What’s it like to live in Horsham?

[Nifler]

Hello

DP and I are potentially looking to move to Horsham and would be really useful to hear from others who live there or know the area well.

Would you recommend it, are there parts of the town it would be better to live in? I am currently pregnant, is it a good place to raise children? We would be looking for a nursery/childminder in summer 2026, know they get booked up quickly!

Thanks

I love Horsham, I live overseas but my parents and sisters family live there in Broadbridge Heath (outskirts of Horsham).

I confess I only visit once/twice a year but I really like it, love that countryside walks are outside the door, and there are a number of events that take place in town during summer months.

The clothes shops are ok, a bit "meh" depending on what you want/need, but transport seems efficient.

I grew up in SW London and was a total city girl, but if we were to ever move back to Uk I'd be looking a Horsham most certainly.

Sorry I have no direct experience but as a visitor I really do like it!

Thanks @Strokethefurrywall it’s nice to hear positivity anyway! I’m not too bothered about clothes shops as I probably buy most online!

I didn’t ask about trains for those who use them, but we’ll be commuting into London twice a week - I know the train lines are often rubbish with delays but then there seem to be with quite a lot going out of London!

Yes there are a number of trains into London (Blackfriars/London Bridge/Victoria) and pretty regular.

I think the early trains are "fast", around 55 mins, after 9am I think trains around 1 hr 10 mins or thereabouts!

Horsham is a great area to live in and there is lots of things that go on such as pop up theatre in the park over summer and treasure hunts around the shops at Christmas. It is also easy to find affordable a wide range of summer clubs for primary school age kids.

It has easy access by public transport to London and the South Coast.

Thanks for your reply @Kpo58

Hi

We are currently in West Hove/Portslade area and considering our next move may possibly be Horsham.

We can probably get a larger house/garden in Horsham. It's very difficult to make a decision as pros and cons to each place.
We would be near Grandma if we move.

Any tips on area's please or any advice on secondary school catchment areas?
Appreciate any advice /recommendations.

You can find the school catchment areas on this website https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/education-children-and-families/schools-and-colleges/school-places/find-a-school/school-catchment-areas-1/

The town catchment is largely split by the railway line tbh. West is usually Tanbridge Park (heard a lot.of good). North is Bohunt (don't know much. And east of the station is either forest (now coed) or Millais (about to turn coed).

All good/great schools but each has a different flavour.

Is the cheese shop still there ?

@NeilDiamondsBlowDry No the cheese shop isn't there any more.

There was a cheese shop? Sad that there’s no longer!

There's a fab cheese stall in the market, though! (Not sure whether it's Saturdays (some.or all?) or whether they do the Thursday one too)