Can anyone tell me about Hollingdean - Brighton, please?

[Claire1978]

Hi, I've just come across this website searching for info on Brighton areas!

I might have the chance to exchange by council flat in South London for one in Brighton, on the Hollingdean estate.

Can anyone tell me anything about it?

I'm particularly interested in how it is compared to other estates. I've heard people talk badly about Whitehawk. How is it compared to that one?

Is there trouble there? Teenagers?

Also, what are transport links like into Brighton centre and are there many shops round there? (Going to be a shock moving from London!!)

I understand it is the better end to live in terms of secondary school places - is that still correct or has that changed with the new guidelines?

Many Thanks for any help anyone can give.

Hollingdean is fine - doesn't have the social problems of Whitehawk or Moulsecomb as far as I know.

It's on a hill, and there is a local shop (a Mace or Spar or something) but not much else actually on the estate. However, it's near Fiveways which has a few ok shops and a nice bar / restuarant called the Tin Drum.

Bus service in Brighton is great and it's about a 20 minute journey into town.

Not sure about schools, but the admissions system in Brighton has changed recently and, anecdotally, is a bit of a nightmare.

Brighton is a lovely place to live though, and the South Downs are beautiful.

You get great views up on that hill, and Fiveways/Preston Park (very nearby) are lovely areas. You're about a 20-min walk away from a fairly big Sainsburys on the Lewes Road. The local secondaries are the best in Brighton, but the entry system was recently changed to a lottery system so you might not be guaranteed a place - probably best to talk to someone in Brighton's education department to get a sense of how it is operating as I think this is only the second year it's been going.

It is a mighty hilly area, so be prepared for some exercise unless you intend to drive everywhere!

Thanks all

Hi Claire

A friend of mine used to live in Thompson Road and it was ok though the neighbours were a bit much at times and there was a lot of nastiness towards the end before she moved. As long as you don't get involved with the cliques you will be fine.

Brighton itself is a fab place to live and I lived there myself for 7 years. The 50A bus is every 20 minutes or so and that goes right into town and also to the sea front. The nearest primary school is St Josephs catholic which my friends kids went to. It seemed ok but I think there are better schools on the Ditchling Road if you are prepared to walk a bit further. Hollingdean is on a hill so a lot of the flats have fab views which is always good. You would also be near the Level which is really really great for kids in the summer holidays - it has a paddling pool and a lovely play area and you will also be near Saunders Park which is not as nice but closer and still good. If you need any more advice just post back and I can get back to ya