The Best Neighbourhoods in Eastbourne for Families, Commuters and Retirees
What Are The Best Neighbourhoods in Eastbourne for Families or First-Time Homeowners?

As a very desirable coastal town with plenty of seaside charm and practicality for modern living, Eastbourne has lots of choice for where to live. As a leading Eastbourne removals company, we see lots of families, commuters, and retirees in the area. Mainly thanks to the good schools and easy access to London and Brighton.
Here is an in-depth breakdown of the best areas (in our opinion), depending on what you value in a home and its location.
Old Town, BN20/BN21
This is definitely one of Eastbourne's most desirable residential areas, it has great charm and history with lots of Victorian and Edwardian homes to choose from.
It's on the quieter side, there is a great community in the area and it is still pretty close to the town centre.
Plenty of good pubs: The Lamb Inn, The Crown, The Crown & Anchor.
Also, an array of shops and parks for fun with family and friends.
This neighbourhood is very popular with families and professionals who like to be away from all the noise but still in an "established" place.
Meads, BN20
Meads is a very affluent spot which also sees lots of leafs in the autumn, it's just west of the town centre and very close to the seafront.
You can also get to South Downs National Park very easily.
This area has a lot of larger homes which all boast beautiful views!
Plenty of great independent shops and cafés, as well as the University of Brighton campus.
Being more affluent, prices are quite high, but it's very appealing to retirees or families seeking prestige.
Sovereign Harbour, BN23
This modern waterfront development has tons of beautiful flats and town houses - it's great for professionals and retirees who like modern properties and amazing views on the marina.
Great local restaurants and shops to choose from, as well as great links to the A259 and A27.
Residents of Sovereign Harbour often describe it as a "holiday lifestyle".
Hampden Park,BN22
A very nice and affordable area with amazing transport links connecting you straight to Brighton and London Victoria.
Very good for families with lots of airy parks, sports infrastructures and good schools.
It's a mix of 1930s homes and quite a few new-builds, so there is a good amount of choice.
We find a great balance of value for money and convenience for commuting.
Roselands and Seaside, BN22
You'll find a lot of first-time buyers here because the prices are generally lower. It's also quite convenient because it's close to numerous shops and the seafront. There is a lot of reconstruction going on currently. Access to the town centre is convenient.
You'll find some modern houses and period terraces. A lot of investors see this area as "up-and-coming".
Langney, BN23
A suburb which is popular with families because of the good value for money. There is also a big shopping Centre and a good few schools.
Langney is growing in popularity because of the numerous developments. You'll also get easy access to A22 and A27.
Willingdon BN20 and Ratton BN22
These are technically just outside of the Eastbourne area but often referred to as Eastbourne. It's nice and quiet, "semi-rural" as such. It's at the foot of South Downs. The homes are generally large and spacious, the streets are quiet.
Families and retirees love this area because it feels a bit more like the countryside, but only minutes from the town centre.
Here is a full summary below:
Best Eastbourne Neighbourhoods by Buyer Type
Quick reference table mapping common mover profiles to the Eastbourne area that fits them best—based on lifestyle, convenience and property mix.
| Mover Type | Best Area | Why It Fits | Property Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Families | Old Town Heritage |
|
Victorian / Edwardian houses, tree-lined roads, larger gardens |
| Commuters | Hampden Park Best Links |
|
1930s semis, terraces, some newer builds near the station |
| Retirees | Meads Prestige |
|
Larger period homes, handsome apartments, coastal walks nearby |
| First-time Buyers | Roselands & Seaside Best Value |
|
Compact terraces, maisonettes, some new infill developments |
| Professionals | Sovereign Harbour Waterfront |
|
Contemporary apartments & townhouses, balconies, parking |
| Value-seekers | Langney Budget-Friendly |
|
Family semis, cul-de-sacs, newer developments |
| Countryside Lovers | Willingdon & Ratton Downland Edge |
|
Spacious detached homes, bigger gardens, leafy avenues |
| Seaside Lifestyle | Meads or Sovereign Harbour Coastal |
|
Period apartments & villas (Meads) / modern waterside homes (Harbour) |
Tip: add a short CTA beneath this table—e.g. “Found your area? Get a fast moving quote for Eastbourne today.”










