When it comes to charming seaside towns in the South East of England, Hastings is a standout choice. With its mix of rich history, coastal beauty, and ongoing regeneration, it’s no surprise that more and more people are considering a move to this historic town. At Abbott & Abbott, we’ve been helping clients buy, sell, and rent homes in Hastings for decades, and we can confidently say: Hastings is not just a good place to live—it’s a great one.
A Town Rich in History and Character
Few places in England can match the historical significance of Hastings. Best known for the Battle of 1066, the town carries its heritage with pride. Strolling through the Old Town, you’ll find timber-framed houses, winding alleyways, and a strong sense of community that gives Hastings its unique character. History isn’t just in the past here—it’s part of daily life.
Is Hastings Affordable to Live In?
Compared to many nearby towns and cities, Hastings remains relatively affordable. For those priced out of Brighton or London, Hastings offers a more accessible entry point into the property market without compromising on lifestyle. The town has a diverse range of properties, from elegant Victorian townhouses and seafront apartments to modern family homes and quirky artist retreats.
As local estate agents, we at Abbott & Abbott have witnessed first-hand the increasing demand for properties in Hastings, particularly from first-time buyers, young families, and creatives relocating from London. Our team can help you find a property that suits your budget and lifestyle, whether you’re buying or renting.
Is Hastings a Nice Area to Live In?
Hastings combines natural beauty with vibrant culture. The town is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the East Sussex coast and the rolling hills of the High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It also has a strong creative community, with local galleries, music venues, and an annual arts festival drawing visitors and residents alike.
In terms of amenities, Hastings is home to a wide range of shops, cafes, and restaurants—many of them independent. The refurbished pier and promenade offer plenty of ways to enjoy the seafront, while the town centre continues to benefit from regeneration and investment.
The sense of community is another highlight. Hastings is known for its friendly residents, welcoming atmosphere, and inclusive vibe. Whether you’re a young professional, retiree, or growing family, you’ll find your niche here.
What Are the Benefits of Living in Hastings?
One of the biggest draws is the lifestyle. Hastings provides a slower pace of life compared to the hustle and bustle of London, but with enough cultural buzz to keep things interesting. Residents enjoy a blend of old and new—historic landmarks alongside contemporary galleries and eateries.
The coastal location is another major benefit. Living by the sea has been shown to improve wellbeing, and Hastings offers a chance to walk along the beach, watch the fishing boats return with the day’s catch, or simply enjoy the fresh sea air. For families, there are plenty of green spaces and a choice of good schools, both primary and secondary.
Commuters can also benefit from direct train services to London and good road links to the rest of the South East. It’s possible to live in Hastings and work in the capital, enjoying the best of both worlds.
Where Are the Best Areas to Live in Hastings?
Hastings has several distinct areas, each with its own personality. The Old Town is ideal for those who love character and community, with its quirky shops and period properties. St Leonards-on-Sea has seen a wave of regeneration and now offers a trendy, artistic vibe—perfect for creatives and young families.
Silverhill and Ore offer more suburban, family-friendly living, while areas like West Hill and Clive Vale provide a peaceful setting with fantastic views over the town and coastline. Wherever you’re looking, Abbott & Abbott’s local experts can guide you to the best fit for your needs.
What’s the Property Market Like in Hastings?
The Hastings property market has remained resilient and continues to attract interest from across the country. Prices are still more affordable than many neighbouring coastal towns, but are steadily rising as more people discover what the area has to offer. This makes it not only a great place to live, but also a smart place to invest.
As demand grows, having a knowledgeable estate agent is more important than ever. Abbott & Abbott offers decades of experience in the Hastings area and a personalised approach to every client. Whether you’re buying, selling, letting, or renting, we can help you navigate the local market with ease.
So, is Hastings a good place to live?
Absolutely. With its rich heritage, beautiful coastline, affordable homes, and lively cultural scene, Hastings offers something for everyone. It strikes a rare balance between history and modernity, relaxation and excitement, affordability and investment potential.
If you’re thinking of making a move to Hastings or simply want to learn more about what this wonderful town has to offer, get in touch with Abbott & Abbott today. As the area’s trusted estate agents, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Explore properties for sale in Hastings
Explore properties to let in Hastings
When looking for a new place to live, you’ll want to learn as much about it as you can, and we don’t just mean the property itself but the area around it. This is why we work hard to maintain our wealth of local knowledge around our properties for rent and sale, and today, we’d like to share with you the best places we’ve found to eat near our catalogue of East Sussex properties.
Lunch Dining at ST Leonards: The Dandelion Deli
For lunch or breakfast options, you can’t go wrong with this very popular deli just down the seafront from the busy Hastings city centre. The Dandelions Deli is at 14 Kings Rd, Saint Leonards-on-sea TN37 6EA.
This family-run gem caters to all tastes, including a variety of vegan options, making it the perfect place for anyone looking for a light bite. Imagine starting your day of house viewings in their sunny conservatory or tranquil garden, sipping on freshly brewed coffee and enjoying a warm, flaky croissant.
