The town grew up as a market town around the railway which was completed in 1841. A Sainsbury s superstore now stands on the site of the former market, and high street chains, including Woolworth, W.H Smith and Boots, straddle South Road which runs through the town centre. At the western end of South Road is The Broadway an attractive tree lined avenue with a Mediterranean feel. The Broadway has an impressive range of restaurants including Pizza Express and Dining Room 2. The Princess Royal, and the privately run Ashdown Nuffield hospital.
Businesses are mainly in the service sector and range from banking through to insurance.
Haywards Heath is the administrative centre for Mid Sussex District Council and contains the police headquarters for the Weald Division and Mid Sussex Magistrates Court. It has its own town council in Boltro Road. St Paul s Roman Catholic College and Oathall Community College which has its own farm. In addition, there are five primary schools and a sixth form college. Within five miles of the town are some of Mid Sussex prettiest villages Lindfield, Ditchling and Cuckfield.