The best places for families to live in East Sussex include Lewes, Uckfield, Eastbourne, Crowborough, and Wivelsfield Green. Each offer something different whether that’s access to local amenities, being surrounded by nature and greenery, or located near to the coast for fun family days out.
It’s therefore no surprise that East Sussex continues to attract families from across the South East and London. The county combines countryside, coastline, established towns, village communities, schools, commuter connections and access to employment hubs including Brighton, Gatwick Airport and London.
If you’re wondering where to live in East Sussex with children, this guide compares some of the county’s most family-friendly places and explains which locations may suit different priorities, from schools and green space to commuting and coastal living.
What should families look for when choosing where to live?
Before focusing on specific locations, it's worth considering the factors that matter most to your household.
Many families prioritise:
- High-performing schools
- Safe and welcoming communities
- Parks, playgrounds and open green spaces
- Access to healthcare and local amenities
- Commuter links to London and other employment hubs
- Leisure facilities and family activities
- Long-term property value and investment potential
The ideal location will often depend on your family's priorities, whether that's countryside living, coastal lifestyle or commuting convenience.
Is East Sussex a good place to raise a family?
East Sussex consistently ranks among the most desirable counties in the South East for families.
The county offers historic towns, thriving communities, beautiful countryside, coastal locations and strong transport connections, including access to London, Brighton and Gatwick Airport.
For families seeking a balance between lifestyle, affordability and connectivity, East Sussex has much to offer.
Plumpton Green: Best for village living, countryside and community spirit
Plumpton Green offers families a peaceful village setting in the heart of East Sussex, with everyday amenities, countryside on the doorstep and a strong local community.
Set close to the South Downs and within reach of Lewes, Brighton and surrounding towns, the village is well suited to families who want rural character without feeling cut off.
Why families choose Plumpton Green
- Welcoming village atmosphere and active community life
- Local amenities including a primary school, shop, post office, pubs and village hall
- Easy access to countryside walks, cycling routes and the South Downs
- Plumpton Racecourse, a well-known local landmark and events venue
- Rail links from Plumpton station towards London, Lewes and Eastbourne
Plumpton Green is particularly appealing to families looking for a close-knit village lifestyle with green space, practical amenities and distinctive local attractions nearby.
Nearby Elivia Homes development: The Hedgerows in Plumpton Green in the heart of Plumpton Green offers village living close to countryside, amenities and commuter routes.
Uckfield: Best for growing families looking for space and value
Uckfield has become increasingly attractive to families looking for more space while remaining well connected.
The town offers a range of modern housing developments, good local schools and convenient transport links, making it particularly appealing to growing families.
Why families choose Uckfield
- Family-focused residential neighbourhoods
- Good local amenities
- Access to Ashdown Forest
- Rail connections towards London
- Competitive value compared with some neighbouring locations
Its combination of convenience and countryside access continues to drive demand among family buyers.
Nearby Elivia Homes development: The Meadows in Blackboys is around three miles from Uckfield, offering a village location with access to the town’s amenities and surrounding countryside.
Eastbourne: Best for coastal family living
Eastbourne continues to attract families seeking a traditional seaside lifestyle combined with practical amenities.
The town benefits from a broad selection of schools, extensive green spaces and a busy programme of family-friendly activities throughout the year.
Why families choose Eastbourne
- Beachfront lifestyle
- Excellent parks and recreational facilities
- Well-established schools
- Strong healthcare provision
- Direct rail connections to London
Eastbourne offers a compelling blend of coastal living and everyday convenience.
Crowborough: Best for outdoor lifestyles near Ashdown Forest
Located on the edge of the beautiful Ashdown Forest, Crowborough is increasingly popular with families relocating from London and neighbouring counties.
Its combination of outdoor space, schools and transport links makes it particularly attractive.
Why families choose Crowborough
- Access to extensive green space
- Popular schools
- Family-friendly neighbourhoods
- Rail links into London
- Strong sense of community
For active families who value outdoor lifestyles, Crowborough is often high on the shortlist.
Wivelsfield Green: Best for village life near the South Downs
For families who want countryside character without feeling cut off, Wivelsfield Green offers a village setting in East Sussex with access to nearby towns, local amenities and the South Downs.
