Did you know that no place in England is more than 75 miles (120 km) from the sea? Yet over 3 million people are committed to living along the English coastline.
This number may fluctuate over time due to factors such as migration, tourism, and changes in population trends, but the UK does have a relatively high coast-to-area ratio.
Here at Sims Williams, we certainly understand the appeal of living in coastal villages, towns and cities such as Arundel, Bognor Regis, Chichester and The Six Villages. Chichester has even recently been awarded the title of ‘best place to live in the South East’ by the Sunday Times.
Living by the coast can offer a number of benefits that can improve your head, heart and wallet; particularly when compared to larger, inland cities. Here are, in our opinion, the top 10 benefits of living by the coast:
Investment Potential:
provided you find the right type of property in a popular location, coastal properties can be a worthwhile, long-term investment due to their desirability and potential for rental income. Bognor Regis’ current average for rentals is £1,091 pcm.
Natural beauty and scenic views:
Coastal areas often offer stunning views of the ocean, beaches, coastal walks and other natural features, which can be very appealing to residents and visitors alike. If you enjoy being surrounded by natural beauty, the south coast is a great place to live.
Recreational opportunities:
swimming, surfing, paddleboarding,sailing, and fishing are typically all part of the normal day-to-day life when you live in a coastal town. The availability of such a wide range of outdoor pursuits can be a major draw for people who enjoy outdoor activities especially when they don’t come with the added cost of a plane ticket. Have a look here for further fun ideas to get outside and get active!
Mild climate:
Compared to other parts of the UK, the south coast tends to have a milder climate, with warmer temperatures in the summer and less snow and ice in the winter. Bognor Regis is well known for it’s warm and sunny climate and record breaking sunshine hours. The best time of year to visit Bognor Regis for warm-weather activities is from late June to early September.’Bognor.today’ offer useful access to live streaming cameras of the East and West views from the pier to plan ahead on trips out or simply to admire the view!
Cultural attractions:
Many coastal towns and cities have a rich history and culture, with museums, galleries, and other attractions that showcase their unique heritage and traditions. Arundel castle is a prime example, and a popular attraction for people of all ages. It’s story dates back to 1067!
Good transport links:
The south coast is well-connected to other parts of the UK, with good road and rail links, as well as airports in Southampton and Bournemouth. Not to mention, it’s very easy access to London. It takes an average of 1h 46m to travel from Chichester to London by train, over a distance of around 55 miles (88 km). There are normally 65 trains per day travelling from Chichester to London and tickets for this journey start from £6 when you book in advance.
Tourism and hospitality:
Coastal areas can be popular tourist destinations, with a range of amenities, and services catering to all sorts of visitors. This can create employment opportunities in the hospitality industry and contribute to the local economy, as well as creating a vibrant community.
Lifestyle:
For some people, the slower pace of life in a coastal town or city can be a major attraction. Living near the coast can offer a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle that is focussed more around outdoor pursuits and a closer community, making it a great place to retire or raise a family. This can also be highly appealing to those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban areas, even if it is on a holiday-home basis.
Health benefits:
“you’re more likely to have better mental health if you live within 5km of the British coastline”. Living by the coast can have health benefits, such as improved mental health, better sleep quality, and reduced risk of certain diseases. In addition to this, improved air quality is always a noticeable feature when travelling from inner-cities. Coastal areas typically have cleaner air quality than inland areas due to the sea breeze that blows in clean air.
Unique cuisine:
Coastal areas often have unique and delicious cuisine based on the local seafood and other regional ingredients. If you’re visiting the area, we highly recommend the following places to dine at: The Parsons Table in Arundel, Hotham Park Café in Bognor Regis, Viento Delevante in Chichester, The Holly Tree in Walberton.
If you are feeling the draw to the coast like so many of us, get in touch with the team here today to discuss what the local markets look like, and what coastal properties we have that deliver the dream you’re chasing.