Living in Hampshire – A Complete Guide to the County
If you’re planning a move to Hampshire, you’re in for a real lifestyle upgrade.
This southern English county blends historic charm with modern convenience, offering rolling countryside, lively towns, and easy access to the coast and numerous airports.
Hampshire is praised for its excellent transport connections, great schools, and strong local economy, perfect whether you’re relocating with family, chasing career opportunities, or seeking a change of pace.
From bustling cities like Southampton, Portsmouth, and historic Winchester, to tranquil villages in the New Forest, there’s a corner of the county for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about living in Hampshire, covering its towns, attractions, lifestyle perks, and practical considerations.
And when the time comes to pack up, White & Company, a trusted Hampshire removal company, will make the process seamless for you.
The Appeal of Hampshire’s Location
Enjoy an ideal location that blends beautiful coast and countryside with excellent transport links to London and beyond.
One of Hampshire’s biggest draws is its enviable location.
Perfectly positioned on England’s south coast, the county delivers a mix of countryside, coast, and city living.
With London just over an hour away by train from many Hampshire towns, commuting is a viable option while still enjoying more affordable housing and a slower pace of life.
The county is also a gateway to the Isle of Wight, with regular ferries from Southampton and Portsmouth (Wightlink and Red Funnel).
For international travel, Southampton Airport connects you to European destinations, while Heathrow is easily accessible for longer journeys.
Add in the South Downs National Park and the New Forest, and it’s easy to see why so many people choose removals to Hampshire; it truly does tick all the boxes for accessibility and natural appeal.
Cities and Towns to Explore
Discover a diverse range of places to live, from historic cities like Winchester to tranquil villages in the New Forest.
Hampshire is full of varied places to settle, each with its own personality.
Southampton, famous for its maritime heritage and cruise port, offers vibrant shopping at Westquay and a lively nightlife scene.
Portsmouth combines seafaring history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with modern waterfront living at Gunwharf Quays.
Winchester, once the capital of England, is a charming cathedral city with cobbled streets and cultural flair.
Families seeking quieter surroundings often gravitate towards towns like Basingstoke, Andover, or Farnborough, all of which offer excellent schools and green spaces.
If rural charm is more your thing, the villages scattered across the Test Valley or Meon Valley offer slower living, complete with cosy pubs and community spirit.
Whichever area you choose, a smooth move to Hampshire begins with reliable planning and the right removal company to help you get there.
Education and Family Life
Provide your family with a fantastic lifestyle, supported by outstanding schools and fun attractions like Marwell Zoo.
For families moving home in Hampshire, the county has a lot to offer.
A wide range of schools makes it easy to find the right fit, with many primaries and secondaries rated outstanding.
Hampshire also boasts respected independent schools such as Winchester College and St Swithun’s.
For higher education, the University of Southampton and University of Portsmouth both have strong reputations.
Beyond the classroom, family life thrives thanks to local attractions such as Marwell Zoo, the Milestones Museum, and the New Forest Wildlife Park.
With quality healthcare, community activities, and safe neighbourhoods, Hampshire offers everything you’d want when settling into a new family home.
From Classrooms to Campuses: Education in Hampshire
Access a wealth of educational opportunities, from top-rated state schools to world-renowned universities.
For families relocating to Hampshire, the county offers a wealth of educational and support services.
The responsibility for schooling in this area lies with Hampshire County Council, which oversees state schools, admissions, and special educational needs provision across the county.
They ensure that schools meet national standards while also guiding parents in navigating applications and catchment areas.
Hampshire is home to a wide range of schools, from small village primaries to larger, well-performing secondary schools, many of which have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.
The county also has a strong selection of independent options, including the prestigious Winchester College and St Swithun’s School.
For higher education, the University of Southampton is globally recognised for its research and innovation. At the same time, the University of Portsmouth offers a diverse range of courses and a vibrant student community.
You can be sure that every stage of your child’s education is well catered for in Hampshire.
Housing and Property in Hampshire
Explore a varied property market offering everything from city flats to rural cottages to suit different budgets.
If you’re considering moving to Hampshire, understanding the local property market is essential.
The county offers a wide variety of housing, from Victorian terraces in Winchester and stylish new-builds in Basingstoke to cosy cottages in the New Forest.
Prices are naturally higher in sought-after areas like Winchester or Petersfield, but more affordable options can be found in towns such as Andover or Gosport.
The average property price in Hampshire County is £383k, and the median price is £330k. If you are interested in a breakdown of the housing market, take a look at the Plumplot website.
Rental opportunities are equally diverse, catering to students, professionals, and families.
Hampshire’s property market benefits from strong transport links and ongoing demand, making it attractive for both buyers and investors.
