The port city of Southampton is widely known as the “cruise capital of Europe,”.
It has been voted as among the “happiest, friendliest and the safest” cities to live in the UK by moveiq.
Southampton is proud of its rich nautical history and has become a major hub for cruise ship companies, as highlighted by the departure of the doomed Titanic from its docks on April 10th, 1912.
In 2023, the port handled approximately 492 cruise ship calls, welcoming around 2 million passengers throughout the year!
Beyond its historical and nautical significance, the city offers residents a great lifestyle with numerous benefits, including excellent educational institutions, green spaces, and a growing cultural scene.
Popular across the globe, Southampton’s two universities mean that a large student population contributes to the city’s buzzing nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to young adults.
The city provides a lively urban location with plenty to do, the city attracts around 4 million visitors annually.
Southampton’s myriad attractions include extensive shopping districts and sporting venues, an interesting cultural scene, and historical landmarks.
Moving to a new location is difficult, particularly if you know little about it.
In our blog, we hope to provide you with as much information as possible about what to expect when living in Southampton.
Whether you are a student, a professional, or a family, living in Southampton provides an enriching experience with a balance of urban life and natural beauty.
Getting Around Southampton
Southampton has excellent connectivity by car, air, train, or sea, making it an extremely convenient place for residents to live.
Getting a round is very easy, so you don’t need to live in central Southampton to make the most of the great connectivity unless you want to.
Rail Links
Southampton Central and Airport Parkway are the city’s main rail stations, with several operators combining to provide regular services up and down the country.
London is 1 hour 16 minutes from Southampton Central and 1 hour 10 minutes from Parkway.
Southampton is ideally placed for commuting, the train will connect you to Portsmouth, Brighton, Winchester, Bournemouth, and even the Midlands!
By Car
Being a major UK port, the city has good transport links to the rest of the country by road.
The M27 motorway, linking towns and cities along the south coast of England, runs just to the north of the city.
The M3 motorway links the city to London and also with the Midlands and North via a link to the A34 (part of the European route E05) at Winchester.
The M271 motorway is a spur of the M27, linking it with the Western Docks and city centre.
By Air
Southampton Airport is a regional airport located in the town of Eastleigh, just north of the city.
It offers flights within the UK and to closer European destinations and is connected to the city by frequent rail service from Southampton Parkway railway station and by bus.
For longer flights, Gatwick Airport is connected by a regular rail service, and Heathrow Airport is easily reached by National Express coach services.
Ferry
A car ferry service and a fast catamaran passenger ferry service provide links to East Cowes and Cowes, respectively, on the Isle of Wight and are operated by Red Funnel.
The third ferry is the Hythe Ferry, which provides a passenger service to Hythe on the other side of Southampton Water.
Bus Services
Bluestar operates the majority of local bus services. They operate very efficiently all over the city and beyond.
Cycling
Similar to many larger towns and cities across the UK, pedal bikes and electric bikes are available for hire all over Southampton. Currently, 380 bikes are available from around 105 bays, and more bays are planned.
The system is called the Beryl Bikes by Breeze scheme. Both the Breeze and Beryl apps can be downloaded from the App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android users.
Southampton is hard to beat for anyone searching for a location with exceptional travel links.
Diverse Housing Options
The city’s housing market fortunes have been up and down in the last three years as it attempts to overcome the pandemic.
Much regeneration has been in progress throughout the city centre, providing a wide range of new homes for all types of buyers.
Plus, numerous initiatives and incentives, such as part-buy/shared ownership and cashback schemes, are available to entice new buyers.
New developments are popping up right across the region.
Construction has started on Southampton’s Bargate regeneration project after £132 million of funding was approved to build 519 new homes.
Further out, hundreds of homes are currently being constructed in towns such as Hedge End, Botley, West End, Bursledon, and many more.
As for cost, according to Gov.uk, the average price for a home in England up to April 2024 is £281,000.
According to Zoopla, Southampton’s average property price is £262,491, £18,500 cheaper than the national average, good news!
