As a county, Sussex has wonderful landscape, ancient villages and towns and a vibrant social. That means, in choosing the best places to live in Sussex in 2026, you have a lot of choice. On our travels around the county, we’re often left with a sense of, “Wow, I wish I lived here.” So, using a criterion which includes curb appeal, property prices, transport links, local amenities and schools combined with a gut instinct and what the locals we’ve talked to have said, this is our list of 20 of the best places to live in Sussex.
Alfriston
The exceptionally pretty village of Alfriston is just south of the A27 and almost halfway between Eastbourne and Newhaven. It’s in the stunning River Cuckmere Valley and oozes charm with views of the South Downs and lots of interesting old buildings. There’s heaps of history here and Alfriston used to sit on the Medieval pilgrim’s way from Battle Abbey to Chichester. The Alfriston Clergy House was the first building in Britain brought by the National Trust for conservation in 1896.
Alfriston may be small but it has three pubs, several hotels, and a number of restaurants. Train links to London require a trip to nearby Polegate but the Sussex coast and Eastbourne are within easy reach. The village has its own primary school and a good nearby secondary school in Eastbourne. Just down the road at Upper Dicker is Bedes, an excellent private school. Rightmove estimate the overall price of an average detached property to be £1,065,625 (2025/last year).
Amberley
Right at the foot of the South Downs and hopelessly pretty, Amberley has thatched cottages, a museum, a castle and sweeping views across Amberley Wild Brooks. It feels very rural and but has a railway station with direct services to London Victoria, making it a popular choice for commuters. It’s a great village for anyone who loves walking, cycling, wildlife and the great outdoors.
Families are drawn to the village’s small and well-regarded Amberley CofE Primary School, where class sizes are typically smaller than average. Secondary schools are available in nearby towns, while a number of respected independent schools are within easy reach (such as Seaford College and Christ’s Hospital). Housing is highly sought after and reflects the village’s desirability, with period cottages, character homes and country properties commanding premium prices compared with many other Sussex villages. Rightmove quotes average property prices in 2026 as £830,000.
Arundel
Few Sussex towns can rival Arundel for character. Dominated by its magnificent castle and cathedral, this historic market town combines medieval charm with a thriving independent shopping and dining scene. Set within the South Downs National Park and alongside the River Arun, it offers excellent walking opportunities, a lively calendar of events and direct rail services to London, Brighton and the south coast. Despite its popularity with visitors, Arundel remains a genuine community with a strong local identity.
The town is well served by schools, including highly regarded state and independent options in the surrounding area, making it a popular choice for families. Housing ranges from charming cottages tucked into historic streets to substantial period homes and contemporary developments on the outskirts. According to Rightmove, house prices in Arundel have had an overall average of £609,641 over the last year.
Battle
Best known as the site of the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066, Battle successfully balances its extraordinary history with the practicalities of modern living. The attractive high street is lined with independent shops, cafés and traditional buildings, while the surrounding countryside provides a beautiful setting for outdoor pursuits. With direct rail services to London and good road links to Hastings, Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne, Battle appeals to both commuters and those seeking a slower pace of life.
Families are particularly well served, with a range of state schools nearby and the highly regarded Battle Abbey School offering independent education from nursery through to sixth form. Again, according to Rightmove, house prices in Battle have had an overall average of £439,730 over the last year.
Bexhill
Just to the west of Hastings, this seaside town has lots to love. With a history that stretches back to before the Norman Conquest, it also has an affinity with motor racing. There is an Old Town where you’ll find the ruins of the 13th century manor, and on the seafront, you’ll find the impressive De La Warr Pavilion and art gallery and the exotic Colonnade and promenade. There is also a museum, sailing and rowing clubs, a large park and two golf courses.
For transport, Bexhill is on the A259 which runs the length of the county and Bexhill has train lines to Brighton, London and Ashford. According to Rightmove, the average property price over th elast year since 2025 is £344,984. Private schools in the area include Battle Abbey School, Eastbourne College and Bede’s.
