Living in Brighton, UK

What’s it like to move to and live in Brighton?

With its vibrant arts scene and seaside charm, Brighton attracts people from all over the world. But, there are certain things you should know about Brighton before moving here.

In this interview, Gill shares her personal experiences and practical tips to give you an idea of what it’s really like to live in this iconic UK city.

This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their country of birth. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of living abroad, share tips for anyone thinking about moving abroad, and information about the place the expat now lives in.

Name: Gillian Nic Eadbhaird
Age: 37
Hometown: Dublin, Ireland

Her Story:

“I moved to London from Ireland at the age of 22, following new opportunities and a hedonistic lifestyle. This soon caught up with me, and I started a career in healthcare.

When my first child was born, I was often seeking escape from the big smoke, which would lead to many seaside escapes to Brighton.”

Also Read: Interview About What It’s Like to Live in London

Why Did You Move to Brighton?

“Following many family days escaping to the seaside, and seeking the fresh sea air, we decided we wanted to move out of London and be closer to nature. We felt this would be a better quality of life for our whole family, but most importantly, our children.

We fell in love with Brighton’s character and charm, its quirky independent scene, its sense of community, and the fact that it is surrounded by nature, with the rolling South Downs to the North and the English Channel to the South.”

What Do You Like About Living in Brighton?

“Brighton is a very unique city in comparison to other places in the UK.

It is very community-oriented, and it is brimming with creatives. I love that there are so many independent businesses, that it is openly accepting of LGBTQ people, that it is surrounded by nature, and I love the cafe scene here.

There is always so much to see and do here in Brighton. It’s hard to ever get bored.”

What Do You Dislike About Living in Brighton?

“I dislike that it is quite a dirty city. The council doesn’t seem to care much for the city center.”

Also Read: Things to Consider Before Moving to a Different Country

Is Brighton Safe as a Place to Live?

“I have not encountered any crimes myself, luckily, and overall I do feel safe living here day to day.

That said, there have been some horrific cases of women being assaulted recently, which is obviously very concerning and something people do talk about.

Like in any city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. But in general, Brighton still feels like a friendly and open place to live, and crime rates are relatively low.”

Is Brighton Expensive as a Place to Live?

“Brighton can be quite expensive, especially when it comes to housing. You often pay a lot for relatively small spaces, which is why it’s sometimes called ‘London by the Sea.’

Eating out, coffee, and day-to-day expenses are also on the higher side compared to other UK cities, although still generally a bit cheaper than in London.

A lot of people who live here either share accommodation or accept smaller spaces in exchange for being by the sea and close to London. So it really depends on your priorities, but overall, it’s not a particularly budget-friendly place to live.”

What is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Brighton?

A beige historic building with grass and trees in front of it — The Royal Pavilion

“My favourite thing to do in Brighton is hands down the food and drink scene. I love dining out and trying new independent restaurants and cafes.

I also love to watch the sunset over the old west pier ruins, a hauntingly beautiful scene. There are many other great things to do in Brighton if you are interested in history, such as Preston Manor, a perfectly preserved Edwardian home, or The Royal Pavilion.”

Any Favorite Bars and Restaurants in Brighton You’d Love to Share?

“One of my most memorable meals recently was at Chilli, an independent Thai restaurant that serves what appears to be floating noodles!

I also love having a cocktail or a matcha in the Helm Gallery.”

What is the Expat / International Community Like in Brighton?

“Brighton has a really strong expat and international community, so you don’t feel out of place as a newcomer.

It’s quite easy to make friends and find your people, especially since there’s a very open and welcoming vibe in the city. You’ll also find plenty of international food stores, which makes it easier to feel at home.”

Any Tips for Moving to / Living in Brighton?

“Do some research into the different areas before you move, as that can really shape your experience of living in Brighton. It’s a fairly walkable city with good transport links, so you don’t necessarily have to live right in the center.

It’s definitely worth considering more residential areas like Preston, Patcham, or Hove if you prefer something a bit less busy. Patcham, for example, has more of a suburban feel but still good access to the city, while Hove is particularly popular with expats.

Overall, both Brighton and Hove feel quite diverse and open compared to other parts of Sussex, which makes it easier to settle in.”

Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Brighton?

“I find Facebook groups really helpful, especially for quick and varied answers when you’re trying to figure things out.

It’s also important to be aware that moving to the UK has become more complicated since Brexit, so I’d definitely recommend checking the official government website for the latest visa requirements. I’m Irish, so because of the Common Travel Area I didn’t have to deal with visas, but that won’t be the case for everyone.

For practical things, I used Rightmove to find my first rental, and Zoopla is another good option for housing. If you’re looking for things to do or events, the Visit Brighton website is a great resource.”

Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You are in Brighton?

Several black cows on a green hill with trees in the background — Devil’s Dyke

“Yes, take a stroll through the North Laine neighborhood and browse the amazing, eclectic independent shops and cafes.

But also, go and explore the surrounding nature. Brighton is not just a busy city center; a short bus ride out of town will take you to Devil’s Dyke – an incredible “punch bowl” like feature with rolling hills in the South Downs. This is perfect for a hike and nature spotting.

Also, the undercliff walk in East Brighton is a lovely stroll.”

About Gill

Gill is a busy Mum of 2 who works as a senior mental health nurse. If she is not at home recipe-testing for her food blog, she is enjoying cold sea swims, wild saunas, or hikes in the South Downs with her little ones in tow.

Her website, Secret Sussex, was born out of her move from London to Sussex, documenting her adventures and showcasing the wonderful local businesses.

About Brighton, England

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city in southern England, known for its lively arts scene, eclectic neighborhoods, and diverse international community.

With a mix of historic architecture, trendy cafés, independent shops, and the iconic Brighton Pier, it offers a unique combination of seaside charm and urban convenience.

The city is walkable, has good public transport connections, and is close to the Sussex countryside, making it easy to balance city life with outdoor escapes.

While living costs are higher than in surrounding towns, Brighton’s strong expat community and inclusive atmosphere make it an attractive destination for people relocating to the UK.

Also Read:

Living in Brighton, UK – Interview With an Expat