Petworth among best places to live in the South East
It's reached the top ten in a new Sunday Times list
If you live in Petworth, it seems you're in the right place - it's been named among the best towns in the South East.
A list of the top ten places to live in our region has been published by the Sunday Times.
The Surrey Hills came out on top, with Lewes the other Sussex town to make the list.
The judges look at things like schools, air quality, transport, broadband speeds, culture, green spaces, and health of the high street when making their decision.
They also look for improving towns, villages or city centres for attractive well-designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit - which the pandemic has only highlighted.
Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor said:
"This guide has never been so important. The pandemic has taught us just how much we rely on our homes, our communities and our surroundings.
"With working from home now common, it's no surprise that many of us are reassessing our priorities and thinking hard about where we really want to live.
"Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience. It hasn't been a year for big cities or small villages.
"Instead it is small towns that have shone: big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everyone to feel connected."
Here's the list of the towns making the top ten in the South East:
Winner: Surrey Hills
Amersham, Buckinghamshire
Charlbury, Oxfordshire
Deal, Kent
Hambleden Valley, Buckinghamshire
Isle of Wight, Hampshire
Lewes, East Sussex
Petworth, West Sussex
Sevenoaks, Kent
Winchester, Hampshire
What did the judges have to say about Petworth?
“Nowhere does posh better than this old-fashioned Sussex market town.
"The independent shops in its town centre are a delight and Petworth Park and the surrounding South Downs are perfect places for walks - with or without a lockdown dog.”
Their favourite things in Petworth included The Hungry Guest deli and bakery, which has an brilliant cheese selection and has been delivering brownies and other treats to local NHS staff and homeless shelters, the 42-year-old Petworth Festival, a classy musical/literary event, and the not-for-profit Film House, based at the beautiful Leconfield Hall.