Bosham
Set on the edge of Chichester Harbour, Bosham is one of the most beautiful and historic villages in Sussex. Its waterside setting, sailing community and connections to the 1066 story give it a distinctive character, while the picturesque quay, ancient church and narrow lanes make it feel almost untouched by time. Popular with walkers, boat owners and those seeking a quieter pace of life, Bosham offers a village atmosphere while remaining just a short distance from Chichester and within reach of London via nearby rail links.
Families are attracted by the area’s strong sense of community and access to well-regarded schools in Bosham, Chichester and the surrounding villages. The village itself is highly sought after, with waterfront properties and character cottages commanding some of the highest prices in the region. Rightmove estimate that over the last year, the proprty price was £821,963.
Chichester
Combining history, culture and convenience, Chichester was built on Roman foundations and is centred around its magnificent cathedral. As such, the city offers an attractive blend of historic streets, independent shops, restaurants and green spaces. Chichester Festival Theatre, Pallant House Gallery and a thriving events calendar contribute to a strong cultural scene, while the South Downs, Goodwood and the beaches of West Wittering are all within easy reach. Rail connections to London, Brighton and Portsmouth also make it a popular choice for commuters.
The city is particularly appealing to families thanks to its range of well-regarded state and independent schools, including several with strong academic reputations. Housing is varied, from Georgian townhouses and period cottages near the city centre to larger family homes in surrounding neighbourhoods and villages. Property prices are generally above the national average but remain competitive compared with many parts of the South East, with Rightmove finding an overall average of £445,120 over the last year.
Cuckfield
Just on the edge of Haywards Heath with its excellent railway network, Cuckfield is regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Sussex. Its broad High Street is lined with attractive period buildings, independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs, creates a thriving village centre that remains at the heart of community life.
The village is particularly well served when it comes to education, with highly regarded primary schools and access to excellent secondary and independent schools in the surrounding area. Housing is varied, ranging from character cottages and Georgian homes to larger family properties and modern developments on the edge of the village. Demand remains strong thanks to Cuckfield’s combination of heritage, community spirit and connectivity, with property prices averaging £683,681 over the last year (Rightmove).
Eastbourne
This seaside town has undergone a bit of a revival since the 1980s and is now a stylish and cosmopolitan place to live with a busy cultural scene that includes two theatres, the outstanding Towner Art Gallery and a regular programme of seafront performances. It has a Brighton-esque vibe but is far more accessible and intimate.
Eastbourne sits at the gateway to the South Downs and is a short drive from Beachy Head, Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven, while the town itself is dotted with original Victorian architecture and historical points of interest. Just over 60 miles to London, the commute takes about an hour and half but it’s an easy drive to Brighton and Hastings. The town is home to Eastbourne College an independent school and not far from Bede’s at Upper Dicker. It also has an Academy school. And perhaps the best part of Eastbourne is that the average property price in 2025 was just £309, 175 making it very affordable.
Fittleworth
In the heart of the South Downs National Park, Fittleworth is a quintessential Sussex village surrounded by rolling countryside, ancient woodland and beautiful walking routes. Situated close to Petworth and Pulborough, Fittleworth has seen a rise in popularity lately. The village itself has a strong community feel, centred around its church, village hall and popular pub, while the nearby River Rother and South Downs provide endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits.
Families are attracted by the area’s excellent quality of life and access to a range of well-regarded schools in nearby towns and villages. Housing is characterised by attractive period cottages, country homes and converted farm buildings, many set within generous plots. House prices in Fittleworth have had an overall average of £536,250 over the last year according to Rigthmove.
Hartfield
Best known as the inspiration for A.A. Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood, Hartfield enjoys a unique position on the edge of Ashdown Forest, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the South East. The village combines rural charm with a lively community spirit, offering a collection of independent businesses, traditional pubs and local amenities surrounded by miles of open heathland and woodland. Despite its peaceful setting, Hartfield is within reach of Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead and Haywards Heath, making it an attractive choice for those seeking country living without complete isolation.
