Move to Brighton

[JJMCLU]

Hi - my child has been offered a place at Brighton College and we are considering moving from London. We've always loved Sussex and we are considering some of the villages in between Brighton and London for commuting (maybe around Haywards Heath). Does anyone live in or close to Cuckfield, Linfield, Henfield or any villages closer to Brighton like Ditchling (I've probably missed lots of nice places, just getting to know the area) that can provide any advice? I have another child who will need a good primary school. I also wanted to ask if those villages have a sense of community with some good things going on for the kids (and also the prospect of some social life for adults ;) !!) We don't really know anyone in the area so a move seems daunting. Any insight would be really appreciated. Thank you.

Steyning is lovely. Hassocks also nice.

I should also add we love Lewes - but think we want more of a village feel. Thank you!

Now I'm just drip feeding - sorry - but any suggestions for nice areas of Brighton or Hove that also feel 'villagy' would be great. Thank you.

Cuckfield and lindfield are nice places but are increasingly a part of Haywards Heath as the town expands outwards. Lindfield can be a bit ‘yummy mummy’ for my own liking (obviously just my opinion!!) and I have friends with tales of brutal bitchiness at the school gates.
The outlying villages like Ardingly and Horsted Keynes or Scaynes Hill are smaller but when you look closer still have lots going on which may not be immediately obvious. Each of those places have lovely little village schools too. Anywhere out of London will be a shock in terms of adapting to less facilities and breadth of activities. You may not know anyone but you are by no means alone in moving from London.

Brighton is very much a city. There are ‘areas’ that claim to have a village feel but it really isn’t like being in a village.

I grew up in brighton (and went to Brighton College), then lived in London and now live in Hassocks. Absolutely love it and will never move out. Village isn’t too small but a lovely community feel. So much for children and families. Any questions, just ask

Yes. Hassocks would work for your needs. Or hurstpierpoint?

Yes, Hurstpierpoint is lovely and definitely prettier and looks more villagy… but I find the traffic going through quite annoying, which is part of the reason we chose hassocks. I would love to live the hassocks side of Hurstpierpoint though

Hassocks / Hurstpierpoint / Albourne / Ditchling

Personally I think the houses are prettier on the hassocks side but you certainly pay for that aesthetic!

Ditchling?