Sussex has long been known as a kingdom of art, music, and philosophy. The southeastern county spans 1,991 square kilometres, encompassing bucolic villages, vibrant cities, and seaside towns. Characterised by baroque castles, distinctive gastronomy, and radical history, Sussex is full of beauty and intrigue.
Read on to discover the best places to live in Sussex
Chichester
Chichester is a cathedral city and the chief administrative unit of West Sussex, enveloped by the Chichester Harbour and the South Downs. This city was once a major Anglo-Saxon settlement and evolved into a bustling market town during the Middle Ages.
A town as old as Britain itself, Chichester is steeped in history, marked by several archaeological sites including the 11th century Chichester Cathedral, the 16th century Chichester Cross, and other landmarks. The culture here is rich, memorialised by the historic Chichester Festival Theatre, the Pallant House Gallery, and the Novium Museum.
Today, Chichester is known for its beautiful trove of post-war residences, diverse gastronomy, and arts festivals. An average detached home costs about £731,500, and there’s a fine selection of educational institutes in the region.
Haywards Heath
Haywards Heath is a small and relatively new town located in West Sussex. It is flanked by the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and hosts minted high streets, affording residents the best of both worlds.
Haywards Heath developed as a commuter town, situated conveniently between London and Brighton. The town came into being with a spike in population and the addition of modern amenities during the 19th century. With its lush countryside and London a short train journey away, Haywards Heath is one of the most sought-after towns in Sussex.
Today, Haywards Heath is characterised by its handsome range of shopping centres, bosky gardens, panoramic views of the South Downs, and attractive modern residences. The average price of a property here is £452,326.
Lewes
Perched on the meeting point between the South Downs and the River Ouse, Lewes is a traditional Sussex market town. Dating to the Iron Age, Lewes’ strategic location enabled it to grow into a vital commercial centre early in its life.
Lewes is noted for its role in England’s democratic evolution, owing to the historic Battle of Lewes, which was fought between the ruthless monarch Henry III and political reformer Simon de Montfort,the 6th Earl of Leicester. The battle ended in victory for de Montfort, which temporarily shifted power and eventually led to the establishment of a parliament.
The liberal history of Lewes has spawned a culture of meaningful art and frolic. From fun-filled firework displays to artists' retreats, Lewes is certainly a colourful town. The Glyndebourne Opera House, the modern Chalk Gallery, and the art-film theatre called “The Depot” are some of the city’s most beloved local landmarks. From mediaeval structures to Victorian homes, residential offerings are plentiful. The average house price at Lewes is £608,211.
Rye
Located in East Sussex, Rye is an old Cinque Port (one of the five major harbours of south-east England). Rye is fraught with an eventful history, starting out as a fishing town and evolving into a riotous pirate port in the 13th century before finally becoming a placid, upscale market town.
History is palpable in Rye, with its mediaeval buildings, cobbled streets, and old-school rustic charm. Moreover, the town’s main church (St. Mary's Church) is fitted with the oldest functioning church tower clock in the country. The high streets are brimming with antiquated independent shops and local eateries.
Today, Rye is widely reputed as one of England’s prettiest seaside towns, embraced by the breathtaking landscapes of Romney Marsh and the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. It is popular for its period architecture, natural beauty, and thriving music scene. An average home in Rye costs around £440,900.
Eastbourne
Eastbourne is a laid-back, seaside resort town in East Sussex. Residing at the eastward end of Beachy Head (the highest chalk sea cliff in Great Britain), Eastbourne guarantees its residents a scenic escape.
Eastbourne has been abuzz with activity since the Stone Age and remained a key settlement from the Roman period all the way to the early modern Victorian era. During the 1700s, however, Eastbourne took on a new significance, as seashores were associated with medical benefits – this town was known as "the Empress of Watering Places." Eastbourne quickly became a renowned seaside resort, frequented by King George III and his children.
After surviving two World Wars, Eastbourne’s development has remained steadfast. Today, it is regarded as a natty coastal retreat, abounding with spas, Georgian and Victorian architecture, rugged natural features, and a robust theatre culture. It’s also a sought-after commuter town, with Brighton and London located a stone’s throw away. An average home here costs around £332,559.
East Grinstead
Located in West Sussex, East Grinstead is one of the region’s most affluent towns. With a star-studded populace (Adele, Tom Cruise, and Jane Leeves call this charming town their home), and a thriving luxury property market, East Grinstead is one of Sussex’s most prestigious postcodes.
The town is flanked by the Weald and Ashdown Forest, revelling in fresh verdure. The mediaeval town was initially popular for its fairs and weekly markets, and by the 18th century, it became a wealthy town with an abundance of promising businesses.
East Grinstead High Street is particularly charming, lined with the longest stretch of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England. Today, these very buildings host high-end boutiques, cafes, and eateries. The city also boasts a range of expansive parklands, a beautiful Jacobean almshouse, and a range of niche artistic venues. There are also many excellent schools and nurseries, making East Grinstead a very family-friendly town. A detached home here can cost between £491,500 and £754,649.
Ticehurst
Ticehurst is a quaint village located in the Rother district of Sussex. Its origins are rather unclear, but many estimate that the town came about in the 14th century at the same time as the town’s famous Pashley Manor, which is referred to as “one of the finest gardens in England”.
Ticehurst is the quintessential British village, with old-school taverns, cobbled high streets, and a jovial community. Vintage gastropubs and independent retailers are an integral part of the village, each brimming with local character.
Ticehurst is regarded as one of southeast England’s best places to live, owing to its close proximity to Central London, reputed private schools, and countless leisure venues. Here, residents can savour the bucolic charm of the Sussex countryside while indulging in a luxe shopping spree. The average cost of a residence in Ticehurst is £514,021.
Steeped in history, culture, literature, and art, Sussex is full of promise. Whether it’s the buzz of a metropolis, the quietude of the countryside, or the bliss of the coast, Sussex caters to every lifestyle. From Chichester to Ticehurst, these are some of the best places to live in Sussex.
