Not sure how Saltdean can possibly be called a village, it has no high st. I've always thought of it as a cheaper even more boring even further out alternative to Rotting dean, full of people who like doing loft conversions to their bungalows!
Having lived in central Btn ( Clifton terrace ) Kemp town ( sussex square ) and central Hove ( 2nd Ave ) I have to say central Hove is the winner for me. Near the beach, friendly locals. Lots of nice pubs, eateries, coffee shops and not too many tourists or drunks like I saw in Clifton terrace...