Lunchtime at Dandelion Deli is just as delightful a choice to take a break from viewings. Their menu changes daily and features everything from hearty lasagne and flavourful curry to light, refreshing salads. All dishes are made with seasonal ingredients sourced directly from the deli.
Evening Meals in Hastings: The Seadog and Orchard Rd
One of the great options we have to share is The Seadog in Hastings, at 32 Station Rd, Hastings, TN34 1NJ.
One factor that makes this place a wonderful choice is once you’ve enjoyed some of the drinks available at The Seadog bar, you get the choice of trying the latest dishes from their partnered restaurant, Orchard Rd. Run by Chef Rob, this kitchen embodies his love of food, and he has a beloved residency within The Seadog for the convenience of visiting diners.
If you have a taste for South Asian food, then you’ve come to the right place as the restaurant specialises in outstanding dishes like Penang Sweet Potato Curry, Ponzu Teryaki Sitake Bao and the staff favourite, Asian Loaded Fries. This wonderful pub is right next to the Hastings train station, so it’s within easy reach next time you pop down to view potential homes.
Seaside Meals at Bexhill: The Sackville Bistro
If you’re looking for a great place to eat after spending the day with our letting agents in Bexhill, The Sackville Bistro provides exceptional fine dining within sight of the ocean and the beautiful two-mile promenade at De La Warr Parade Bexhill-On-Sea, East Sussex TN40 1LS.
This elegant and modern bar and restaurant provides carvery and children’s options as well as cosy meals with cocktails for couples. On the menu, you’ll find many English classics like 12oz sirloin steaks and Hanging Cajun Chicken Skewers, along with classic fish and chips to match the seaside ambience. Its prime seaside location and sophisticated ambience make it a must-visit spot when browsing potential homes in East Sussex.
Italian Dishes at Alfriston: Poco
For an authentic taste of Italy in Alfriston, Poco is the place to be, and you’ll find it at 3 High St, Alfriston, Polegate BN26 5TY.
This charming restaurant is a multi-generation establishment that specialises in traditional Italian dishes made with the freshest ingredients. If you happen to be there in the morning, you can watch the chef crafting pasta in the front window, ensuring that each pappardelle and ravioli is fresh and delicious.
This summer, the seasonal special features fresh Devon white crab handmade ravioli, and overall, the menu is brimming with new items as the kitchen garden starts producing seasonal vegetables and salads. Whether you want a classic ragu or something new and exciting, Poco’s menu, inspired by the owner’s Italian heritage, offers amazing dining experiences throughout the day.
Vegan Dining in Brighton: Kusaki
This unique eatery specialises in plant-based dishes and is a standout location for vegans visiting or moving to Brighton, at 5-6 Circus Parade, New England Rd, Brighton BN1 4GW.
Their talented chefs bring creativity and expertise to the table, whilst the restaurant’s interiors feature linear wooden details and subtle lighting that creates the ambience of a futuristic yet traditional Japanese garden.
This serene and stylish setting perfectly complements the innovative menu, proving that organic plant-based food can be both surprising and satisfying. You’ll find classic as well as inventive options on their menu, from sushi meals, including fried nigiri made from wakame, turmeric tofu and smoked carrot, to rice noodle pad thai and sweetcorn fritters with green curry aioli. Kusaki upgrades the casual dining experience with beautiful light-filled spaces and a focus on natural, organic ingredients and wines.
Local Knowledge From Estate Agents for East Sussex
Now that you’ve got an idea of the lovely places you could eat in the area, you’re probably fantasising about living in one of these vibrant coastal towns such as Hastings or Bexhill. As experienced estate agents for the county, we know these areas very well.
What Is Hastings Like to Live in?
Hastings is a renters paradise as it offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning seaside views. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or looking to settle down with your family, Hastings has something for everyone. Our agents at Abbott & Abbott know the reality of living in Hastings, which gives us the expertise to make accurate recommendations for the best areas that fit your preferences and lifestyle.
What’s Bexhill Like to Live in?
Apart from these wonderful places to eat, why do people buy property in Bexhill? This town is renowned for its affordable and stable property market, making it an ideal place for first-time buyers, seasoned investors, or people looking to rent. The town’s consistent growth, combined with its coastal charm and rich history, creates a perfect setting for your dream home. With a variety of leisure options and natural beauty, Bexhill offers a high quality of life for all its residents.
Homes for Rent or Sale in East Sussex with Abbott & Abbott
We at Abbott & Abbott are your trusted partner in finding the perfect property; whether you’re looking to rent or buy, our extensive portfolio of high-quality properties in East Sussex and deep local market expertise, we are dedicated to helping you find a home that fits your lifestyle and needs.
So, whether you’re looking for a house for rent in Hastings or estate agents in Bexhill, we are here to guide you to the right place, thanks to our local knowledge.
Explore our wide range of options online, visit our office in person at Bexhill-on-Sea, or contact us online and take the first step towards your dream home in East Sussex.