March 01, 2024

Is Brighton a Nice Place to Live? Exploring Life in This Vibrant City

Brighton is a beautiful coastal city, filled with all the laid back charm that comes with being near the sea. It is also a city with history, art, culture and music. It is a vibrant city but is Brighton a nice place to live?

Within this article, we are going to explore this question – Is Brighton a nice place to live? – evaluating all it has to offer as a living destination.

Let’s get started!

Quality of Life in Brighton

The general quality of life in Brighton is viewed to be very good. It ranks 14th in the UK for factors such as affordability and desirability in a survey conducted by Top Universities in 2023.

Research conducted by job board CV-Library has also revealed that Brighton is one of the best places to live if you want a great work/life balance. The research found that people who live close to the beachfront are happier than those living in cities such as London, Glasgow and York.

It would appear that many people see Brighton as a brilliant city to live in but you do have to think about what you like. Brighton is a very vibrant city with an excellent nightlife and a large student population. If you are more inclined to the quiet life, the centre of Brighton may not be the right spot for you but there are many quieter areas in Brighton, where you can still enjoy the beach life. Check out our article on this here.

Housing and Living Costs

We must admit that Brighton is not the cheapest of places to live in the UK. The average price for a house is £502,227. Flats sell for an average price of £351,960, terraced properties for an average of £616,831, with semi-detached properties fetching £582,654.

This is cheaper than London, whose average price comes in at £778,969, but more expensive than Eastbourne, a fellow south-east seaside city, with average prices here of £318,562. It is also more expensive than its seaside cousins to the west, such as Exmouth and Plymouth, where average prices are £370,229 and £241,161, respectively.

The cost of living in Brighton is also on the high side with a single person estimated monthly costs being £884.20, without rent or mortgage.

Employment Opportunities

Employment rates in Brighton are good and, as we write in February 2024, employment is 72.4% for those aged 16 to 64. This high level of employment is a product of Brighton being a very forward thinking and creative city, it makes it an excellent place to run a business and provides a variety of jobs for people.

The four key economic industries are: Digital, Cultural & Creative, Environmental Industries and Health & Life Science.

Education and Health Services

There are many excellent schools in Brighton and the surrounding area that would allow your child to get an excellent education from nursery to sixth form.

Brighton is also well known for its universities, with many students choosing the city due to its excellent selection of universities but also, the city as a whole. The universities that are in the city include BIMM, perfect for musicians, University of Brighton, University of Sussex and Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Whatever you or your child wants to study, they are bound to find a course within one of the unis located in Brighton.

There are many health services available in Brighton and around the city centre. These include walk-n services, help with wellbeing and general medical centres. If access to healthcare is a deciding factor for you when it comes to the question – Is Brighton a nice place to live? – we are certain that the sheer amount of healthcare providers in Brighton will help you answer this in a positive manner.

Transportation and Connectivity

When it comes to getting in and around Brighton, this is very easy to do via public transportation. Brighton buses are very frequent, with many day, week or monthly saver tickets available making them an easy and cost-effective way to explore the city & beyond. All the buses have ramps for wheelchairs, scooters and buggies, making them accessible for everyone, and if for any reason a wheelchair cannot board the bus then a complimentary taxi will be provided instead. This is a city that cares about the people that live within it!

Brighton is also a part of the National Cycle Network with an official cycle route that runs along the beachfront from east to west. There are other traffic free cycle routes around the city, as well as bridleways and unsurfaced tracks for off-road cycling into the Sussex Downs.

It is also only an hour away, via train, from London so would be an excellent place to live if you work in London, as it would provide you with cheaper housing options and a happier way of life.

Leisure and Recreational Activities

There are so many things to do in Brighton no matter what you are into you will be happy. From history to art, nature to shopping, delicious food and showing your Pride, it is all available in this wonderful seaside city.

There is, of course, the beach that is perfect if you like going for a dip in the sea, surfing or other water sports or just have a relaxing sit down.

If you love unique shopping and eating experiences, then The Lanes will be ideal for you. Nestled between the North Laine and the seafront, this quirky area is a joy to wander around with its narrow alleyways, hidden squares, exciting shops, plenty of places to eat and drink.

There are also many family friendly activities such as the Brighton Sealife Centre and the Toy and Model Museum.

For an in depth list of all there is to see and do in Brighton, check out our article here.

Safety and Crime Rates

Results of a 2023 Community survey show that around 75% of Brighton residents provided a positive rating for their neighbourhood. Along with this around 66% gave excellent or good reviews to the City as a place to live, the overall quality of life provided in Brighton, and the City as a place to raise children.

For its residents, Brighton is a great place to live, with a good quality of life and a feeling of safety and community spirit within the area.