Top 15 Best Places to Live in West Sussex
- Sean
- Apr 15
- 9 min read
Thinking of Making a Move? Discover the Best Places to Live in West Sussex
West Sussex is one of the UK's most desirable counties, effortlessly combining beautiful countryside, picturesque villages, and vibrant towns with top schools and transport connections. Whether you are drawn to the coast or seeking the peace provided by idyllic rural villages, there is a perfect location for you.
At Pinnacle Removals & Storage, we understand that relocating is about more than just moving boxes – it’s about moving lives. With a combined experience of over 50 years, our dedicated and professional team are there to remove the stresses involved with your relocation, providing bespoke and expert services to make your move into your West Sussex home a smooth one.
Through our removals depot in Horsham, we are perfectly located to provide support with moves throughout the county and beyond. Whether you are moving to Chichester, Horsham, Worthing, or into one of the peaceful villages within the South Downs, our location makes it easy to offer quick, flexible, and efficient removals to suit your individual needs.
With our modern fleet of GPS-enabled trucks and carefully screened personnel, Pinnacle ensures your move is trouble-free, secure and flawless from initial planning to final delivery with our experienced Move Coordinators.
Read on to discover some of the top places to live in West Sussex, and let Pinnacle Removals assist you with your relocation there.
Chichester: The Cathedral City
Chichester, known as a cathedral city, boasts a rich history dating back to the Roman era. The city is home to the magnificent Chichester Cathedral, a landmark which was opened in 1108, featuring a unique detached medieval bell tower. This historic architecture and the surrounding historic buildings add to the city’s charm, making it a cultural hub in West Sussex.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Pallant House Gallery, which showcases an impressive collection of modern British art in an art gallery setting. The city’s vibrant cultural scene is further enriched by the renowned Glyndebourne Opera House, offering high-quality opera productions.
Chichester was named the Best Place to Live in the Southeast of England in the 2023 Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live guide, a testament to its appeal. With an average house price of £425,000, the city offers a blend of culture, community, and beautiful surroundings.
Horsham: Historic Market Town
Horsham, a historic market town, captivates residents with its central square, period features, and vibrant community amenities. The town is known for its independent shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants that enhance the local lifestyle. Horsham’s quality of life was recognised when it was crowned the best place to live in the Halifax Quality of Life survey.
Education is a strong suit for Horsham, offering four state secondary schools, several private schools, and a leading sixth-form college. The average house price in Horsham stands at £460,656, reflecting its desirability as a place to settle down.
Worthing: Traditional Seaside Town
Worthing is a bustling seaside resort with an attractive history and traditional beach character. It has some old properties such as medieval timber cottages on Tarring High Street and the famous Worthing Pier, an official Grade II listed structure and 2019 UK Pier of the Year award holder.
Families will find Worthing appealing due to its good schools, which include a sixth-form college and access to prestigious institutions like Lancing and Seaford Colleges. Additionally, the town is well-connected with five train stations offering direct trains to Gatwick and London, as well as convenient main roads.
With an average price of approximately £386,272, Worthing is an attractive option for homebuyers.
Midhurst: Gateway to the South Downs
Midhurst, known as the gateway to the South Downs National Park, is a picturesque market town with a rich historical backdrop. The town features notable historical structures such as the ruins of Cowdray Castle and the historic Spread Eagle Hotel.
Midhurst fosters a strong community spirit with various local pubs, shops, and amenities. The average house price in Midhurst is £475,000, reflecting its appeal to those seeking a blend of history and community.
Haywards Heath: Commuter's Haven
Haywards Heath stands out as a commuter’s haven, which offers quick train access to both London and Brighton. Residents can reach London in just over an hour, therefore making it an ideal location for those who work in the city but prefer to live in a more relaxed environment.
The town features a vibrant town centre with shopping and dining options, further complemented by nearby Cuckfield. With an average house price of £465,234, Haywards Heath provides a great balance of convenience and lifestyle.
East Grinstead: Rich History & Natural Beauty
East Grinstead is renowned for its rich history and outstanding natural beauty. The town is noted for its Tudor architecture, which showcases its historical significance. During WWII, the town earned the nickname “the town that did not stare,” reflecting its supportive community who took care of injured aircrew at the Queen Victoria Hospital.
