sussex, each with unique attractions such as the seaside and foodie scene in Worthing, and the pastoral charm and fine dining in Chichester.
Town Living
The benefits of town living extend beyond the tangible; they encompass a sense of belonging, a network of support, and the opportunity to be part of a thriving community. It's recommended to consider personal lifestyle preferences and visit these towns to get a sense of which might be the most desirable for you.
As with any more densely populated area, certain neighbourhoods are typically more in demand than others when it comes to searching for a property to buy. Whilst there are likely to be more properties available in a town compared to a smaller village setting, these in-demand pockets will experience greater competition meaning buyers may have to be proactive and persistent in their search for a home.
KEEP THIS IN To talk to Jennie about your property search get in touch on 01892 882892.
