- Jan-Peter van Tijk
I wish I'd found InterNations sooner: It would have made my first few month as an expat in London much less overwhelming.
Living in Eastbourne
Eastbourne, known as the sunniest place in Great Britain due to its sheltered location on the south coast, has a lot to offer expatriates in terms of scenic beauty. From its world famous sea front carpet gardens to the Victorian pier adorned with shops and traditional amusements, the town is bursting with old world charm. Expats living in Eastbourne enjoy great quality of life, with good schools in the area and house prices lower than elsewhere in southern England (especially London). The central districts like Old Town and Little Chelsea offer postcard picturesqueness, and other areas like Hampden Park Village are similarly attractive. Those worried about missing out on London's cultural scene needn't worry, though, there are cafés and theaters galore, and the capital is only 90 minutes away by train. Get together with expatriates based in Eastbourne on the InterNations forum to hear their insider tips on living there.
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Moving to Eastbourne
Relocating to Eastbourne can be an unexpected move for an expat - nearby London and Brighton tend to loom larger in the imagination. However, the town is definitely on the up due to its location and affordability (comfortable houses have been known to go for the same price as a 1 bed flat in the capital). While Eastbourne's population has been growing steadily in recent years, the average age of residents has been dropping, indicating that the town is increasingly attractive to young people, and expats living in Eastbourne have been happy to make their home here. The town's warm and welcoming population makes it easy for expatriates in Eastbourne to socialize and network. If you're considering buying property in the area, it's wise to try renting first to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of different areas. InterNation members will have some expert advice on getting yourself set up in Eastbourne.
Working in Eastbourne
Being a seaside town, tourism is still the mainstay of Eastbourne's economy - one in three Eastbourne residents work in the sector, and annual tourism revenue is upwards of £300 million. Hotels, bars and conference centers are all big business. The public sector is the other big employer in Eastbourne, although in recent years things have also been looking up for manufacturing. Expats living in Eastbourne have largely found work in these areas, though there are other opportunities, and the influx of Londoners moving into the town and networking could do much to diversify the economy. For expats wishing to live in peaceful Eastbourne but work in the bustling capital, rail links are excellent, taking you into Euston Station in 90 minutes.