The village is popular with families thanks to its well-regarded primary school and access to a range of highly rated state and independent schools in the surrounding area. Demand for property remains strong, particularly among buyers looking for a rural lifestyle, and property prices tend to reflect both the area’s natural beauty and its enduring connection to the Winnie-the-Pooh stories with an overall average price of £711,750 over the last year (Rightmove).
Horsham
The historic market town of Horsham is popular with London commuters because of its good train links to the capital. It’s got a pretty central square known as The Carfax and lots of interesting period features and history. It’s also a great base for sport with rugby, football and cricket clubs, and has lots of independent boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants.
The town is home to four state secondary schools (Tanbridge House School, Millais School, Forest School and Bohunt School) and it’s also not far from a number of excellent private schools including Farlington School and Christ’s Hospital. The town’s Collyer’s is one of the leading sixth-form colleges in the country. Over the last year, the average house price in Horsham was £434,284. Beyond the town, there are some great local footpaths including the West Sussex Literary Trail and the High Weald Landscape Trail, as well as nearby St. Leonards Forest.
Hurtspierpoint
Situated at the foot of the South Downs, Hurstpierpoint combines village charm with excellent connectivity. Its attractive High Street is lined with independent shops, cafés and historic buildings, while the surrounding countryside offers easy access to walking, cycling and outdoor pursuits. Nearby Hassocks railway station provides direct services to London and Brighton, making Hurstpierpoint particularly popular with commuters who want a rural lifestyle without sacrificing convenience.
The village is well known for its strong educational with the prestigious Hurstpierpoint College on its doorstep. Housing ranges from period cottages and Victorian homes to modern family properties, with demand remaining consistently strong. While prices reflect its desirable location and excellent amenities, many residents are drawn by the combination of community spirit, countryside and connectivity.
Lewes
Another beautiful Sussex town that has oodles of history, charm, and curb appeal is Lewes. Apart from its glorious and central castle, Lewes is home to artisan markets, a flea market, and a craft market and has its own brewery. It has narrow cobbled streets, views of the South Downs, and a thriving community. Trains to London take just over an hour and the Sussex coast and dynamic town of Brighton are just over the South Downs. Surrounded by beautiful Sussex countryside and in between Haywards Heath and Eastbourne, Lewes also has one of the most famous fireworks parades in the country and Glyndebourne Opera House is within reach.
Lewes Old Grammar School is an independent, co-educational day school in the town and there are a number of other independent schools nearby such as Brighton College and Roedean School. Properties in Lewes had an overall average price of £508,144 last year (2025).
Mayfield
Set in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Mayfield is about 45 miles from London (about 1 ½ hrs by train). The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book and has an interesting history. It benefited from the local iron industry in the 16th and 17th century and much of the historic architecture reflects this time. By the 18th century, it was a centre for smugglers. All sorts of legends abound about Mayfield, including one that in the late 900s, St Dunstan confronted the devil here disguised as a young woman and then pinched the devil’s nose with hot tongs. The devil then fled to Tunbridge Wells and doused his burnt nose with the spring water.
Mayfield has two pubs, a number of shops, its own bonfire carnival and is home to the well-known celebrity retreat, Fair Oak Farm. It’s also close to the Cuckoo Line (an old steam train railway line). You’ll also find an independent Roman Catholic girls school here with Benenden and the prestigious Tonbridge School close by whilst the “well above average” Beacon Academy is in neighbouring Crowborough. All of this is reflected in the slightly more expensive average house prices in Mayfield of £639,854 (2026).
Midhurst
50 miles from London, 20 miles from the coast, and just north of the South Downs, Midhurst is a pretty market town that dates back to the 12th century. It’s an easy commute from Midhurst to Chichester, Guildford and Portsmouth, and the main secondary school, Midhurst Rother College, is an Academy secondary school with an outstanding Ofsted report. Seaford College is the nearest private school about 7.5 miles to the south east.
