If you are thinking about moving to Sussex in 2026, the county offers one of the South East’s most appealing lifestyle choices. From fast commuter links and historic market towns to rolling countryside and some of the UK’s best-loved coastline, Sussex combines everyday convenience with a way of life that feels rich, varied and easy to enjoy.
This summer, Sussex will be full of culture, sport, music and family-friendly days out, from Glyndebourne Festival to Eastbourne’s seafront airshow. For buyers looking for a new home, that means more than simply choosing a property; it means choosing a county where coast, countryside and culture are all close enough to become part of everyday life.
A county of coast, countryside and character
Sussex is a county of contrasts. One day can be spent walking on the vast, rolling hills of the South Downs or exploring Ashdown Forest; the next can be spent beside the sea, from the lively, creative energy of Brighton and Hove to the quieter, historic charm of Worthing, Hastings and Eastbourne. That variety is what makes the county so attractive: it is not defined by one lifestyle, but by the freedom to move between many.
It is practical too. Locations such as Haywards Heath in Mid Sussex offer direct train routes to London Victoria and London Bridge in as little as 45 to 60 minutes, making the county a realistic option for commuters who want more space without losing access to the capital. With Bluebell Gardens in Wivelsfield Green and The Woodlands in Sayers Common, buyers can stay close to these connections while enjoying easier access to Sussex’s countryside and coast.
Summer days, market towns and local culture
Summer is when Sussex really shows its character. Brighton Festival marks a major cultural moment in May, while Glyndebourne Festival runs through the summer. In July, Goodwood Festival of Speed attracts motorsport fans, and Love Supreme Jazz Festival near Lewes brings music, food and a lively atmosphere to the countryside.
Beyond the headline events, Sussex’s historic market towns give weekends a sense of occasion. Arundel, Chichester and Lewes offer stunning architecture, castles, independent shops and highly-rated local pubs, while village fairs, food markets, coastal walks and countryside gardens help create a full summer calendar without losing the county’s relaxed pace.
Living close to the South Downs
For those drawn to open countryside, the South Downs are one of Sussex’s defining features. The landscape is made for walking, cycling and exploring, with chalk hills, woodland, downland villages and far-reaching views creating a strong sense of escape without feeling remote.
Plumpton Green is a good example of how buyers can live close to that landscape. Near the South Downs National Park and within easy reach of Lewes, the village has local amenities, a strong community feel and direct rail services, while The Hedgerows offers one to four-bedroom homes nearby for those who want countryside living with everyday convenience.
Around Uckfield, that same rural appeal comes through in quiet lanes, green space and access to Ashdown Forest. The Meadows in Blackboys, set across 19.6 acres of parkland, gives buyers another way to put down roots in this part of Sussex while staying connected to the county’s wider outdoor lifestyle.
Further west, Ashington offers access to the South Downs, Horsham, Worthing and the coast, making it well placed for buyers who want a relaxed village base with plenty nearby. Latham Grove will add new homes in the village, helping residents make the most of West Sussex’s balance of countryside, community and coastal access.
Find your new home in Sussex
Whether your ideal summer is spent at a festival, by the sea, exploring historic towns or walking through open countryside, Sussex offers a lifestyle with real variety. It is a place where culture, community and calm sit comfortably together, and where a new home can become a base for enjoying the county rather than simply a destination in itself.
With developments including littered throughout the entire county, Elivia Homes offers buyers a choice of locations that place Sussex’s coastline, countryside, market towns and commuter connections within easy reach.
