Jobhop Jobhop's blog : 14 Reasons Why Living and Working in Brighton Is Better Than Anywhere Else

Brighton has been a popular place to set up home for many decades.

The Victorians first saw the potential of this south coast town when it became a key holiday destination, especially for city dwellers that came to see it as their home away from London. The city grew as a result and Brighton still has many properties and original features from the Victorian and early Edwardian period.

The sea air, the 'lower than London' property prices, transport links, great shopping and eating options, the luxury of being able to walk everywhere and the scenery surrounding the city make it a brilliant place to live.

Those of use who have been to Brighton know that it's a great place to spend your 9-5, but for those of you who haven't here is a rundown of why it might just be a good idea to pick up sticks and move your business to the famous city by the sea...

1. The beach

I'll start with the obvious: the beach. Okay, it's not a sand beach, but does that really matter? It's a free place to chill, relax, people watch and go for long walks. Perusing the jewellery stalls and art galleries and walking along to Hove lawns to look at the colourful beach huts is my favourite way to spend an afternoon.

Brighton's famous pier is also full of fun and games. You can shoot some hoops, invest in the never-ending coin machines or even go on the bumper cars if you're feeling brave.

Last year, the Brighton i360 opened, which is the tallest moving observation tower in the world - just another reason as to why Brighton is great.

2. It feels like you're on holiday

With the beach on your door set and the sun shining down on the sea, it's easy to feel like you've been transported abroad (with a little imagination). Grab a deckchair or a towel, get your bikini on and sit back and absorb the rays. As much as everyone complains about the hoards of tourists, seagulls and the like, living by the sea is definitely one of the biggest perks of living in London during the warmer months.

3. The shopping is on point

The quality and the variety of the shops on offer in Brighton is probably one of the main draws of the city. The legendary unique North Laine and the Lanes are a favourite haunt for shopaholics and a must-see for every visitor. This helps to create a great buzzing shopping atmosphere that attracts thousands at the weekends and during public holidays. Many a day can be lost just wandering through the lanes. The main Churchill shopping centre also offers many of the high-street chains and a large department store.

4. Dog friendly

It's not only humans that are welcome in Brighton, our four legged friends are as welcome as any two legged ones. Europe has finally realised that animals can happily live alongside us in everyday life, shops and restaurant and Brighton seems to be leading the rest of the UK.

5. The commute. What commute?

If you're used to working somewhere like London, chances are you'll find your journey to work in Brighton far more relaxed. Great transport links and tons of buses mean you're better off leaving the car at home too. If you prefer to take the scenic route, cycling has seen a huge rise in popularity in the city during the last decade, with dedicated cycle lanes in busy areas - and nothing beats pedalling along the seafront to work on a sunny day.

6. You'll be in good company

If you work in the tech industry, you will know that Brighton has the second largest cluster of technology companies in the UK. Second only to London, Brighton is the home of software startups, digital marketing agencies and even video game developers - and it's hotly tipped to become the Silicon Valley of the UK.

For those of you looking for your next career move in tech or fresh talent just starting out, Brighton is the place to be.

7. The views are to die for

Whether you're based smack in the centre of Brighton or further along into Hove, there will always be a sea view around the next corner. In other cities, the view from your office window is most likely to be...another office. In Brighton, you will be treated to a picture perfect view in summer and moody waves in the winter. Wave goodbye to industrial estates and concrete!

8. The food

Brighton has the highest number of restaurants per person in the whole of the UK, so there is no chance of you getting stuck eating the same soggy sandwiches for lunch three days in a row. You will find seaside favourites like fish and chips, cult burger venues and so many flavours of gelato you won't know where to start.

9. Nightlife

A city would be nothing without bars, pubs and clubs - which is lucky because Brighton has a lot. There's an abundance of choice: if you fancy a quiet pint, you'll find a pub within a few minutes. If you want to go clubbing, head down to the seafront and you'll be sure to find something from the row of clubs and bars.

From pop to hip-hop, jazz to indie, you can find pretty much any music of your choice in Brighton. A word of advice though: make sure you bring a coat - the winter nights can get very chilly down by the seafront!

10. The culture

Brighton positively oozes culture. From its multiple theatres, museums and galleries, to varied nightlife, cinemas and so much more, you can always find something exciting to do in what is one of Europes most culturally diverse cities.

11. There's something new every season

For one month every summer, Brighton beach is the home to a huge open-air cinema screen. Wait for a warm, sunny evening and head down to the seafront just next to the i360 after work, where you will be able to take in a classic movie or some live sport. The best part is, it's free! In the winter, book an ice skating session in the grounds of the iconic pavilion.

12. Can walk anywhere

Although Brighton is a city, it's compact enough to be able to walk anywhere. The road can get busy, especially during weekends, so walking is normally the best option. Walking through the city is a great way of seeing the sights and doing some people watching. With its bohemian culture and colourful characters, there's always something to see in Brighton.

13. Pride

Arguably Brighton's biggest event of the entire year, Pride! Welcoming an estimated 300k visitors over the August weekend, Pride is one of the main attractions that Brighton is known, and loved, for. The annual event involves marches, arts and music performances as well as the village party in Kemptown, which is recognised as the biggest Pride party in the UK of its kind. Nothing is better than seeing streams of people come together to celebrate something as important as pride, and by living there, you get to be a part of it!

14. It's the place for everyone

Whoever you are, wherever you're from, they've seen it all in Brighton and no one bats an eyelid whatever you get up to. Brighton has shown that it doesn't follow the herd and they celebrate that fact - with anyone!