The town has a bustling high street with a good selection of shops, restaurants, and cafés and it has a variety of local sports clubs. One of the other greatest attractions of Midhurst is the Cowdray Estate with its magnificent Tudor ruins, regular polo, shooting, golf, farm shop and walks. The average cost of a property in 2025 was £441,234 according to Rightmove.
Shoreham
Shoreham is a surprisingly hip, up-and-coming place to be. Despite being home to a modern port, the town dates back to pre-Roman times, and there are lots of historic buildings that hint at its long and interesting past. At just over 50 miles from London, it’s also within easy reach of Brighton and Chichester, and of course, sits just south of the South Downs. It’s got its own museum, airport and beach, and has a backstory that includes Charles II and his escape to France, British filmmaking history and a collection of the most extraordinary houseboats.
According to Rightmove, house prices averaged at £460,480 (2026) and local private schools include Lancing College and Shoreham College. Shoreham Academy was rated outstanding by Ofsted.
St Leonard’s
Elegant, creative and increasingly fashionable, St Leonards-on-Sea has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Originally developed as a seaside resort in the 19th century, it retains much of its Regency and Victorian grandeur, with impressive seafront architecture, independent shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants. Neighbouring Hastings provides additional amenities and transport links, while direct rail services to London have helped attract commuters, creatives and entrepreneurs seeking coastal living with character.
Families benefit from a range of schools in St Leonards, Hastings and the surrounding area, while the town’s growing cultural scene adds to its appeal. Housing is diverse, ranging from grand period apartments overlooking the sea to colourful terraces and larger family homes inland. Property prices remain attractive compared with many coastal towns closer to London, making St Leonards one of Sussex’s most exciting and dynamic places to live.
Worthing
Worthing in West Sussex is ten miles west of Brighton, just to the south of the South Downs and sits on a stretch of sandy and shingle beach. Its Art Deco pier has twice been named Pier of the Year and it’s a town that has a rich and diverse history and a fascinating mix of architectural styles. It has three theatres and a beautiful cinema. The town itself can be traced back to the Domesday Book although there have been settlers in the area for thousands of years. As a result of a regeneration project, Worthing is a town that is very much on the up. It has an artistic and literary heritage and a slightly bohemian vibe, with a bustling town centre that includes supermarkets, clothes boutiques, art galleries and antiques, restaurants, cafés and pubs. With fantastic walking at nearby Cissbury Hill, Highdown Hill and the South Downs as well as coastal walks, it’s a great town for the active and it’s also a haven for watersport, has two golf clubs, as well as football, rugby and hockey clubs.
There are a number of good schools in the area including a sixth-form college and one college of higher and further education. There is an independent school within the town and Lancing College and Seaford College are within easy reach. The town has good transport links as it sits at the end of the main A24 to London and just south of the A27 which runs from east to west. It also has five train stations with direct trains to Gatwick and London. In 2026, the average property price was £380,508 making it one of the more affordable towns in Sussex.
Rye
Rye has to be one of the prettiest towns in Sussex if not the prettiest and Mermaid Street is one of the most photographed streets on Instagram. A Cinque Port with fantastic views, Rye is a little labyrinth of cobbled streets and corners overlooked by its castle and church. It has enormous amounts of charm and history, and if you don’t mind the summer tourists, it’s an idyllic place to live. The town does not have the best train service to London with trains going via Ashford or Hastings but it does have a fabulous selection of shops and restaurants which include art galleries, quirky boutiques, coffee shops, pubs, historic hotels and all sorts of curiosities. Perched on a hill, there are views across the surrounding marshlands to the sea where Rye Harbor Nature Reserve offers fantastic walking and an abundance of wildlife.
Surprisingly, last year (2026) the average property price was a modest £402,694 but these were undoubtedly not properties within the fortified centre. Nearby private schools include award-winning Claremont Senior School and Sixth Form at Bodiam.
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