With over 1000 homes for sale in Southampton, you should be able to find one that is just right for you.
Renting a Home in Southampton
Southampton’s rental market is extremely competitive, a promising sign with increasing numbers of people across the UK renting property rather than buying.
Renting in Southampton is ideal for those looking to get a feel for different neighbourhoods before deciding on their favourite spot to buy a home.
According to home.co.uk, 771 homes are currently listed for rent across the city, with the average monthly rent being approximately £987.
One and two-bedroom properties are the most common, with these accounting for almost half the available homes to rent.
The city’s large student population, driven by the University of Southampton, which attracts over 43,000 students, means many rental options are tailored to this student demographic.
Single rooms start at £450 per month, with plenty of house shares available, these are by far the most popular among students and typically cost about £600 per person per month.
Prime student areas include Portswood, Swaythling, Highfield, and Shirley, all of which are conveniently close to the university and offer good value for money.
Larger homes are available for families, with three-bedroom rentals averaging £1,663 per month and four-bedroom rentals at £1,809.
If you’re considering renting in Southampton, exploring different areas and rental options can help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Websites like Rightmove are excellent resources for more information on current listings and rental prices.
Education Options in Southampton
Moving to Southampton offers residents an outstanding selection of educational facilities throughout the whole of the city and across all age groups.
The city boasts an array of both public state schools and private institutions, ensuring families have access to high-quality education facilities.
Several primary and secondary schools in Southampton have been consistently rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, providing assurance of their excellent educational standards.
Among the top schools in Southampton are:
- King Edward VI School
- St Anne’s Catholic School
- Bitterne Park School
- Highfield CofE Primary School
- Marchwood Junior School
- Portswood Primary School
- Sholing Infant School
- Springhill Catholic Primary School
You can visit the School Guide website for a comprehensive list of primary and secondary schools across the whole of Southampton.
The city is also renowned for its higher education institutions, notably the University of Southampton and Solent University.
- University of Southampton: A member of the prestigious Russell Group, the University of Southampton is recognised globally for its groundbreaking research.
- Solent University: Known for its industry-focused courses, Solent University plays a vital role in the city’s education landscape.
Both universities significantly contribute to the local economy, attracting major businesses to the city and serving as key employers.
Southampton consistently ranks high in both UK and international university rankings, reflecting its strong academic reputation.
Employment Prospects in Southampton
Southampton offers a wealth of job opportunities across various industries, so if you are thinking of making the move to the area there is sure to be a job waiting in your industry.
PWC recognised Southampton as one of the top cities in the UK for living and working, ranking it fourth overall.
In fact, the city received commendations for its job, health, and skills performance, surpassing major cities like London and Manchester in several key areas!
Southampton’s coastal location makes its port a significant economic driver, and historically, the local docks have been a major source of employment.
In recent decades, the city’s industrial landscape has diversified, with growth in sectors such as aircraft and automobile manufacturing, cables, and engineering products.
A major employer in the city is the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, which serves around 500,000 people.
Other key employers include Ericsson, Fors, and the Ordnance Survey. Additionally, the Westquay Shopping Centre offers numerous retail and customer service job opportunities.
For more information about employment opportunities and major employers in Southampton, you can visit:
With its diverse job market and strong economic performance, Southampton stands out as a prime location for career prospects.
Entertainment and Things to Do in Southampton
Southampton boasts a rich maritime and sporting heritage, making it an exciting place to live packed with plenty of entertainment opportunities.
The city is a significant hub for sailing, hosting the annual Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
Additionally, Southampton is home to the prestigious International PSP Southampton Boat Show, held every year (generally during August) at Mayflower Park.
You may not know that Southampton is actually one of the greenest cities in the UK, with over 50 green leafy parks around the areas for the residents to enjoy.
For cycling enthusiasts, the Southampton Sky Ride offers an 8km ride through the city’s streets, encouraging beginners to get involved in this fun, family-friendly event.