The town’s proximity to Ashdown Forest offers residents stunning natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor activities. With an average house price of £420,000, East Grinstead continues to attract those looking for a blend of history and nature.
Arundel: Historical Charm
Arundel exudes historical charm with its iconic Arundel Castle and a collection of Victorian and Georgian houses in this quaint village, alongside a stunning manor house. The town’s calm atmosphere appeals to both residents and visitors, providing a serene living environment.
The average house price in Arundel is £500,000.
Steyning: Scenic Village Life
Steyning offers a picturesque village life with diverse architectural styles, including timber-framed buildings from the Tudor and Stuart periods. The town’s early history is linked to the legend of St Cuthman, believed to have established the first church here before the 9th century.
Steyning’s history also includes significant events such as the execution of John Launder for heresy at Chantry Green in 1555, as well as industrial growth in the 19th century. The average house price in Steyning is £553,596, showing its historical and scenic appeal.
Shoreham-by-Sea: Coastal Living
Shoreham-by-Sea, a trendy seaside town, boasts a rich maritime history and modern amenities. The town is home to Shoreham Academy, an outstanding school according to Ofsted, and notable private schools like Lancing College and Shoreham College, as well as the nearby Shoreham Beach.
With an average house price of £438,228, Shoreham-by-Sea offers good access to London and Brighton, making it an attractive option for those seeking coastal living with urban convenience.
Petworth: Artistic Heritage
Petworth is renowned for its vibrant antiques market and artistic heritage, making it one of the charming market towns. The town’s historical significance is highlighted by its appearance in notable films such as Napoleon and Bridgerton, adding to its cultural appeal.
Burgess Hill: Family-Friendly Community
Burgess Hill is a family-friendly community known for its welcoming atmosphere and good schools, including Burgess Hill School. The town is undergoing a significant £65 million regeneration aimed at revitalising the town centre, which is expected to enhance community spirit and local amenities.
Excellent transport links make it easy for families to commute to nearby urban centres, and it is just a short drive, adding to its appeal as a great place to settle down.
Storrington: Rural Tranquillity
Storrington offers a peaceful rural lifestyle, making it an ideal choice for those seeking tranquillity. The community is known for its close-knit atmosphere, providing access to good schools, shops, and local amenities.
The town boasts a Grade I listed parish church with historical roots dating back to the Norman period. Travel time from Storrington to London is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with an average property price of £507,748, all within a stone’s throw.
Henfield: Vibrant Village
Henfield is known for its lively atmosphere and strong community spirit. The village offers a variety of local amenities, including independent shops, a library, cafes, public houses, a leisure centre, and a medical centre.
With good transport links, Henfield is just 24.5 miles from Gatwick Airport. Education in Henfield includes quality schools such as St Peter’s Primary, Hurstpierpoint College, Lancing College, and Brighton College.
Bognor Regis: Affordable Seaside Town
Bognor Regis, a traditional seaside town, is known for its affordability and strong community appeal. The property market offers homes starting from around £250,000, making it an attractive option for various buyers.
The town features award-winning beaches that blend shingle and sand, catering to families and outdoor enthusiasts. The four-mile promenade is ideal for walking and cycling along the coast, adding to its recreational opportunities in seaside towns.
Crawley: Urban Convenience
Crawley offers urban convenience with excellent shopping, dining options, and transport links. The town is conveniently located just 10 minutes by train from Gatwick Airport, making it a key transport hub.
With direct trains to London Victoria taking approximately 40 minutes, Crawley is well-connected to the capital. The average house price in Crawley is £350,000, making it an appealing place to live for those seeking both convenience and affordability.
Education in West Sussex
West Sussex offers a wealth of educational opportunities, catering to diverse needs and preferences. Christ’s Hospital is recognised for its unique uniform and extensive financial aid programs, benefiting a diverse student population. Notable independent schools in the area include Lancing College, Brighton College, and Hurstpierpoint College.
Lancing College features a distinctive chapel and maintains a commitment to a Christian educational ethos. Burgess Hill Girls is noted for achieving strong academic results while catering to a broad range of students. Additionally, Seaford College is acknowledged for its excellent special educational needs provision and its picturesque location in the South Downs.
