Areas and schools to consider in Brighton - Hove

[Scotslasslivinginfrance]

So we are looking to relocate from France to brighton - hove this summer in time for school starting. However we don't know a huge amount about areas and schools. We had years ago planned to move here and our preferences at that time was to be in Hove in a beautiful big old flat with sea views....but we didn't have a dog or a child or a car that needs garaged and enough outdoor equipment and bikes to sink a battleship! (And breathe)

In my mind we would ideally like 3 beds, garden and garage, a feeling of community with services, culture, shops, bars, restaurants, parks, good public transport. Decentish school, preferably one that is creative and nurturing. DD is 7 (born April 07) what year would she go into? I don't want to have to constantly get in my car to go or do things. DH needs to be able to get on his bike and cycle for hours in the country.

Can you help??? Do I need a reality check? Monthly rental budget £1500...

Any offerings of advice and suggestions would be massively appreciated :-)

dd would year 4 in September. have you looked at rightmove. Hangleton/Portslade might be worth a look for access to country and budget.

Thanks lizs I have looked at rightmove and it is helpful in seeing what properties are available, I have also this morning contacted some agents for more information on the process and time scale involved.

We are planning a trip to brighton in a couple of weeks so hopefully that will give us more of an understanding of areas etc but it's always good to get first hand opinions from people living there.

Will look into hangleton and portslade.

Hello Scotslass, I know you posted this some time ago but just wanted to give some info.

Because the rental market in Brighton moves so quickly, a lot of agents never put their properties on RightMove. So the best thing is to contact as many local agents as you can and get them to put you on their list and let you know immediately of anything that comes up. Large flats/houses often are snapped up within 24hrs of being available.

Within Brighton, Preston Park area is nice and probably within your budget. Hanover is very nice but probably out of your price range. You will almost certainly not get a house with a garage in Brighton within your price range. A lot of areas have parking permit systems now so not too bad, as long as you've got an attic or cellar for storage.

We are Americans in Saltdean, which is a short bus trip out of the city. If you're willing to live in the suburbs, you might find the house you're looking for out here.

Thanks pocket and suki this is still helpful, as yet we haven't had the chance to visit Brighton / Hove but we hope to do this in the next few weeks. It's been a while since we have been and we really need to come and view areas not as tourists but as prospective residents! It's good to have a feedback also to have specific areas to look out for.

In terms of schooling, are there any schools to be avoided? We are not opposed to moving slightly further out but our preference would be to remain central.

And I'm really glad you told us about rightmove as this is what I have been primarily looking at as it comes up first with rental searches... Right I need to organise a road trip across the channel quick smart!

Look at Westdene, fantastic primary school, safe area, bus ride into town.