The Sussex Towns Commuters Are Flocking To

But it’s not just major cities like Brighton that are attracting attention—smaller towns and villages are also gaining popularity.

Haywards Heath

Situated in Mid-Sussex, Haywards Heath is one of the most popular towns for people moving to the area because it offers that ideal balance of accessibility and a slower pace of life. With regular train connections to London Victoria, London Bridge, Brighton, Eastbourne and more, it’s perfect if you work further afield. But you also benefit from a wealth of excellent schools, beautiful parks and shopping centres here, as well as the South Downs on your doorstep. 

Hastings

A beautiful seaside town, Hastings has a quieter pace compared to Brighton but just as much appeal. While it’s historically renowned for its role in the battle of 1066, in recent years there’s been an influx of families and professionals moving to this area because of the great connections and lower property prices. It’s a town with a wonderful community feel and a classic charm.

Lewes

Bordered by the Downs, and with the River Ouse winding throughout, Lewes is a town with a host of traditional heritage buildings and historical depth. From the towers of Harvey’s Brewery to Lewes Castle and beautiful churches, there are countless landmarks and attractions to be found here. Lewes is regularly cited as a great place to live, with several great schools and colleges for families moving to the area, stunning Georgian and Victorian properties, and London and Brighton both within easy reach by train.

Rye

Rye attracts a lot of visitors who come to see the Tudor and Georgian houses, cobbled streets and antique stores, and property buyers choose this town for the very same reasons. It’s retained an old world feel with history found at every turn, and it’s an area brimming with the charm of a bygone era. Popular with short-term letting investors, it’s also a place that creatives choose for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

East Grinstead

On the northeastern edge of Sussex, East Grinstead offers easy access to London, the M25 and Gatwick Airport. The town is filled with old Tudor appeal and striking National Trust properties, paired with modern amenities like high street shops, restaurants, cafés and the Chequer Mead Theatre, making it a charming choice for commuters.

The combination of beautiful Sussex landscapes, strong communities, and excellent connections to major employment hubs continues to attract those seeking a different pace of life. While there are certainly challenges in terms of managing affordability here, the future looks bright for commuter towns here, offering a compelling alternative to city living for those willing to embrace a change of scenery.