LOCATION
HOTspot Brighton
5 RB RE AI GS HOTNOSNW E
LOVE…
1 The beach. Of course! 2 Shops you won’t find anywhere else 3 Excellent transport links 4 Restaurants for every taste and budget 5 The South Downs on the doorstep
Famous for its vibrant and inclusive culture, Brighton is a quintessential seaside town – on steroids. Located on the Sussex Coast, just 50 miles south of London but with property prices considerably lower than the capital, attracting families, commuters, young professionals and students alike
Photos © Home X local area photography
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
OUT AND ABOUT
Brighton is one of the two main areas of the City of Brighton and Hove; the neighbouring towns were granted city status as part of the millennium celebrations in 2000. At the last census, the city was the largest in South East England with a population of around 290,000. Brighton dates back to 3500BC, but its making was the arrival of the London and Brighton Railway in 1841. Many of its iconic attractions, including the Grand Hotel, the West Pier and the Palace Pier were built during the Victorian era and the town continued to expand until, by the 1970s, it had acquired a reputation as a retirement destination. Compared to the national average, Brighton and Hove now has a large proportion of adults aged 20-44, with fewer children and older people. The city’s demographic is increasingly young professionals. Many commute, but there is ample opportunity for employment in Brighton too. It is regarded as one of the best places in the UK to start a business, with a new business survival rate of an impressive 87%. Known as the UK’s unofficial “gay capital”, Brighton also has a proud LGBTQ+ community, with the highest percentage of same-sex households in the UK; it’s estimated approximately 15% of the city identifies as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Home to the UK’s first (and only) Green Party MP, Caroline Lucas, it is no surprise that
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residents are keen to keep their city clean. Driving into the city is discouraged, with most parking reserved for residents with permits, but it's easy to get around on foot, bike or bus. Frequent trains operate from Brighton railway station to London Victoria, London Bridge and St Pancras International, taking just over an hour. The Preston Park area is particularly popular with commuters. Just one mile from the city centre, and with its own station, it is home to the largest park (and festival venue) in Brighton. Kemp Town is also appealing to young professionals, and is right on the beach. Families lean towards Hove Park. The park itself boasts tennis courts, a miniature railway, bowling green, cafe and the impressive Goldstone, a 20-ton rock. Just 10 minutes from the city centre, you will find some of the best primary schools, and highest prices in the city, here. Hanover, still less than a mile from Brighton station, is more affordable. There are some excellent primary schools and it has a strong community feel. Further out of the city, but still only a few minutes’ drive from Preston Park station, up-and-coming Withdean is another area that's well worth considering.
The main attraction in Brighton is, of course, the beach, and there is 13km of coastline to discover. Locals tend to head to the quieter beaches, especially in the summer when the area around the Palace Pier – complete with funfair, arcade halls and delectable doughnuts – can get incredibly busy with tourists. Explore Hove, Saltdean and Rottingdean and pick your favourite. If you’re keen on adventure, walk the South Downs Way, taking in the white cliffs at Seven Sisters, or visit Devil’s Dyke. The southern coast of England has a mild and sunny microclimate compared to the rest of Great Britain and, with an average of 1900 hours of sunshine a year, there should be plenty of opportunity to enjoy it! Brighton is famed for its shopping. The North Laine area boasts over 400 shops while, further south, The Lanes are characterised by a maze of narrow alleyways consisting mainly of independent clothing stores, jewellers, antique shops, restaurants and pubs. Brighton’s celebrated inclusivity is reflected in the number of shops catering for the LGBTQ+ community, notably The Queery, home to a radical and queer bookstore,
First Time Buyer August/September 2022
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