Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea
Two different takes on coastal life, just six miles apart.
Brighton and Shoreham compared:
Start the day with a walk by the sea, grab coffee on the way to work, or head out towards the Downs at the weekend. That’s everyday life in Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea. They offer two quite different versions of coastal life - one energetic and city-centred, the other smaller-scale and more relaxed. Whichever you choose there's no denying you'll love to be beside the seaside.
If you’re weighing up where to put down roots in this part of the South East, read on to picture what home could look like here.
Find your home in Brighton
What's Brighton like to live in?
Living in Brighton means living in a city that’s independent, creative and unapologetically itself. You might spend a Saturday morning browsing the Lanes for something no one else will own, an afternoon on the pebbles with a coffee in hand, and an evening trying a new restaurant with friends who’ve become like family. Many people love Brighton because it’s a place that welcomes everyone as they are, and that sense of belonging settles in fast.
Find your home in Shoreham-by-Sea
What's Shoreham-by-Sea like to live in?
A walk along the River Adur with boats bobbing beside you, a stop for coffee by the harbour, then the beach practically to yourself for an hour before lunch. That’s the rhythm of life in Shoreham-by-Sea. Perched at the mouth of the river, just six miles west of Brighton, it offers waterside tranquillity and a residential feel, with the South Downs National Park close enough to reach on a whim.
Comparing different neighbourhoods
Brighton’s neighbourhoods are diverse and each offers a distinct character, including:
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The Lanes: Historic alleyways known for independent shops, cafés and jewellers.
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North Laine: A creative district recognised for its street art, independent businesses and vibrant atmosphere.
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Kemptown: A lively seaside neighbourhood with a strong LGBTQ+ heritage and bohemian character.
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Hove: A residential area known for Regency architecture, beach huts and a more relaxed pace.
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Moulsecoomb: A residential district in north Brighton, where you'll find Home X - the Southern Housing New Homes' Shared Ownership development.
Further along the coast, Shoreham-by-Sea has its own distinctive areas worth knowing about:
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Shoreham Town Centre: The town's commercial and community hub, with independent shops, restaurants, pubs and a regular farmers' market.
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Shoreham Beach: A shingle beach situated between the River Adur and the English Channel.
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Old Shoreham: A historic area featuring landmarks such as the Toll Bridge and St Nicolas' Church.
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Shoreham Harbour: A working port and marina area, close to both Southern Housing New Homes developments of Wharf Twenty One and Dock Makers Quarter.
Where is there to eat and drink?
Brighton is perfect if food is your love language, and it won’t be long before you have your list of favourites.
Spend an evening with friends tucking into sharing plates and cocktails at Burnt Orange or Embers, or book a table at terre à terre for inventive vegan and vegetarian dishes. Furna or Dilsk cover fine dining, while over in Hove, Maré by Rafael Cagali – the first (and only) restaurant in the area to receive a Michelin star in over 50 years – is the perfect setting for celebrating a special occasion. And for a taste of the city’s heritage, head to English’s, which has served fresh catch on the same site since the 1850s.
Brighton has been named the best city in the UK for nightlife, and for good reason. Take a look at what a friday night out on the town could look like. With so many pubs and clubs close together in areas like Kemptown, The Lanes and the beachfront, bar hopping is easy. An evening can start with a relaxed drink at Clementine & Co. and end with a drag night at Charles Street Tap.
Shoreham-by-Sea’s food and drink scene is more chilled. Picture lunch at Into the Blue, eating locally sourced, sustainable seafood from the day’s deliveries, or a Friday night tucking into Italian classics at La Galleria. Brook is the one to book for small plates and wine with friends, and The Bridge is where you’ll want to go for a leisurely weekend brunch.
Whether you’re after a quiet drink, live music or a family and dog-friendly venue, Shoreham’s pubs deliver. Head to Piston Broke, the Old Star and Tap House Shoreham for craft beers; The Red Lion, Shoreham’s oldest pub, for pints surrounded by history; and The Duke of Wellington – which is around the corner from Dock Makers Quarter – for a sunny Saturday in the beer garden.
Culture and landmarks
On a day off in Brighton, you can easily lose track of time at the city’s cultural spaces. The Royal Pavilion, is of the most flamboyant buildings in the UK, renowned for its mixture of Regency grandeur, Indian architecture and Chinese-inspired interiors, many people are left in awe of such a grand design. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is the perfect shelter for a rainy afternoon, especially if you have little ones in tow, while Brighton Fishing Museum offers a more intimate peek into the local maritime history.
On sunny days, Brighton Palace Pier will bring out your inner child with rides, games and amusements on the seafront. And for evenings out, Brighton Dome, Brighton Centre and the Theatre Royal Brighton host everything from ballet and opera to drama and live music, so there’s always a show worth booking tickets for.
