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A neighbourhood in Brighton has been named the best place to live in England (Picture: Getty Images) Withdean Woods, a neighbourhood located in Brighton, has been named the best place to live in England, according to a recent ranking by the Daily Mail. The study assessed 6,856 neighbourhoods across the country, using eight critical factors to determine overall desirability. These included house price growth, crime rates, incomes, deprivation levels, internet speed, access to green spaces, air quality and transport links. Withdean Woods emerged at the top with an overall score of 85.2 out of 100, outperforming nearly 7,000 other areas across England. Withdean Woods in numbers The neighbourhood is known for its Edwardian homes, tree-lined streets and secluded woodland trails, enhancing its appeal. Key statistics contributing to its ranking include: A 56.1% increase in house prices since 2019 An average income of £37,400 after housing costs A moderate crime rate of 42.7 per 1,000 residents Low deprivation, measured at 59.1% Excellent air quality, with particulate matter (PM2.5) at 6.7µg/m³ Nearly negligible slow broadband connections (0.9%) Access to 88.4 acres of green space 97% of homes within a 15-minute walk of a train station According to Rightmove, house prices in Withdean have an overall average of £595,648. Over the past year, detached properties sold for an average price of £811,319, flats sold for an average of £246,767, and semi-detached properties fetched £600,042. A number of areas in Brighton ranked well in the analysis (Picture: Metro) Withdean Woods ranked well for crime rates, air quality and access to green spaces Brighton’s rising appeal Brighton as a whole saw many of its neighbourhoods rank as some of the most desirable areas in the England, with Patcham West & Westdene, Fiveways, Preston Park, West Blatchington and Goldsmid East all scoring highly. Already an affluent city, its strong transport connections to London enhance Brighton’s desirability. Brighton draws tourists from across the UK and the world (Picture: Getty Images) Lucian Cook, head of residential research at Savills, explained the growing appeal of Brighton over the past 25 years. According to Cook, the city’s popularity has been boosted by improved connectivity and cultural shifts that make it increasingly fashionable. He said: ‘You tend to find these things become self-fulfilling: affluent people are attracted to an area because of the fundamentals, so it gets a reputation as an aspirational area. It becomes a bit of a virtuous circle leading to high-value hotspots.’ Beyond quantitative factors, Brighton is widely recognised for its vibrant and inclusive community. It hosts prominent Pride events and offers a variety of independent shops, highly rated schools, and universities. The city’s coastal location provides a unique lifestyle, with ample seaside attractions and outdoor activities, including Brighton Palace Pier, the Royal Pavilion and the Lanes. Brighton’s beach and its pier are two of the area’s main attractions (Picture: Getty Images) Would you like to live in Brighton? YesCheck NoCheck Sign up to Metro’s The Key newsletter for must-read property stories, DIY hacks and tips for buying a home. Postcode Enter your postcode so we can deliver content close to you Close Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy But despite its accolades, public opinion on Brighton’s suitability as a place to live remains mixed. Online forums such as Reddit’s r/AskUK highlighted contrasting views, with some users praising the city’s thriving cultural atmosphere, while others point out challenges like narrow streets and accessibility issues for disabled residents. Discussions suggest that Brighton may be better suited for younger adults or those in their early twenties, but potentially less ideal as residents’ life priorities evolve. One user wrote: ‘I used to live in Brighton. I don’t think it’s an easy place to live. If you’re early 20s and don’t mind living a bit like a student, it’s perfect. But as priorities change it’s such a headache. ‘Difficult parking, expensive and poor condition housing, large supermarkets difficult to get to, lots of homeless and drugs.’ Nevertheless, Withdean Woods illustrates a balance of economic stability, high quality of life, accessibility, and green space. Positioned within one of the South East’s most dynamic cities, the neighbourhood represents a balanced urban lifestyle that many other areas in England aspire to achieve. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
