Plenty of Londoners are looking longingly at the south coast right now, and Bournemouth is one of the most popular locations. With a direct train line to London Waterloo, plenty of warm sunny weather and 5 Blue Flag beaches, it ticks lots of boxes. But what’s it like to live in a famous and beloved holiday resort?
It’s just an hour from London by train and surrounded by some of the prettiest villages in Hampshire. No wonder Basingstoke is on the radar of Londoners wanting to escape the city! It’s also earned itself the nickname ‘Boringstoke’ over the years. So, is it? We asked 4 of our movers who’re still living there what it’s like living in Basingstoke.
Winchester is a beautiful city, and great for commuters, which means that properties can be eye-wateringly expensive. The good news is that Hampshire is full of great places to live, with lower property prices, and within easy driving distance of Winchester. So, you can get more for your money, and still enjoy the many benefits of living in the south-west.
We’re often asked at Schepens what are the best places to live around Southampton if you’ve got a young family. Lots of our movers love the city vibe but would prefer to live a few miles out of the hustle and bustle. In this blog we take a look at the four places within a few miles of Southampton that are particularly recommended for families with children.
Portsmouth is known as ‘Pompey’ to its residents, who speak proudly of their city, its naval history and its contemporary attractions. It’s no longer the busy port it once was, although there are plenty of reminders in its historic docks, but it’s transformed itself into a 21st century location that’s a great place to live, as well as being a popular spot for visitors all year round.
Driving through the early morning mists of an autumnal Wiltshire, it’s easy to imagine that nothing much has changed here for hundreds of years. And yet, it’s also home to busy market towns that blend ancient and modern, the city of Salisbury with its stunning cathedral, and a cluster of beautiful villages. It’s not as quick a commute to London as its neighbouring county, Hampshire, but it’s an excellent option if you’re working in Bristol, or Bath.
Every year, thousands of holiday makers descend on the south coast, and Bournemouth with it’s golden beaches, is one of the prime locations. Beyond the holiday season, though, Bournemouth has managed to pull of the difficult task of also being considered a great place to live. Situated on what has become known as ‘the coast with the most’ Bournemouth is attracting lots of attention from London movers looking to relocate.
Each year, the Halifax Quality of Life survey ranks local authorities across Scotland, England and Wales. The aim is to find the best places for house buyers to consider when looking for their new home. There are 26 factors that are used in order to rank the different locations, including: easy access to green spaces, safety and property affordability. This year, Basingstoke was ranked in the top 50 for the first time!
Hampshire could be described – and I’m sure it often is – as an embarrassment of riches. It’s made up of 3 cities – Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth – a number of towns, a scattering of villages, and an island. Each of Hampshire’s main locations has its unique delights, and all are within striking distance of stunning landscapes, ancient woodlands, and beautiful beaches.
Looking for a hidden gem in Wiltshire? The market town of Devizes has been a rising star for a while now, and it may just have hit its moment. The London Economic named it ‘the best country location in the UK’ this year, beating Poole to the top spot. It’s commended for the glorious surrounding countryside, the richness of the independent retail culture and its proximity to Bath and Salisbury.