Great area. Hastings Old Town is lovely - near the sea and shops, great pubs and fascinating folk, all of whom seem to know each other. Art House cinema, and 2 theatres: The Stables and The White Rock. Property generally is not expensive, particularly in St Leonards, the next town along. I have a little flat overlooking a park in Bexhill (the NEXT town along). I love the place - a bit elderly, but quiet and spotlessly clean with a great promenade with lots of great walking, spectacular sunsets and 2000 acres of sky. Property quite cheap here too. If you're well off have a look at Cooden Beach at the posh end. Bexhill has for entertainment the amazing art-deco de la Warr Pavilion (Google this). When renovations finish soon they will have concerts, paintings, drama and classical music with opera and ballet thrown in. If none of these places appeal, try Rye. Very nice. Property prices are reasonable in these towns because London is too far to commute and the train service goes everywhere before getting to Victoria Station. Good luck in your search!