Where are the best places to live in Eastbourne?

Tucked away on the south coast of East Sussex, Eastbourne offers stunning beaches, scenic coastal views, and plenty of local hotspots. This charming seaside town is known for its Victorian pierhead, iconic bandstand, and historic Pevensey Castle.

Eastbourne is also one of the sunniest places in the UK (500 more hours than the UK average)**, so it comes as no surprise that the town attracts 4.9 million visitors every year. Where are the best places to live in Eastbourne?

Is Eastbourne a good area to live?

Eastbourne is a good area to live, boasting stunning views in a prime location. Living close to the promenade offers beautiful gardens, fantastic local amenities, and plenty of local attractions to keep the kids entertained. If you are looking for a more rural setting, Eastbourne’s countryside leads onto the stunning natural beauty of the South Downs.

There are also convenient travel options making it a very commutable city. Brighton is under an hour away by bus and London just 80 minutes on the train.

Is Eastbourne expensive to live in?

Eastbourne is more cost-effective than its larger neighbour, Brighton, and far more affordable than London to the north. King Edwards Parade and the Pier offer the best value for money and rank as some of the most affordable places to live in Sussex. Other areas of Eastbourne are more expensive, such as Pavensey Bay, although that is one of the best places to live in Eastbourne.

What are the pros and cons of moving to Eastbourne?

The pros outweigh the cons when considering a move to Eastbourne. The sunniest place in Britain undoubtedly makes Eastbourne a good area to live, which is why it consistently ranks in the top 10 seaside towns.

Although many seaside towns in Britain saw an economic downturn in the early 20th century, Eastbourne has seen noticeable growth in recent years as people choose to move out of the capital for more cost-effective areas to raise a family.

What is the richest part of Eastbourne?

Meads is often considered to be the richest part of Eastbourne, although it is important to remember this isn’t something that can be measured as a precise science. House prices change as markets fluctuate.

It is also important to remember that just because a place is the richest part of Eastbourne doesn’t necessarily make it one of the best places to live in Eastbourne, as there are many other factors to consider. This is why we have made a list considering all factors when looking for the best places to live in Eastbourne.

Which is better to move to - Brighton or Eastbourne?

In many ways, the two places are indeed similar. Both commuter towns are surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rich history, whereas Brighton pulls in a lot of younger people seeking vibrant nightlife, University life, and plenty of local hotspots to spend their money on. However, if you are looking for value for money, then Eastbourne is the destination for you.

It’s also important to remember Brighton is only 80 minutes by bus, so you can get the best of both by opting to live in Eastbourne.

Here are the best places to live in Eastbourne:

Meads

Nestled in the northeast, Meads is one of the most affluent areas of Eastbourne. Here, you can expect to find the perfect blend of stunning Victorian architecture, modern amenities, and picturesque walks through the neighbouring South Downs.

Another major selling point of Meads as a location is the high number of outstanding schools in the area, making it a highly sought-after destination for families.

Now is a great time to buy, as house prices in Meads have fallen since their 2022 high and have an overall average of £ 338,141* over the last year.

Old Town

One of the more expensive areas of Sussex, and it’s easy to see why. Old Town is Eastbourne’s oldest neighbourhood, boasting great schools, a rich history, and modern amenities.

This is a great choice for families looking for a place to live with a strong sense of community and unique charm. If you are looking for days out or days away, there are strong transport links to both Brighton and London in walking distance.

House prices in Old Town have an overall average of £362,512* over the last year.

Sovereign Harbour

Waterfront living with a city lifestyle. It is no surprise that Eastbourne’s waterfront attracts millions of visitors a year, and you can choose to live in the modern marina with contemporary apartments boasting harbour views.

You can also choose to spend your time visiting one of their many vibrant bars and trendy restaurants. This part of the city is ideal for professionals and especially popular with water-sport enthusiasts.

Terraced properties sold for an average of £338,523, with semi-detached properties fetching £327,703*.

Willingdon

Willingdon is one of the best places to live in Eastbourne. To the northwest of Eastbourne lies a town with a more rural setting that offers a mix of period cottages and modern family homes. Here, you can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the town and enjoy the quiet pace of village life. Quaint cafes, stunning golf courses and a strong sense of community populate this quiet village.

Walking tours and countryside views are especially popular with residents, but if you find the pace of village life to be too slow, there are still convenient transport links to Eastbourne and the further surrounding areas.

Most properties sold last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £335,423*.

Pavensey Bay

Located to the east of Eastbourne, Pavensey Bay is a coastal gem that balances stylish beach houses with modern family homes. This relaxed, holiday-like atmosphere is ideal for beach lovers seeking a more relaxed pace of life. The area is also steeped in history, with Pavensey Castle being within walking distance. If you are an avid beach goer, this is one of the best places to live in Eastbourne.

House prices in Pevensey Bay are higher than other areas of Eastbourne, having an overall average of £379,451*.