Southampton is a bustling hub of a city, nestled on the south coast and right next to the New Forest. London is a mere 75 minutes away by direct train and there are endless choices of shops, museums, restaurants, schools and even an international airport to keep you occupied, entertained and connected. Simply put: there’s a lot to love about living in Southampton!
With all the perks of this city-by-the-sea, it’s not surprising if you’re thinking of a move here. When looking for houses for sale Southampton, you may ask yourself: is living here worth it? We certainly think so! Here’s why…
There’s a fantastic mix of opportunities and things to do in Southampton. With two great universities and a huge range of shops, theatres, cinemas, restaurants and entertainment, the city has got solid foundations for fantastic quality of life.
There’s no end to investment in housing and new properties are currently being built across this popular city location.
Whether you’re searching for a family home, one-bedroom flat or deluxe, penthouse apartment, there’s something for everyone when it comes to properties to rent in Southampton. Pairing all the amenities of this fantastic city with a great selection of properties means you’re in a strong position as a property-hunter.
If you’re looking for houses for sale Southampton for an investment opportunity, we’ve got good news! Southampton is recognised as a great city to seek buy-to-let investment so you could find the perfect property.
Lots of people who visit Southampton are surprised by the incredible historical structures and buildings they find. The city is not only home to some of England’s best-preserved medieval town walls, but over 90 listed buildings and 30 ancient monuments as well.
Did you know that the infamous passenger liner, Titanic set sail on her ill-fated maiden voyage from Southampton in 1912? A memorial is located in the city centre, in Andrews (East) Park.
Many schools and colleges in and around the city are rated ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED. If you’d be living in Southampton with children, it’s great to know that you’ll have your pick of great schools right up to university. According to the latest rankings, schools in the area with an ‘outstanding’ rating include; Beechwood Junior School; Bitterne Manor Primary School; Bitterne Park Primary School; Harefield Primary School; Holy Family Catholic Primary School; Rosewood Free School; Sholing Infant School; Sinclair Primary and Nursery School; Springhill Catholic Primary School; Springwell School; St Anne’s Catholic School; and Townhill Infant School.[i]
You are spoilt with two main train stations in Southampton: Central, and Airport Parkway. Smaller stations also provide links to the port, football ground, universities and the suburbs, so travelling by train is a piece of cake! Fast trains direct to London take 75 minutes, with Bristol 100 minutes away (although journey times vary).
The road networks around this area take you where you need to be with minimum hassle. The M3 links Southampton quickly and conveniently with south west London. The M27 runs between Southampton and Portsmouth while the A31 heads to the South West, and the A36 to the North West.
Living in Southampton, you have the huge bonus of being near an international airport. Southampton Airport offers flights to major British and Irish cities, including Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds Bradford and Newcastle, Cork, Dublin and Belfast (all in under 90 minutes). If you want to travel further afield, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland and more destinations are available… practically from your doorstep!
As if rail, road and air links weren’t enough, Southampton also boats a fast, foot passenger service (25mins) to West Cowes, and a slower car ferry between the docks and East Cowes. Why not spend the day exploring the Isle of Wight? Or even head there for a convenient staycation?
Ferries regularly leave Southampton bound for France and Spain, while the city is the cruise capital of the UK! Even if you’re not heading off on the high seas yourself, getting a glimpse of these colossal ocean liners is a real spectacle
If you’re not keen on city-centre life or want to reduce your average living cost in Southampton, think about heading out a little to the popular suburbs that surround the hub. Hedge End is a particularly family-friendly area, with good schools, shops, parks and a pool. Don’t cross Shirley off your list, either. From here you are offered easy access to Southampton Common, and Southampton Central train station is a brisk walk away.
If you’re a golf fan, we’d recommend focusing on Bassett as you search for houses for sale Southampton. With Southampton Golf Club on your doorstep, you’ll certainly get on with the locals. Meanwhile, cricket enthusiasts may want to hone their property search to West End. This is home to Hampshire County Cricket’s Ageas Bowl ground and somewhere you’re sure to fit right in!
While Southampton itself offers so much to residents, there are plenty of nearby villages that perfectly suit those looking in the area. Over the M27 in family-friendly Chilworth you’ll find grand, substantial properties while Hythe, across Southampton Water, has good schools and quick access to the New Forest.
Finally, as if you needed any more reasons to fall in love with the idea of living in Southampton, we must take a moment to note the incredible surroundings. The beautiful New Forest is a stone’s throw away and the perfect spot for exploring, walking, cycling and horse riding. Glorious beaches are just 30 minutes away and the Solent borders the city to the south. If there’s a better location for a city, we can’t think of it!
If you’re dreaming of living in Southampton, we’re here to help make that dream a reality. We think Southampton has something for everyone and we’re confident you’ll be extremely happy here.
If you’ve got any questions or would like help with your property hunt, please get in touch. Pop into our Southampton branch or give us a call on 02382 544 544 (sales) or 02382 546 546 (lettings). Our friendly, knowledgeable team will be happy to help.
[i] https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=default&table=schools®ion=852&geographic=la&for=ofsted [Accessed 15/7/22]
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