Primary and secondary education is well-represented with schools like Albourne CofE, Aldingale, All Saints CofE, Holy Trinity Primary School, and Warden Park Secondary. The Northern Arc development will introduce multiple new schools, further enhancing the area’s educational offerings.
Transport Links
West Sussex boasts excellent transport links, making it easy to commute to nearby cities and London. Haywards Heath’s railway station offers rapid connections to London Victoria, taking approximately 45 minutes. Trains from Crawley to London Bridge run every 15 minutes, ensuring quick access to the capital.
The town of Crawley is a key transport hub for accessing Gatwick Airport, which is only 15 minutes away by train. Bognor Regis is also well-connected through a train service to London Victoria, which takes about 90 minutes.
Outdoor Activities
West Sussex offers a plethora of outdoor activities that cater to all interests. The South Downs Way is a beloved hiking route, providing stunning views and access to the natural beauty of the South Downs National Park. Biking enthusiasts will find trails that cater to all skill levels, ensuring an adventurous experience for everyone.
For those who enjoy water sports, beaches like West Wittering offer opportunities for surfing and kitesurfing. Parks such as Victoria Park in Haywards Heath and Buchan Country Park in Crawley provide ample space for walking, wildlife watching, and enjoying nature. The Triangle Leisure Centre in Burgess Hill also offers various recreational facilities, promoting active lifestyles for families.
Cultural Attractions
West Sussex is rich in cultural attractions that showcase its historical and artistic heritage. Notable historical sites include Arundel Castle and Chichester Cathedral, both of which offer a glimpse into the region’s storied past. In Horsham, visitors can explore St. Mary’s Church and the Causeway, highlighting the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Art lovers will appreciate the Pallant House Gallery, which features an impressive collection of modern British art. The Glyndebourne Opera House is renowned for its world-class opera performances and beautiful gardens, attracting visitors from around the globe. The vibrant arts scene is further enriched by galleries and studios such as East Beach Studios in Worthing, showcasing various forms of art.
Local Amenities
West Sussex offers a diverse range of local amenities that cater to the needs of its residents. Horsham features a mix of independent shops and local markets, enhancing its community feel. Shoreham hosts a vibrant local community with a monthly farmers’ market, celebrated as one of the best in the region.
Leisure centres such as the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley and the Dolphin Leisure Centre in Haywards Heath provide gyms, swimming pools, and various sports facilities. Regular community events, markets, and festivals in towns like Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath foster a lively social atmosphere.
Moving to West Sussex with Pinnacle Removals & Storage
If you’ve found your dream location in West Sussex, the next step is making your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. At Pinnacle Removals & Storage, we specialise in UK removals and offer expert support for domestic moves of all sizes. We can also carry out local moves, or removals across the country.
Our professional removals team is here to help you every step of the way, with tailored solutions that include home or video surveys, secure packing, efficient transport, and flexible storage options. Whether you're moving to a city like Chichester, a market town like Horsham, or a quiet village in the South Downs, our reliable removals services are designed to meet your unique needs.
With over 50 years of combined experience in UK removals, our team understands that no two house moves are the same. That’s why we assign every customer a dedicated Move Co-ordinator, who will handle the logistics and guide you throughout the entire removals process from the first box packed to the final delivery at your new home.
Our fleet of GPS-tracked vehicles ensures your belongings are transported safely and efficiently, while our professionally trained team gives you complete peace of mind.
If you're planning a move to West Sussex, trust Pinnacle Removals & Storage to deliver a moving experience for all the right reasons.
Summary
West Sussex combines historical charm, cultural richness, and breathtaking natural beauty, which offers a lifestyle that appeals to families, professionals, retirees, and everyone in between. Whether it’s the historic charm of Chichester or the coastal appeal of Worthing, West Sussex has a way of drawing people in. Towns like Horsham and Midhurst offer a warm, community feel, while each corner of the county brings its own character.
It’s a place where quality of life really shines through, with good schools, strong communities, and plenty of space to breathe.
At Pinnacle Removals & Storage, we’re here to take the pressure off when it comes to making your move. Whether you're heading in from across the UK or settling somewhere new within the county, our team is on hand to take care of the details. We’ll handle the move, so you can get on with the exciting part: starting your new chapter.
Wherever you’re heading in West Sussex, we’ll help you get there smoothly, securely, and stress-free.