Moving to Brighton & Hove — The Local Guide
Everything you need to know before moving to Brighton & Hove — areas, transport, schools, cost of living, and what life in this seaside city is really like.
Brighton & Hove has been attracting people from London and further afield for decades. The combination of a fast train to Victoria, a genuine city culture, excellent food and nightlife, and the beach on the doorstep makes it uniquely appealing. Here is what you need to know before you move.
Which Area to Live In
Central Brighton (BN1) — North Laine and the city centre are popular with younger residents, students, and those who want to walk to everything. Expect Victorian terraces, limited parking, and lots of noise and energy. Good for: people who love city life and do not own a car.
Hove (BN3) — Often the choice for families and those wanting more space and quiet. Church Road, the Brunswick area, and Hove Park are popular. Better schools catchments and more residential character. Good for: families, couples, and anyone who finds central Brighton a bit much.
Kemp Town (BN2) — Brighton's east end. Diverse, creative, strong LGBTQ+ community. Good mix of flat shares and family homes. The Undercliff Walk and Black Rock are local assets. Good for: those who want community feel and bohemian character without the tourist noise of central Brighton.
Preston Park (BN1) — The residential area around the park, north of the city. Leafier than central Brighton, good transport links into town, popular with young families and commuters. Good for: families who want a quieter residential feel but easy access to the city.
Transport
Brighton station is the hub: trains to London Victoria run every 10-30 minutes and take about 50 minutes. Gatwick is 30 minutes. The Thameslink route gives access to St Pancras and beyond. Within the city, buses are comprehensive. Cycling infrastructure is improving but the city's hills and narrow streets can be challenging.
Parking is difficult and expensive across most of the city. Most residents in central areas live without a car.
Schools
Brighton & Hove has a selection-by-distance allocation system for primary schools. Secondary schools include several outstanding and good-rated options, including Varndean, Dorothy Stringer, and Cardinal Newman (Catholic). The University of Brighton and the University of Sussex (adjacent in Falmer) give the city a strong student and academic population.
Cost of Living
Brighton is more expensive than many UK cities but significantly cheaper than inner London. Expect to pay £1,500–£2,500/month for a good one-bedroom flat in most areas. House prices range from around £300,000 for a two-bedroom flat to £700,000+ for a family house with garden in a good Hove street.
What to Expect
Brighton & Hove has a strong independent culture — the city punches well above its weight for restaurants, cafes, music venues, and events. The Brighton Festival in May and Brighton Pride in August are the two major annual moments. The sea is genuinely there — a ten-minute walk from most central addresses — and it changes the quality of life in a way that is hard to quantify until you live here.