Brighton named as top UK location by the Sunday Times

In the 2022 edition of the Sunday Times’ list of top places to live in the UK, our beloved city has been named as the country’s best seaside location.

The area around Preston Park and Fiveways – known as the city’s ‘golden triangle’ – was chosen as being an extremely desirable location. Quieter than the city centre or the seafront, this spot was praised for its “family-friendly Victorian terraces”, and proximity to both the hustle and bustle of the city, and the rolling hills of the South Downs.

It’s been proven that living close to the sea has numerous benefits for both body and mind, with access to green space also being a key factor in the assessment of each location on the list. So, it was fantastic to see Preston Park being celebrated for its beautiful gardens, playground, and sports facilities - and for playing host to the biggest Pride event in the city. According to the report, Brighton gives residents and visitors “the best of all worlds: country walks and cutting-edge culture, served up with a healthy dose of ozone-rich salty air”.

The expert judges also considered transport options and broadband speeds. Brighton was commended for its accessibility and easy commute to London, while home-workers can work productively with reliable access to the highest broadband speeds.

This year also saw the introduction of a new metric: the health of the local high street in each place. Ditchling Road received a special mention, with the report calling it “a great example of what a local high street can be” and was praised for its butchers, bakers, delis and coffee shops.

Unsurprisingly, the Lanes was highlighted for its quirky cafes, contemporary restaurants and independent boutiques selling everything from chic homeware to bespoke jewellery, to pet accessories. Brighton balances a sense of cool with being a great place to raise a family, and several local schools were praised in the report, including Downs and Stanford primaries, Dorothy Stringer School and Varndean College. The leading independent options – Brighton College and Roedean – also got a mention.

In 2020’s round-up, Hove was also commended in the Sunday Times list for its variety of housing options, access to seaside activities like sailing and paddle-boarding, and excellent selection of pubs and restaurants.

We already know that Brighton and Hove have plenty to offer. Ideal for students, young professionals and growing families, there’s a wide variety to see and do, with property options that are equally diverse with style, sizing and location.

If you would like to discover what properties we have in these highly sought-after areas, please contact us and we can arrange a viewing – whether that be virtually or in person.