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10 Best Areas In Brighton To Live For Students In 2026
“Where Brighton really feels like home.”
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There's something undeniably magnetic about Brighton. Perhaps it's the way the sea air mingles with the aroma of independent coffee shops, or how Regency elegance sits comfortably alongside street art and quirky boutiques. The best areas in Brighton to live aren't just a seaside town; it's a patchwork of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own personality, its own rhythm, its own story to tell.
Choosing where to live in Brighton is less about finding the best areas to live in Brighton and more about discovering which corner of this amazing city feels like yours. From the trendy buzz of North Laine to the seaside serenity of Hove, from the artistic pulse of Kemptown to the family-friendly charm of Hanover, the best places to live in Brighton are as diverse as the people who call them home. Whether you're a young professional living in Brighton and seeking nightlife and networking, or a family hunting for good schools and green spaces, there's a pocket of Brighton waiting to welcome you.
10 Best Areas in Brighton to Live
Brighton offers a wide mix of neighbourhoods, each catering to different lifestyles, budgets, and priorities. This list of the 10 best areas in Brighton to live highlights locations that stand out for safety, connectivity, student-friendliness, local amenities, and overall quality of life. Whether you’re looking for easy access to universities, quieter residential streets, or a lively social scene close to the seafront, these good areas to live in Brighton represent some of the most desirable places to call home.
1. Hanover
Safety index: 68 (high, community-focused)
Average rent: £1,400-£1,800/month
Population: ~16,000
Best for: Families, young professionals, creatives
Attractions: Colourful terraces, local pubs, The Level & Queen's Park
Hanover stands out as one of the best areas in Brighton to live, thanks to its lively community spirit, colourful Victorian terraces, and steep hilly streets packed with character. This quirky neighbourhood has excellent infrastructure, including frequent buses, a 15-minute walk to Brighton Station for London commutes, local shops, cafes, and an abundance of traditional pubs like The Geese and The Dover Castle.
Hanover is the best place to live in Brighton for students due to affordable rents, a lively yet residential vibe, proximity to amenities, and easy access to campuses.
2. Fiveways
Safety index: 75 (very high, low crime)
Average rent: £1,600-£2,000/month
Population: ~10,000-12,000
Best for: Families, professionals seeking quiet
Attractions: Independent shops/cafes, Blaker's Park, South Downs access
Fiveways is also widely regarded as the best area to live in Brighton, offering a peaceful, village-like atmosphere with leafy streets, strong community spirit, and excellent schools. This family-friendly neighbourhood features solid infrastructure, including frequent buses (26, 46, 5) to the city centre. It also gives proximity to Preston Park and London Road stations for quick trains to London, plus easy access to the A27 and South Downs trails.
Key places to see include Preston Park with its velodrome and rose garden, independent cafes like Flour Pot Bakery, and local pubs such as The Preston Park Tavern. Among the top places to live in Brighton for students, Fiveways provides more affordable shared houses than central areas, green spaces for studying and relaxation, and reliable transport to campuses and nightlife.
3. Lewes Road
Safety index: 55 (moderate, student-busy)
Average rent: £1,200-£1,600/month
Population: Variable (student-dense)
Best for: Students, budget renters
Attractions: Transport links, universities, The Level park
Lewes Road ranks among the most practical places to live in Brighton, especially for those prioritising affordability and connectivity in a bustling student corridor lined with Victorian terraces and modern flats. As one of the good areas to live in Brighton for students, Lewes Road delivers low rents, shared housing abundance, luxurious local amenities, and superb transport links. It is also ideal for commuting to lectures while enjoying proximity to Brighton’s nightlife and beaches.
Key places to see include The Level park with its skatepark, playground, and cafe, nearby universities, and Wild Park for green escapes. This energetic area has frequent buses along the A270, major supermarkets like Sainsbury’s and Aldi, takeaways, independent shops, and quick access to Brighton Station and the city centre.
4. London Road
Safety index: 58 (moderate, urban/up-and-coming)
Average rent: £1,300-£1,700/month
Population: Dense urban mix
Best for: Young professionals on a budget
Attractions: Independent shops, diverse food, and North Laine proximity
London Road is one of the best areas in Brighton to live, having a multicultural atmosphere, eye-catching street art, unique indie stores, and an incredible variety of international cuisines. The infrastructure is top-notch, with key bus routes along the A270, Brighton Station just a short stroll for seamless London trips, large supermarkets, and the amazing Open Market full of stalls and energy.
