Moving to Horsham, West Sussex: Best areas & local guide

Horsham is a well-established market town in West Sussex, located between London and the South Coast. It is widely regarded as one of the most balanced places to live in the South East, offering a combination of strong commuter links, green surroundings, excellent schools and a stable, community-driven lifestyle.

Horsham serves as the administrative centre of the Horsham District and plays a key role in the wider West Sussex region, particularly in education, healthcare and local business services. Unlike commuter towns that feel purely functional, Horsham retains a clear identity of its own, with a defined town centre, historic roots and access to countryside in every direction.

Interesting facts about Horsham

• Horsham consistently ranks among the best places to live in the UK for families and commuters
  
• The town dates back to at least the 10th century and developed as a Saxon market settlement
  
• Horsham Park sits directly in the town centre and covers over 60 acres
  
• The surrounding landscape forms part of the Sussex Weald, known for protected countryside and historic villages
  
• Despite its rural setting, Horsham offers direct rail connections to London Victoria and London Bridge

Considering a house move to Horsham, West Sussex?

Moving to Horsham is usually a long-term lifestyle decision rather than a short-term relocation. The town attracts people who want stability, safety and quality of life, often at the stage where schooling, green space and work-life balance matter more than nightlife or rapid urban growth.

Horsham appeals most to:

• London commuters seeking space and calm
  
• Families prioritising schools and outdoor living
  
• Professionals working in Crawley, Gatwick or Brighton
  
• Retirees who want amenities without city pressure
  

Property prices are higher than the national average, reflecting demand but are generally seen as more sustainable long-term compared to London or high density commuter zones.

Before planning your move to Horsham

Before committing to a house move to Horsham, it’s important to research daily life, logistics and long-term suitability rather than focusing only on property viewings.

• Spend time walking the town centre, residential streets and Horsham Park on both weekdays and weekends to understand traffic levels, noise and overall pace of life.
  

• Test the rail commute during peak hours to London or Gatwick to assess whether regular commuting is realistic.
  

• Explore different neighbourhoods such as Horsham town centre, Southwater, Broadbridge Heath and Roffey to compare housing styles, access, green space and day-to-day convenience.
  

• Visit nearby villages including Southwater and Broadbridge Heath, as neighbourhood layout, road access and parking can influence how removals in Horsham are planned.
  

• Check local supermarkets, GP surgeries, leisure centres and schools to understand everyday amenities and catchment pressures.
  

• Research removal companies in Horsham, West Sussex early, particularly if you are planning a long-distance move, downsizing or coordinating a move alongside storage. Availability and local experience can vary between removal companies in Horsham.
  

• If relocating a home office or business equipment, consider whether business removals in Horsham may be required to ensure specialist handling.
  

• Review school catchment areas in advance, as these strongly influence property demand, neighbourhood choice and moving timelines.
  

• Consider employment patterns in the area, including commuting to London, Crawley or Gatwick, or working remotely, as this will affect where you choose to live and when you move.

Best areas to live in Horsham, West Sussex

Horsham offers a mix of town-centre living, modern developments and quieter residential neighbourhoods, making it suitable for different life stages and priorities.

For young professionals

• Horsham Town Centre
  Living in the town centre suits those who value walkability and transport links. Apartments and modern developments are close to Horsham railway station, cafés, gyms and shops, making it practical for commuters travelling to London, Gatwick or Brighton. The area offers convenience rather than space, appealing to professionals and couples.

For families

• Southwater
  Southwater is popular with families due to its newer housing developments, access to primary schools and proximity to Southwater Country Park. It offers a more suburban feel while still being within easy reach of Horsham town centre.
• Broadbridge Heath
  Broadbridge Heath combines established residential streets with good road access, making it suitable for families who commute by car. The area has local amenities, schools and green spaces, offering a balance between convenience and quieter living.

For retirees

• Roffey
  Roffey is a well-established residential area with a calmer pace of life. It appeals to retirees looking for green surroundings, local shops and good access to healthcare services without being in the busiest parts of town.
• Quiet outskirts near the countryside
  Villages and rural edges around Horsham attract those seeking more space and a slower lifestyle while remaining close enough to town amenities. These areas are often chosen by people planning long-term residence.

Things to do in Horsham, West Sussex

Life in Horsham centres around outdoor space, local culture and community-focused activities rather than high-energy tourism.

Residents regularly enjoy:

• Horsham Park, located in the town centre, for walking, sports and family activities
  
• Southwater Country Park, offering lakeside walks and open green space
  
• Theatre performances, local arts events and community shows
  
• Independent cafés, fitness centres and leisure facilities
  
• Scenic walking and cycling routes through the West Sussex countryside
  

For larger outdoor escapes, the nearby South Downs National Park provides year-round access to hiking trails, viewpoints and historic villages.

Horsham’s location makes it easy to explore nearby towns and cities, whether for work, leisure or day trips.

• Crawley – A major employment hub close to Gatwick Airport
• Guildford – Known for shopping, dining and business services
• Brighton – A popular coastal city for culture, nightlife and seaside living
• South Downs National Park – Ideal for countryside escapes and outdoor activities

This mix of urban access and rural surroundings is a key reason many people choose Horsham as a long-term base.

Frequently asked questions

Is Horsham a good place to live for families?
Yes. Horsham offers excellent schools, low crime and extensive green space, making it particularly attractive to families.

Is Horsham more expensive than London?
Property prices are higher than average, but many residents see this as a trade-off for stability, raising kids, green space and in general higher quality of life.

Do I need self storage when moving to Horsham?   

Many residents moving to Horsham, consider using the local self storage units in Horsham to allow them time and space especially when renovating the property or for downsizing temporarily.

What type of storage works best for downsizing or decluttering before a move?

For downsizing, storage lockers are often suitable for personal belongings, while drive-up and container self storage is ideal for furniture and larger household items. 

Is container storage in Horsham suitable for full household moves?

Yes. Container storage in Horsham is suitable when storing furniture or large household items. At Pickfords, our container self storage solution in Horsham starts at an affordable rate of GBP 45/week and is ideal for renovations or phased moves.