Would Lewes be a good fit for our family?

[water0808]

Hello Everyone,

We may have the opportunity to be transferred to Brighton/Lewes area and would be excited about the opportunity to move back to the UK. But we are wondering, for those who have lived there, how well of a fit is Brighton or Lewes for our family. Also, if so, what area of Brighton be the best fit?

Also we can find info on Brighton but none of Lewes. What is it like? What are the people like? Posh? Artsy? We have not a clue.

We are a family of three: My husband, me and our 6 1/2 year old child.

We are quite internationally focused. He is from the UK, I am American/Italian, and we lived in Japan and speak Japanese with our daughter. We are both artsy and academic.

What we would like:

1. A safe area for living with a child. Somewhere where we can walk at night and feel safe with few break-ins.

2. A place that has organic grocery stores/ markets in the area.

3. A place close the train station as we will not have a car.

4. Non-chain Cafes with good coffee/ natural food. Art galleries, interesting shops

5. An area that has a buzz, but not heavy partying nightlife ;D

6. A place with parks for our child to play

7. Small city feel to it instead of metropolis.

Thanks!

Lewes is a small town - not a city at all. Brighton is a small city, so probably would suit you better. Lewes is very near to Brighton though. Both fit all your other criteria, although for art galleries you would probably need to travel to London (other people might disagree on this).
As for areas of Brighton - Hove/Preston Park might suit. I live in an outer suburb which suits me as it has bigger gardens. Depends on what you need in a house/budget really. Both places have prices on a par with London.

7 Dials in Brighton or the area around Hove station sound like they might be good fits for your family as it's a short walk to the stations and has lots of cafes/restaurants/playgrounds etc but not busy or unsafe in the evenings. Good luck with the move.