I've been in Brighton a few times. I live about 50 miles along the coast.
It always seemed to be to be akin to a society on the verge of civil war. Different groups, each pretending the others don't exist unless they are brought face to face.
That, inevitably brings out the psychopaths which Brighton has plenty of. Drug dealers, pimps, bullies.
The attitude of the social scientists is that the misfits and simplex wander south and stop in Brighton because of the sea. I know that's pretty silly reasoning but social scientists aren't exactly known for their intelgence.
Brighton seems to epitomise the tendency of England to pretend any problem they can't face will go away if they ignore it.
Sorry I can't be more positive, but I would be more than a little careful making myself vulnerable there.
Can you get lodgings in Hove, preferably the western part, and travel in?
Expensive, but so much safer.