The village is well suited to families seeking a quieter pace of life, community atmosphere and open countryside, while still being within reach of larger centres such as Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and Brighton for wider shopping, leisure and transport options.
It is particularly appealing to families who want the feel of village living alongside practical everyday connections.
Why families choose Wivelsfield Green
- Village atmosphere and a strong sense of community
- Countryside walks and access to the South Downs
- Local amenities including village facilities and nearby schools
- Convenient access to nearby towns for shopping, leisure and transport
- A peaceful setting for families who want space and rural character
For families comparing East Sussex villages, Wivelsfield Green provides an attractive balance of rural charm, community life and access to the wider Sussex area.
Nearby Elivia Homes development: Bluebell Gardens in Wivelsfield Green is ideal for buyers looking for countryside living with access to nearby towns, with a primary school just a 2-minute walk away.
Brighton & Hove: A nearby city-coastal option for families
For families preferring the prospect of city-living, Brighton & Hove provides strong amenities, employment opportunities, culture and seaside living.
While often associated with its vibrant culture and tourism, the city also offers highly regarded schools, extensive parks and green spaces, excellent healthcare provision and a wealth of family-friendly activities throughout the year.
Why families choose Brighton & Hove
- Wide choice of schools and colleges
- Beachfront lifestyle and outdoor activities
- Excellent shopping, dining and leisure facilities
- Strong employment opportunities
- Fast rail connections to London
- Diverse and welcoming communities
For families who want easy access to culture, entertainment and career opportunities without sacrificing access to the coast, Brighton & Hove offers a unique lifestyle that continues to attract buyers from across the UK.
Plumpton Green
Best for: Village living, countryside, community spirit
Key family benefits: South Downs access, convenient rail links, good local amenities
Things to consider: Families may need to travel to nearby towns for a wider range of shopping, schools and leisure facilities
Uckfield
Best for: Growing families looking for space
Key family benefits: Family neighbourhoods, local amenities, Ashdown Forest access and rail links
Things to consider: More rural in feel than larger coastal towns
Eastbourne
Best for: Coastal living and everyday convenience
Key family benefits: Seafront, parks, schools, healthcare and family attractions
Things to consider: London journeys may be longer than from some commuter towns
Crowborough
Best for: Outdoor lifestyles and access to Ashdown Forest
Key family benefits: Green space, schools, community and links towards London
Things to consider: Best suited to families who prefer a quieter setting
Wivelsfield Green
Best for: Village living near the South Downs
Key family benefits: Community feel, countryside, local amenities and access to nearby towns
Things to consider: Families may use nearby towns for wider shopping and leisure
Brighton & Hove
Best for: City amenities by the sea
Key family benefits: Schools, culture, employment, transport and coastal lifestyle
Things to consider: It is a neighbouring city area rather than an East Sussex district
Frequently asked questions about living in East Sussex with a family
What is the best place to live in East Sussex with children? The best place depends on your priorities. Lewes is popular for community and character, Uckfield for space, Eastbourne for coastal living, Crowborough for outdoor access and Wivelsfield Green for village life.
Is East Sussex a good place to raise a family? Yes, East Sussex is a strong choice for families seeking a mix of countryside, coast, schools, community life and commuter connections. It offers a wide range of lifestyles, from lively towns to quieter villages.
Which East Sussex towns are best for commuting? Lewes, Uckfield, Crowborough and Eastbourne all offer rail links that may suit commuters, depending on destination and journey time. Families should compare travel routes alongside schools, amenities and lifestyle needs.
Where should families live for countryside access in East Sussex? Lewes, Crowborough, Uckfield and Wivelsfield Green are all strong options for families who value countryside access. These locations provide routes to open spaces such as the South Downs and Ashdown Forest while remaining connected to everyday amenities.
Finding the right family home in East Sussex
Ultimately, the best place to live in East Sussex depends on your family's priorities. Some buyers are drawn to historic character and community spirit, while others prioritise affordability or coastal living.
At Elivia Homes, we understand that choosing a location is just as important as choosing a home. That's why we carefully select areas that offer excellent amenities, strong transport connections and the lifestyle benefits that modern families value most.
Whether you're looking for your first family home, more space for a growing household or a fresh start in one of the South East's most desirable counties, East Sussex offers a wealth of opportunities to put down roots and thrive.