Online estate agents such as Zoopla and Rightmove can help you explore current listings.
Whether you’re searching for a starter flat, family home, or rural retreat, Hampshire’s housing scene has plenty of choice—just be prepared for competition in popular areas.
Work and Employment Opportunities
Build your career in a county with a strong, diverse economy and major employment hubs in tech, maritime, and healthcare.
One of the significant advantages of relocating to Hampshire is its strong local economy, a major draw for many.
The county boasts a diverse mix of industries, with Southampton and Portsmouth leading the way in maritime services, shipping, and cruise tourism.
Technology and aerospace are major employers in Farnborough and Basingstoke, while Winchester and Eastleigh are hubs for education and healthcare.
The Ministry of Defence also has a significant presence in Aldershot.
For those commuting, Hampshire’s transport links make London reachable in just over an hour from many towns, offering the best of both worlds: career opportunities in the capital with the lifestyle benefits of coastal and countryside living.
Job seekers can browse opportunities via Hampshire Jobs or national boards like Indeed and Reed.
With diverse sectors and career pathways, Hampshire is well-suited to professionals, families, and graduates alike.
What Does It Cost to Live in Hampshire?
Get a clear picture of living costs, which offer a good balance of value and quality of life compared to other southern counties.
The county may be popular, but what does it cost to live here? It is worth getting a clear picture of your everyday expenses before making the move.
The county sits somewhere in the middle when compared to the rest of the UK, cheaper than London and parts of Surrey, but more expensive than many northern counties.
Housing is likely to be your largest outlay, with property prices in areas like Winchester and Petersfield well above the national average, while towns such as Andover, Havant, and Gosport offer more affordable options.
Daily living costs such as food shopping, transport, and leisure are broadly in line with the UK average.
Supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose are widely available, alongside local farm shops and markets for fresh produce.
Budget-friendly stores Lidl, Aldo and Home Bargains are also spread right across the county, offering far more for your money.
Council tax rates vary by district but are generally similar to those of surrounding counties.
Eating out, gym memberships, and childcare costs can add up, particularly in city areas.
Overall, Hampshire strikes a good balance; while you’ll pay a premium in the most sought-after locations, the quality of life, strong services, and proximity to coast and countryside make the cost feel well worth it.
Outdoor Adventures and Natural Beauty
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with two National Parks on your doorstep, offering endless opportunities for hiking and sailing.
Hampshire is tailor-made for those who love the outdoors.
With two national parks, the New Forest and the South Downs, residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to fresh air and scenic landscapes.
The River Test attracts anglers from across the UK, while sailing along the Solent remains a favourite pastime for locals.
Family trips to Hayling Island or Lepe Country Park make for memorable weekends, while hiking and cycling routes wind through forests and rolling hills.
The Hampshire County Council countryside site is packed with ideas for outdoor activities.
For many, the promise of this natural beauty is one of the main reasons for relocating to Hampshire, and once you arrive, you’ll quickly see why.
Culture, History, and Entertainment
Experience a rich cultural life with historic landmarks, major theatres, and vibrant festivals throughout the year.
Living in Hampshire also means having culture and history on your doorstep.
Winchester Cathedral and the Great Hall (home to King Arthur’s Round Table) connect you to medieval England, while Portsmouth honours its naval heritage at the Historic Dockyard.
Southampton celebrates its maritime past at the SeaCity Museum, telling the story of the Titanic.
For live performances, the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton and Kings Theatre in Portsmouth bring big-name productions to the county.
Meanwhile, festivals like Victorious Festival keep the calendar buzzing.
Add in a thriving food scene with farm shops, gastro pubs, and fine dining options, and it’s clear Hampshire offers far more than just a place to live; it’s a place to enjoy life to the fullest.
For those arranging a move to Hampshire, it’s reassuring to know there’s plenty to keep life exciting once you’re settled.
Find out more via the Hampshire Attractions website.
Moving to Hampshire with White & Company
Relocating is exciting, but it also takes careful organisation, and that’s where White & Company Moving & Storage come in.
With decades of experience handling local, national, and international removals, we know firsthand how to make removals to Hampshire as hassle-free as possible.
Our professional teams can handle everything from secure packing and transport to unpacking in your new home.
As long-standing members of BAR, FIDI, and OMNI, our standards and expertise are second to none.
If you need storage for a while, no problem. Each of our depots offers clean, dry, and secure storage options, both long-term and short-term.
Choosing White & Company isn’t just about moving boxes; it’s about moving with peace of mind knowing everything is in hand.
So, if you’re ready to start your new chapter, let White & Company, your trusted Hampshire removal company, make your move as smooth and straightforward as possible.
It’s it easy to find us, be it by phone or via our website – get in touch today.
Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.
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