Moving to Sussex: Your guide to South Coast living

With their unrivalled mix of breathtaking countryside, coastal charm, and bustling towns and cities, the counties of East and West Sussex are among the most desirable places to live in the country. Whether you commute to London and are seeking a better work-life balance, are looking for outstanding schools and family-friendly communities, or you’re simply tempted by seaside living, moving to Sussex offers everything you need for an exceptional quality of life.

From our vibrant hometown of Worthing to the lively cultural centres of Chichester and Brighton & Hove, Sussex delivers on every front. Here, we explore everything these coastal counties have to offer and show you why moving to Sussex could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

Natural beauty: Where countryside meets the coast

A move to Sussex puts you right in the heart of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes. The South Downs National Park stretches from Hampshire to East Sussex and offers endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and outdoor adventures. The rolling chalk hills provide a dramatic backdrop to charming villages and market towns, while the coastline boasts everything from bustling piers to golden sand dunes.

The health advantages of living by the sea have been scientifically proven: the European Centre for Environment & Human Health found “a small, but significant increase” in the number of people reporting good health the closer they lived to the coast. Seaside locations also benefit from cleaner air; in Sussex, towns such as Littlehampton, Rye and the Witterings report lower air pollution than the more built-up areas like Brighton & Hove.

Sussex also enjoys one of the mildest climates in the UK, with more sunshine hours than most regions – three of the country’s eleven sunniest locations are in East or West Sussex.

Transport & accessibility: Well-connected

Another advantage of moving to Sussex is its excellent transport links, which make it ideal for those who want rural or coastal living while continuing to work in the city. From Brighton, you can be in London within an hour, while Worthing offers direct services to the capital in under 90 minutes. Even smaller towns like Lewes provide reliable, regular connections to London and other major cities – and of course, Gatwick Airport is right on your doorstep, making international travel a breeze.

For drivers, the A23 provides a direct route to London, while the A27 connects all major South Coast towns, and the M23 offers quick access to the M25. Wherever you choose to live in Sussex, you’ll never be far from a well-connected network of roads and rail.

Economic opportunities: A growing hub for business

Sussex is a significant economic powerhouse, with the city of Brighton in particular home to thriving tech and creative communities, as well as having two universities. And beyond Brighton, there’s plenty of regeneration and growth in progress. Worthing in particular has seen significant investment, with new business districts and co-working spaces attracting entrepreneurs and remote workers.

What’s more, the rise of hybrid working has made Sussex increasingly attractive to professionals working for London-based employers, as you can maintain London salaries while enjoying the lifestyle benefits and slightly lower living costs.

Arts, culture and heritage in Sussex

From contemporary art to classical theatre, Sussex has long been a destination for culture lovers. Brighton buzzes with comedy, live music and theatre, with the jewel in its cultural crown being its world-famous annual Fringe festival. Over in Chichester, you’ll find the city’s internationally acclaimed Festival Theatre, as well as the exceptional Pallant House Gallery. Worthing alone offers four theatres, a cinema, museum and gallery, and the historic market towns of Lewes and Arundel add real character with their ancient architecture, traditional festivals and thriving artisan communities.

Another gem is the area’s thriving wine industry: Sussex sparkling wine now has ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ status, which means producers of sparkling wine in Sussex have to meet strict quality guidelines in order to use the name ‘Sussex sparkling’. In other words, Sussex could well be considered the new Champagne region. There’s a wealth of vineyards to visit, including Tinwood near Chichester, Nyetimber near Pulborough, the Bolney wine estate near Haywards Heath, and Rathfinny, which is close to Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters cliffs.

Family life in Sussex: Schools and activities

Sussex consistently ranks among the top areas in England for education, with outstanding schools throughout the region. High-achieving state secondary schools include Worthing’s St Oscar Romero Catholic School, Durrington High School and Davison CE High School for Girls, Horsham’s Millais School and Tanbridge House School, and Brighton’s Varndean High School and Dorothy Stringer School.

Private options across East and West Sussex include Lancing College, Christ’s Hospital, Hurstpierpoint College, Roedean, and Brighton College. Local events and festivals provide year-round entertainment, from Worthing’s thriving arts scene to Brighton’s renowned cultural calendar. The blend of town and country living means children can grow up with access to both vibrant communities and the great outdoors.

Moving to Sussex: Practical considerations

The cost of living in Sussex varies by location but generally offers slightly better value than London for everyday expenses. While large coastal towns and cities can be more expensive than inland areas, the overall cost remains significantly lower than the capital.
Local amenities include excellent libraries, leisure centres, and community facilities, and shopping includes everything from high street chains to independent boutiques and regular farmers’ markets.

Making the move: Your new Sussex home

Sussex offers a rare combination of natural beauty, history and culture, economic opportunities and close-knit communities. Whether you’re drawn to Brighton’s lively energy, Worthing’s award-winning coastal charm, or the tranquil villages nestled in the South Downs, you’ll find a home that meets your practical needs and enhances your quality of life in ways you might never have imagined. The excellent transport links mean you maintain connections to London and beyond, while the lower cost of living and higher living standards provide immediate benefits.

At Roffey Homes, we’re proud to create developments that embody the very best of Sussex living: contemporary homes that blend elegant design and luxurious living standards with a strong sense of community. Ready to plan your move to Sussex? Discover our latest developments and experience luxury coastal living on the South Coast.

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