In Shoreham-by-Sea, community is woven into the town’s cultural identity. After work, you might watch a film or attend a class at Ropetackle Arts Centre, the creative hub for local talent. Come the weekend, you might take a guided tour of Shoreham Fort, a 19th-century military defensive structure at the East end of Shoreham Beach, or learn about the history of the place you now call home at Marlipins Museum, which displays Sussex’s maritime heritage through a permanent collection of more than 2,500 items.
What are the green spaces like?
Whether it’s a morning jog along a trail, a calm moment relaxing in the park after a busy day at work or a long family walk at the weekend, Brighton’s parks make spending time outdoors part of everyday life.
Shoreham-by-Sea has similarly tranquil green spaces where you can get some fresh air and feel restored.
What’s more, the South Downs National Park is on Brighton and Shoreham’s doorstep, giving you immediate access to the stunning Sussex countryside, with its rolling pastures, ancient woodlands and over 3,300km of trails to explore.
What are the transport links like?
Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea’s seamless transport links make commuting less of a chore. Brighton is particularly well-suited if you work in London, or plan on taking plenty of holidays as journeys from Brighton Station include:
From Brighton Station*
From Shoreham-by-Sea Station*
If you prefer to drive, the A27 skirts Brighton and Shoreham, connecting to the A23 and A26, so neighbouring towns like Hove and Worthing are close by, with the rest of the South East just a car trip away.
*Travel times taken from google maps.
Where can I buy a the groceries and more?
Supermarkets, GP surgeries and leisure facilities are well-covered too. In Brighton, you’ll find them throughout the city, so you’re never far from what you need. Meanwhile, in Shoreham, they’re mostly concentrated in the town centre – handy for combining errands into one trip.
Both Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea have a good choice of highly regarded state-funded and faith-led schools across all key stages. Brighton also has strong further education options, including sixth-form colleges and two universities: the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex.
How much does it cost to live in here?
Brighton is one of the most sought-after coastal cities in the UK and consistently ranks among the most expensive places to live, based on average rents.
House prices tell a similar story. According to June 2026 data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average house price in Brighton was £408,000 (Flats was £296,000). In the Adur district, which includes Shoreham-by-Sea, the average price was slightly lower at £380,000 (Flats was £215,000), though the house price was still much higher than the England average of £245,000 (But lower for flats as that was £219,000).
The good news is that Shared Ownership can make the dream of living in Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea much more affordable.
How can I buy a home in Brighton or Shoreham-by-Sea?
Shared Ownership offers one of the most accessible routes to buying a home in this part of the country. Available in Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea with Southern Housing New Homes, this government-backed scheme is designed to help first-time buyers and those who can’t afford to buy outright have somwehre to call home in a place they love.
It allows eligible buyers to purchase a share (typically 10%-75%) of a leasehold home and pay below-market rent on the remainder, with the option to increase your share over time, usually until you own 100%. The deposit is based on the initial share you buy, so the upfront cost is usually much smaller than if you were buying outright.
FAQs
Is Brighton a good place to live?
Yes, Brighton offers a desirable blend of city and coastal living, a welcoming atmosphere and proximity to London, attracting people from all walks of life.
Is Shoreham-by-Sea a good place to live?
Yes, Shoreham-by-Sea offers the same coastal access and similar commuter links to Brighton, but in a smaller community with a slower pace.
Is Brighton or Shoreham-by-Sea better for families?
Both locations work well for families but for different reasons. Brighton has a wider choice of schools and amenities, while Shoreham-by-Sea offers a closer-knit community and quieter atmosphere.
Is Shared Ownership available in Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea?
Yes, Shared Ownership is available in both locations. At Southern Housing New Homes, we currently have three Shared Ownership developments in the region:
- Home X in Brighton: 1 and 2-bedroom apartments
- Dock Makers Quarter in Shoreham-by-Sea: 1 and 2-bedroom apartments
- Wharf Twenty One in Shoreham-by-Sea: 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments
How does Shared Ownership work in Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea?
Shared Ownership in Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea works in the same way as it does across England. You buy a 10%-75% share of a home and pay below-market rent on the rest, with the option to buy more shares over time until you own the home outright.
Check out our podcast, Shared Ownership Unpacked, to learn more about the initiative.
Make Brighton or Shoreham-by-Sea your home
Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea both offer a lifestyle that’s closely tied to nature, community and everything that makes the Sussex coast so special. By now, you probably have a feel for which one sounds more like you. Maybe it's Brighton's creative energy and beachside buzz. Or perhaps it's Shoreham's quieter pace and closer-knit community. Either way, if you can picture yourself living here, we'd love to help you find a home to match. Explore avialble Shared Ownership homes for sale in Brighton at Home X and in Shoreham-by-Sea at Dock Makers Quarter and Wharf Twenty One.
