Thinking of moving to Eastbourne

[Addison123]

Hi Everyone, anyone here living in Eastbourne? I currently live in Bromley with my partner and we are looking to move to a safer, cleaner and friendlier area with some diversity. I have never spent longer periods in Eastbourne and I was wondering how people who live(d) there find it?

From what I saw, it’s an aging population but I don’t mind that. We always have the best time there but again, the longest we stayed was 3 days!

For me personally it would be important to feel safe (eg I can walk the dog at 10pm) and be fairly close to the center. My partner sadly experienced racism where we live now so we hope to move to somewhere better in that sense (I know it’s tricky). Any areas to avoid?

ps.: we have no kids, just a dog.

Thank you 🙂

Hi @PadfootJ

we have decided to move to Surrey instead as my partner wants to stay closer to London, our flat is on the market but seems difficult to sell at the moment.

ahh ok. Thanks for replying. Best of luck selling and I hope the move goes well. @Addison123

@PadfootJ On the off chance you’re still looking - I moved to Eastbourne end of last year and I’m absolutely loving it. Anyone who says it’s an older population is definitely incorrect I can tell you that for certain (I assume they visit an old people’s home and don’t actually live here, or live next to old people’s homes because I can’t think why else they possibly think that?!). I moved to the Old Town and we’re surrounded by houses of families which is nice for when our little one grows up. I feel very safe around here which is a real weight of my shoulders compared to my last home. The parks are amazing (Gildredge Park, Princes Park - which has a splash pool too, etc), loadss of nice restaurants to choose from, the beach is big and nice, there’s an amazing warm water pool too which is fab for taking LOs swimming, there’s a cinema and theatre, schools are lovely, and I’ve found there is everything you could need here shopping-wise so never feel the need to leave the area! Honestly don’t think I’ll ever leave Eastbourne now. I’ve lived all over London, Surrey, Hastings, and now here, and this is the most warm and homely place I’ve lived. Good luck!

Eastbourne is really run down. Areas you wouldn't want to visit, let alone live. Check info online for relevant info. on what youth gangs control what areas. There are a couple of nicer areas, but overall a lot of deprivation, crime, drugs and alcohol abuse. The stats may say it's mostly older folk, but you won't see that demographic in person, when you're there it feels like everyone is young with hoodies and drugs or in the 20-40 age bracket. The shopping centre is run down on the outside and not many good shops on the inside. Having said this, since covid and a lot of town centres have become empty and boarded up, although Eastbourne always had bad areas for at least the last ten years..

Used to visit quite often when I lived in South London, parents/relatives liked it. Agree with pps that it seems to have gone downhill in recent years. Nice houses in the good areas eg Meads are cheaper than they would be in Brighton but the centre's not up to much.

@Cola133 just curious if you actually live in Eastbourne? We have polar opposite views of the area which I’m so curious about! I’m not sure where all these gangs and hoodies are - I spend most of my days out and about all around here with my toddler and find the town and people lovely!

Eastbourne is nice but there are some rough areas, certainly no rougher than Bromley
Seaford and lewes are nicer but that's reflected in the price and it's less commuting time. Willingdon is a naice part of Eastbourne.

Hailsham, 3 miles north of Eastbourne, is where we are, typical small town but has a butchers and a waitrose! And close enough to get to the sea in ten minutes.The whole area is impacted by housing ttarges which makes people grumpy.

Prob the best thing about Eastbourne is it still has a town centre, far enough from Hastings and Brighton for everything not to dissappear. I work there and the population is mixed, generally nice during the day. lots of white collar jobs too.

Not sure about schools as I only know kids at private school (we certainly can't afford that!)

Well worth getting an Airbnb down here for a week and exploring

Ah just seen this. Ah well good luck!

The train service is excellent to London and I don't call an hour and half a long journey.