The area has regular events, diverse worldwide dining options, cosy cafes, and ever-evolving murals, keeping the students hooked. It's simply the best place to live in Brighton for students, offering reasonable rents, plentiful shared accommodations, everyday essentials right outside, and excellent connections to classes or the seaside
5. Brunswick Town
Safety index: 70 (high, established)
Average rent: £1,800-£2,200/month
Population: ~8,000-10,000
Best for: Professionals, elegant seaside living
Attractions: Regency architecture, seafront, Western Road cafes
Brunswick Town is often known as the best area to live in Brighton for its stunning Regency architecture, elegant squares, and prime seafront position blending Brighton and Hove. Residents can commute easily with buses along Western Road, proximity to Hove Station for trains, A27 access, and abundant shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Places to see include iconic Brunswick Square and Terrace, serene Hove Lawns, the scenic promenade, and lively Western Road for shopping and dining. Among the top places to live in Brighton, it's great for students wanting upscale shared housing, a calmer study environment, beautiful sea views, and easy links to lectures and city life.
6. Moulsecoomb
Safety index: 52 (lower-moderate)
Average rent: £1,100-£1,500/month
Population: ~12,000-14,000
Best for: Students, affordable renters
Attractions: University campus, Wild Park, rail access
Moulsecoomb is widely regarded as the best area to live in Brighton for students looking for affordable accommodation without compromising on access to education and green surroundings. The area has reliable infrastructure, including Moulsecoomb railway station with direct links to Brighton city centre and London, frequent bus services, supermarkets, local shops, and smooth access to the A27.
Key attractions include the large Wild Park with nature trails and active community spaces. As one of the most budget-friendly places to live in Brighton, Moulsecoomb appeals to students due to low rents, plentiful shared housing, a quieter, study-friendly environment, and fast connections to central Brighton and the seafront.
7. Kemptown
Safety index: 62 (moderate-high, vibrant)
Average rent: £1,500-£2,000/month
Population: ~15,000
Best for: LGBTQ+ community, creatives, nightlife
Attractions: Seafront, Kemptown Village bars/shops, Marina
Kemptown is celebrated as the best area to live in Brighton for its lively, inclusive atmosphere, charming Georgian architecture, and direct seafront access. Notable places to see here are the Kemptown Village with its rainbow flags and street art, the Volks Electric Railway, Brighton Marina for dining and boating, and the pebbled beach promenade.
The area also has excellent travel accessibility, with frequent buses to the city centre, proximity to Brighton Station, local shops, supermarkets, and the vibrant St James's Street lined with independent bars, cafes, and restaurants. It's one of the most exciting places to live in Brighton for students, thanks to reasonable rents in shared flats, a welcoming nightlife for socialising, cultural events like Pride, and convenient transport to classes and the pier.
8. Preston Park
Safety index: 73 (very high, leafy)
Average rent: £1,700-£2,100/month
Population: ~10,000-12,000
Best for: Families, commuters
Attractions: Preston Park (events/velodrome), historic manor, station
Preston Park is frequently ranked among the good areas to live in Brighton, prized for its leafy suburban feel, spacious Victorian and Edwardian homes, excellent schools, and one of the city's largest green spaces right on the doorstep. Preston Park railway station has fast trains to London and Gatwick, multiple bus routes, nearby A27/A23 access, and local shops along Preston Drove.
Highlights include the beautiful Preston Park itself (with rose garden, velodrome, tennis courts, and events), historic Preston Manor house and gardens, and charming tree-lined streets. It's one of the best areas in Brighton to live for students who prefer a peaceful, green environment, with affordable shared houses compared to the centre, ample space for studying, and quick commutes to campuses or nightlife.
9. Brighton City Centre
Safety index: 55 (moderate, busy/touristy)
Average rent: £1,600-£2,200/month
Population: Dense central
Best for: Young professionals, urban vibe
Attractions: Pier, Pavilion, North Laine, nightlife/beaches
Brighton City Centre is often seen as one of the best areas in Brighton to live, thanks to its lively atmosphere, famous landmarks, and everything happening right in the heart of the city. The Brighton Station offers quick trains to London, strong bus connectivity, major routes like the A23, and shops, supermarkets, and essentials all within walking distance.
