Hassocks

[catlitterinmyturnups]

We're in the very early stages (i.e. not even house-hunting yet) of considering a move back to Sussex. We know parts of the county fairly well as lived in Brighton for 7 years after uni. Been in London for almost 13 years now, but many of our most cherished friends are Sussex way and we miss them.

My husband currently works in Kings Cross, and I work part-time freelance from home. We have two children age 6 and 3.

We're planning a house-swap soon with friends in Hassocks to get a feel for the area, and the commute.

I rang the Hassocks infant school who basically laughed and said not much chance of getting places - more likely to be allocated a school in Burgess Hill and sit on waiting list for who knows how long...

To be honest this alone is putting me off!

Any thoughts or advice or experiences of being a Hassocks newcomer? Would Burgess Hill be a place to avoid? Back in my Brighton days it didn't have the best reputation, but perhaps that's changing. Might Hurstpeirpoint be an option too?

Any help appreciated.

[LocalEditorWestSussex]

I will post this on Facebook and Twitter to see if we can get some responses. Good Luck. Kate, editor

[catlitterinmyturnups]

Thanks Kate!

[CleanHankie]

School places are becoming a problem in the whole area. Hassocks, Hurst and most of Haywards Heath were all over subscribed last year. Stats Burgess Hill has some larger schools so have been able to accommodate the extras. More and more housing is being built and there is talk about a new school on the Haywards Heath / Burgess Hill border but in years to come.

I live in Burgess Hill and have done for several years. I have no problem with bringing my children up here, and would recommend it to anyone. The whole of Mid Sussex is nice, although if your DH is commuting, I would say it would be an advantage of living within walking distance of a station. There are plenty of toddler groups, nurseries and the South Downs on our doorstep. As the children get older and want more Nightlife, Brighton is easy to get to, and London only a train ride away.

Come and experience a week, drive round the area, try out some of the drop in children sessions (Rhyme Time at the Libraries and Bounce & Roll at The Traingle and Dolphin for example) and maybe make appointments to have a look around the schools.

[catlitterinmyturnups]

Thanks CleanHankie! This is very very helpful. We're going in Feb half term so not ideal for scoping out schools, but perhaps the toddler groups will be running.

Am v nervous about the schools situation as my daughter is happy where she is but this move is about being closer to old friends and culture and seaside so long term I think it'll be worth it if the commute's not too awful.

Would you say there are any areas of Burgess Hill to avoid? Don't know it at all...

[CleanHankie]

I wouldn't say there are any really rough areas of Burgess Hill, and if you can afford Hassocks, then the areas you will be looking at will be fine. If your DH commutes, then you might be better at looking at how far he wants to walk to the station (Burgess Hill or Wivelsfield station). I would also look at being near to the school you would hope to get into, some of them, London Meed in particular, are a nightmare to park nearby.

[catlitterinmyturnups]

Thank you. Always good to have a heads-up re parking nears schools - we have the same problem round here!

[LocalEditorWestSussex]

Thanks CleanHankie - top tips for catlitterinmyturnups.

[mom1976]

Any tips for area? What schools should we be looking to live close to?