Living in Eastbourne
Eastbourne is the neighbouring town to the bright lights and rainbows that is Brighton, but Eastbourne is not one to be outshined! Eastbourne is a seaside resort town full of charm and character, known for its Victorian pier, promenade and access to the South Downs National Park.
The town is popular with retirees, families and tourists alike and has a lovely growing cultural scene with theatres, art galleries and annual events.
Is Eastbourne a Nice Place to Live?
Yes, Eastbourne is a wonderful place to live, and did you know it is one of the sunniest places in the UK? Residents take advantage of all that sunshine with the relaxed seaside and natural scenery of the South Downs.
Eastbourne is popular with retirees due to its relaxed atmosphere as well as families due to the good schools and ample outdoor space.
Moving to Eastbourne? Change Your Locks
If you’re moving into the town don’t forget to change your locks when you move as you never know who may have a key. Our local Eastbourne locksmiths are friendly, fully trained, DBS checked and highly skilled to ensure your new home is as safe as can be!
What is the Population of Eastbourne?
As of 2021 the population of Eastbourne increased to 101,700, this was a rise of 2.3% since the census 10 years prior, according to the ONS.
Is Eastbourne a Safe Place to Live?
Eastbourne is the most dangerous town in East Sussex and second most dangerous to Hastings out of all East Sussex’s towns, cities and villages according to CrimeRate. Eastbourne’s crime rate is a shocking 68% higher than the regional crime rate across the South East in total with the most common crime being violence and sexual offences.
In both February and April 2025 Eastbourne was targeted by robbers and over the two months 33 robberies were committed. With such high robbery reports it is crucial that Eastbourne residents ensure their home security is up to scratch. If you are concerned about your home security or are moving into a new home give us a call and we can help. Our locksmiths carry a wide range of stock on board to suit your home and give you peace of mind that your home is protected from burglars as best as it can be.
You can also check out lots of helpful advice on our website for ways you can upgrade your home security, many ways in which you can do yourself.
What Areas to Avoid in Eastbourne?
To avoid the worst residential areas that are affected by crime in Eastbourne we suggest you give the following areas a miss:
- Hampden Park
- Langney
- North East Town Centre
- Roselands
- Anthony’s
These areas are listed as undesirable due to their high crime rates and higher concentration of deprivation.
Best Areas to Live in Eastbourne
- Meads: a leafy affluent area near the South Downs with larger homes.
- Sovereign Harbour: modern waterside apartments and houses.
- Old Town: family-friendly and full of historic character.
Average House Prices in Eastbourne 2025
The average property sold price in 2025 in Eastbourne was £314,255.
Semi-Detached- £347,740
Terraced– £299,814
Flats– £210,094
At the time of updating our guide on Eastbourne, Rightmove had no data on average prices of detached properties.
What is Eastbourne Popular for?
Eastbourne is popular with the locals and visitors alike for its stunning backdrop of chalk sea cliffs and lush rolling landscapes. There are many outdoor activities for all to enjoy here to make the most of the dramatic coastline, from gentle walks to adventurous paragliding there is something for everyone. If you are ready to kick back and relax, how about a luxurious boat ride with some bubbly?
Transport In and Around Eastbourne
Airports in Eastbourne
Eastbourne is 44 miles south of the M25 and takes just less than an hour to get to Gatwick airport, making it great for commuters.
Train Station in Eastbourne
By train it is just 82 minutes to get to London Victoria and just over half an hour to Brighton. If you don’t fancy getting on the train, there is also a National Express service that runs directly to London Victoria Coach Station.
Buses in Eastbourne
Getting around Eastbourne by bus is very easy with multiple buses running frequently in and out of the city. As an added bonus there are also a couple of ‘Coaster’ buses than run along the seafront and through the South Downs all the way to Brighton with lots of stops along the way for lovely walks including a stop for the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.
Top 10 Things to Do in Eastbourne
- Eastbourne Beach and Pier
- Beachy Head
- Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters
- Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway
- Towner Art Gallery
- Sovereign Harbour
- Eastbourne Redoubt
- Fort Fun
- Beachy Head Lighthouse
- Pevensey Castle
Pros and Cons of Living in Eastbourne
As someone who enjoys a peaceful walk along the coast but with lots of points of interest to keep me engaged, I love Eastbourne! The South Downs offer unbeatable views and is sure to get your heart racing. Compared to neighbouring Brighton, Eastbourne is much more affordable and is more family friendly.
However, if you find Eastbourne is too slow for you compared to Brighton and the longer commute to London puts you off. We recommend taking a look at Bath, Brighton, Plymouth and Portsmouth for places similar to live in the South/South West of England.
Eastbourne Weather
Eastbourne as we mentioned earlier is the sunniest place to live in the UK! This makes it a great place to enjoy the seaside and stroll along the prom (where the brass band plays tiddly-om-pom-pom). But the combination of sunshine and salty sea air can wreak havoc with your locks.
How Soes Sunshine and Salty Sea Air Affect Locks?
Sunny weather can cause your locks and doors to expand which causes sticking and misalignment issues with your door. This may prevent you from being able to lock your door and leave your home vulnerable.
Salty sea air causes a whole host of problems including corrosion, rust and stiff mechanisms so the two together aren’t a good mix for your doors and locks.
To help prevent this you can ask your locksmith to install locks that can withstand sea air weather and maintain your locks with some graphite spray every 3-6 months to keep it all running smoothly.
Jessica Davies
Jessica brings over six years of specialised expertise to Keytek's comprehensive UK location guides, combining meticulous research with genuine local insight. As the architect behind Keytek’s area profiles, she delivers essential intelligence on house prices, crime statistics, schools, and community character—everything you need to know about the city or town. Armed with a photography degree from the University of Brighton and an exhibited portfolio, Jessica approaches each location asking, "What would it be like to live here?" This perspective transforms dry statistics into lived experience, revealing not just what places cost, but what they truly offer. Since 2019, Jessica has partnered with Keytek®'s security professionals, weaving real-world safety expertise into every guide. Her work addresses practical realities: Is this neighbourhood genuinely safe? What security considerations matter? How does local infrastructure support daily life? From bustling cities to quiet villages, Jessica's field research uncovers authentic local character. Her commitment to accuracy and on-the-ground investigation has established her as a trusted voice—helping people navigate different locations across the UK and home security with complete confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to live in Eastbourne?
Eastbourne offers a mix of seaside charm and a relaxed pace of life. The town features beautiful beaches, scenic countryside, good transport links, and a friendly community, making it a popular choice for families, retirees, and commuters alike.
Is Eastbourne a safe place to live?
Overall, Eastbourne is considered one of the safer towns in East Sussex. Like any town, some areas experience higher crime rates than others, so it’s worth researching specific neighbourhoods before moving. Investing in good home security is also recommended.
What are the average house prices in Eastbourne?
As of 2024, average property prices in Eastbourne are around £325,000 for terraced homes, £380,000 for semi-detached properties, £485,000 for detached houses, and £240,000 for flats. Prices vary depending on the area and property condition.
Which are the best areas to live in Eastbourne?
Popular residential areas include Old Town, known for its historic charm and strong community feel, and Willingdon, a quiet suburb with period homes. Other sought-after spots offer good schools, green space, and access to transport links.
How good is public transport and connectivity from Eastbourne?
Eastbourne is well-connected by train and bus. There are regular train services to London Victoria (around 1 hour 20 minutes), Brighton, and Hastings, as well as local bus routes across the town. Gatwick Airport is roughly 44 miles away, reachable in about an hour by road.