Top attractions include Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion, North Laine’s independent stores and street art, Churchill Square, and the buzzing seafront promenade. It’s considered the best place to live in Brighton for students who want convenience, social life, and academics all in one place.
10. Hollingdean
Safety index: 64 (moderate-high, residential)
Average rent: £1,300-£1,700/month
Population: ~12,000
Best for: Families/students balancing quiet & access
Attractions: Parks/views, universities, South Downs
Hollingdean offers a welcoming residential vibe with stunning panoramic views over Brighton and the sea, making it one of the best areas in Brighton to live for those who appreciate hilly terrain, community spirit, and a mix of Victorian terraces and modern housing. There are frequent buses to the city centre, proximity to London Road and Lewes Road stations, local shops, and easy access to the A27 and South Downs.
You can visit the Brentwood Road allotments, Hollingdean Park with playgrounds, community gardens like Two Trees, and scenic viewpoints across the city. It's a fantastic place to live in Brighton for students, featuring affordable rents and shared houses, quieter streets ideal for focusing on studies. It also has green spaces for downtime, and quick transport to lectures, amenities, or the beach.
| Area / Neighbourhood | Nearest University | Distance & Access |
|---|---|---|
| Hanover | University of Brighton (Grand Parade / City Campus) | ~10–15 mins by bus or walk |
| Fiveways | University of Brighton (Moulsecoomb Campus) | ~10 mins by bus |
| Lewes Road | University of Brighton (Moulsecoomb Campus) | ~5–10 mins by bus or cycle |
| London Road | University of Brighton (City Campus) | ~10 mins by bus or walk |
| Brunswick Town | University of Brighton (City Campus) | ~15 mins by bus |
| Moulsecoomb | University of Brighton (Moulsecoomb Campus) | Walking distance |
| Kemptown | University of Brighton (Grand Parade Campus) | ~5–10 mins walk |
| Preston Park | University of Brighton (City Campus) | ~10 mins by train or bus |
| Brighton City Centre | University of Brighton (Grand Parade / City Campus) | Walking distance |
| Hollingdean | University of Brighton (Moulsecoomb Campus) | ~10 mins by bus |
Book Student Accommodation in Brighton’s Best Areas With Amber!
Amber helps students find affordable, high-quality student accommodation in Brighton by connecting them with verified properties in safe, well-located neighbourhoods. With clear pricing, flexible booking options, and trusted reviews, amber makes it easier to choose rooms and flats that suit both your budget and lifestyle. Here are some of the best options for student accommodation in Brighton for you:
1. iQ Sawmills
2. Crown House
5. GoBritanya Brighton Residence
Choosing where to live in Brighton comes down to matching your lifestyle, budget, and daily needs with the right neighbourhood. From lively city-centre streets to quieter residential pockets, the best areas in Brighton to live offer a balance of safety, connectivity, and quality of life. Whether you prefer being close to universities, green spaces, or the seafront, finding the best place to live in Brighton means choosing an area that feels comfortable, convenient, and truly suited to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the richest part of Brighton?
Best areas in Brighton to live, like Hove, Clifton Hill, and parts of Kemptown Seafront, are considered the wealthiest in Brighton, known for luxury homes, sea views, and higher property prices.
Where is the Millionaires Row in Brighton?
Brighton’s “Millionaires Row” is commonly associated with Clifton Hill and sections of Marine Parade, where large seafront properties and premium real estate are located.
Which is better, Brighton or Hove?
It depends on lifestyle. Living in Brighton suits those who enjoy nightlife, culture, and a fast-paced city feel, while Hove is quieter, more residential, and ideal for families and professionals seeking calm surroundings.
Is Brighton a friendly place to live?
Yes, Brighton is widely known for being welcoming, inclusive, and community-focused. Its diverse population, strong student presence, and open-minded culture make it a friendly city for newcomers.
What is the nicest part of Brighton?
Best area to live in Brighton, like Brunswick Town, Seven Dials, Hove, and Kemptown Seafront, are often regarded as the nicest parts of Brighton due to their safety, character, amenities, and quality of life.