Living in Eastbourne – A local property guide 

Eastbourne, located on the South Coast of East Sussex, is a vibrant town with a welcoming town centre and a beautiful seafront that stretches for miles. The town boasts a rich history and modern charm, thanks to recent investments and ongoing regeneration. With a variety of affordable housing options, excellent local amenities, and reliable transport connections, 

Eastbourne is a popular seaside destination. Visitors can enjoy the traditional delights of fish and chips or ice cream from the pier, making it a quintessential British seaside town.

This guide explains all you need to know about Eastbourne and what it’s like to live there. 

The history 

Eastbourne has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age. In the 19th century, Eastbourne became a popular destination for wealthy Victorians, who built grand hotels and villas along the seafront. 

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During World War II, the town was heavily bombed, and many historic buildings were damaged or destroyed. In recent years, Eastbourne has undergone significant regeneration, with new housing developments, shopping centers, and cultural attractions.

Schools in Eastbourne 

• Cavendish School: A mixed comprehensive school for students aged 11-16, with a focus on creative arts and technology.
• Causeway School: A mixed comprehensive school for students aged 11-16, with a focus on physical education and sports.
• Ratton School: A mixed comprehensive school for students aged 11-16, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
• St Catherine’s College: A Catholic secondary school for students aged 11-18, with a focus on academic excellence and personal development.
• The Eastbourne Academy: A mixed comprehensive school for students aged 11-18, with a focus on preparing students for the world of work or higher education.
• Gildredge House: A co-educational independent school for students aged 4-18, with a focus on academic excellence and a broad curriculum.
• Bede’s Senior School: A co-educational independent school for students aged 13-18, with a focus on academic excellence, extra-curricular activities, and personal development.

This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other primary and secondary schools in the area.

Average house price 

An affordable £309,601, with family-sized terraces fetching around £281,500 and detached houses going for around £451,618, so you’ll get plenty bang for your buck.

Shopping in Eastbourne 

Eastbourne is home to a diverse range of shopping options, from high street chains to independent boutiques and specialist stores. The town centre offers a mix of modern malls and traditional shopping streets, such as Terminus Road, where you’ll find popular stores like Primark, H&M, and Debenhams. 

The Enterprise Centre is a great place to browse for unique gifts, jewelry, and handmade crafts from local artisans. The weekly street market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products. For a shopping experience with a view, head to the Marina, where you’ll find a selection of shops and restaurants overlooking the sea.

Food and drink in Eastbourne 

Eastbourne offers a diverse range of food and drink options to suit all tastes and budgets. From local seafood to international cuisine, there is something for everyone. Here are some highlights:

• Seafood: With its location on the coast, Eastbourne offers plenty of fresh seafood options. Restaurants like The Pilot, The Dolphin and The Fisherman’s Club offer a range of seafood dishes such as fish and chips, mussels, and scallops.
• Pub Food: The town is home to numerous pubs serving traditional British food. The Pilot, The Hart, and The Lamb Inn are popular choices for their hearty meals.
• International Cuisine: Eastbourne has a variety of international food options including Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Mexican. Some of the highly recommended restaurants include Pomodoro e Mozzarella, Thai Marina, and El Mexicana.
• Cafes and Bakeries: For a lighter bite or a sweet treat, Eastbourne has many cafes and bakeries. The Favourite, The Coffee Grove, and The Real Patisserie are just a few examples.
• Bars and Nightlife: Eastbourne also has a lively bar and nightlife scene, with options ranging from traditional pubs to cocktail bars. The Marine, Bibendum, and Maxims are popular choices.

Transport h2b>

Eastbourne has good transport infrastructure including links in to London and Gatwick Airport. 

Trains: Eastbourne railway station is on the mainline between London Victoria and Brighton. Trains run regularly, with journey times to London taking around 1 hour 30 minutes. There are also direct trains to Gatwick Airport, with a journey time of around 1 hour.

Buses: The town has a comprehensive bus network, with services connecting Eastbourne to nearby towns and villages, as well as to Brighton and other parts of Sussex. There are also long-distance coach services that run to London and other destinations.

Taxis: There are several taxi companies operating in Eastbourne, providing a convenient way to get around the town and to nearby attractions.

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Culture 

Eastbourne is a culturally rich town with a variety of activities and events throughout the year. Here are some highlights:

• The Towner Art Gallery is a popular attraction, showcasing contemporary and modern art from around the world.
• The Congress Theatre hosts a range of shows and performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
• The Devonshire Park Theatre is another historic venue, known for its productions of classic plays and musicals.
• The Eastbourne Bandstand is a popular open-air venue, hosting concerts and events during the summer months.
• The Eastbourne International Tennis Tournament is held annually at the Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club, attracting top players from around the world.
• The Eastbourne Festival is a summer event featuring music, dance, theater, and visual arts performances.

Most popular areas to live in and around Eastbourne 

• Meads: A residential area to the east of the town center, known for its affluent character, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and proximity to the South Downs National Park and the seafront.
• Old Town: A historic area located west of the town center, featuring a mix of Georgian and Victorian architecture, independent shops, pubs, and restaurants.
• Sovereign Harbour: A modern marina development to the east of the town center, offering waterfront properties, shops, restaurants, and a large supermarket.
• Willingdon: A semi-rural village located to the north of the town center, with a mix of properties, including modern estates and period homes, as well as local shops and pubs.
• Hampden Park: A suburban area located to the north-east of the town center, offering a mix of properties, including bungalows, terraced houses, and modern estates, as well as a large park, a train station, and local shops.

Each area has its own unique character, amenities, and property market, so it’s best to do further research and visit the areas to determine which one may be suitable for your preferences and lifestyle.

Have a question?

If you need advice for first-time buying in Eastbourne – or if you’re looking for a reliable mortgage broker in Sussex – please contact a member of the Strive team, by emailing [email protected] or call us on 01273 002697.