Alongside shopping, Southampton offers a diverse culinary scene, with excellent restaurants serving everything from traditional curry houses and French bistros to classic English fish and chips and American diners.
Also known as the UK’s cruise capital, Southampton sees the arrival and departure of numerous cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, P&O, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
This makes it an ideal location for holidaymakers looking to embark on luxury cruises to destinations across Europe, such as Norway, and even far-flung locales like Australia and the Caribbean.
The Isle of Wight has been a popular holiday destination for hundreds of years. When you are living in Southampton, it means you are always just a quick hop from a cheeky weekend away.
Alternatively, why not stay in the beautiful New Forest National Park? It is just 6 miles from the city centre and full of wonderful hotels.
With Southampton airport offering flights to UK and European destinations, you have plenty of options.
For more information about the best things to do in and around the city, take a look at our blog, Best Things to Do in Southampton.
Shopping in Southampton
For those in need of some retail therapy, Southampton offers a fantastic array of shopping options catering to all tastes, needs and budgets.
The centrepiece is the WestQuay Shopping Centre, one of the most popular shopping destinations on the South Coast boasting over 90 stores.
Here, you’ll find major retailers such as Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Next, Apple, Levi’s, Zara, and New Look.
After a busy day of shopping, the food court provides a variety of eateries and cafés to relax and refuel.
WestQuay operates from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
In addition to WestQuay, Southampton High Street offers a broader selection of shops.
Popular brands like Urban Outfitters, Primark, and TK Maxx can be found here. The High Street also hosts the annual Christmas Market, featuring numerous stalls selling unique, handcrafted gifts.
Continuing up the High Street, you’ll come across The Marlands, a smaller shopping complex known for its unique boutiques, cafes, and a mix of well-known brands.
Whether you’re grabbing a drink at Starbucks, sampling scents at The Perfume Shop, or getting your ears pierced at Claire’s, The Marlands is definitely worth a visit.
With its diverse shopping centres, high-street stores, and festive markets, Southampton provides a rich shopping experience for everyone.
Southampton Hospitals
Though your local doctor’s surgery will cover most of your health requirements, you may occasionally need more complex or specialised treatments or have to deal with an emergency situation.
In this case, a trip to the hospital may be the only option, so its good to have a grasp on what healthcare options are available to you when moving to a new area.
Southampton’s primary emergency care hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
This major teaching hospital provides comprehensive emergency services, including a 24/7 Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.
It is renowned for its high-quality care and is equipped to handle a variety of medical emergencies and serious conditions. The hospital also offers extensive diagnostic services, including MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound.
For more specialised medical needs, Southampton is home to the Spire Hospital, known for its high standards of patient care and state-of-the-art facilities.
This private hospital provides a wide range of services, including advanced diagnostic imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, and various surgical procedures.
Another important healthcare provider in the area is Southampton General Hospital, which is part of the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
It offers specialised care in cardiology, neurology, oncology, and orthopaedics and is well-regarded for its research contributions and cutting-edge treatments.
Princess Anne Hospital is a key facility for maternity and paediatric care. It provides maternity services and is equipped to handle both routine and complex pregnancies.
The hospital also provides comprehensive care for newborns and young children.
Southampton residents are fortunate to have access to various healthcare options, ensuring they receive the best possible care for emergencies, routine scans, and more serious medical conditions.
Best Areas to Live in Southampton
If you want to live in the Southampton area but are unsure exactly where you want to settle, we have listed some popular neighbourhoods worth considering.
Bitterne, Sholing, Woolston, and the City Centre are family-friendly neighbourhoods with top-rated schools and ample green spaces.
They are also known for their outstanding Ofsted-rated schools.
Outer suburbs like Locks Heath, Hedge End and Botley are also very family-oriented and are close to rural areas.
These two towns have grown enormously in recent years, and numerous new housing estates have provided new schools, shopping areas, and leisure areas.
Ocean Village could be a good choice for those who work in the city centre, this picturesque waterfront area is known for its marina, upscale apartments, and a variety of dining options.
It is ideal for professionals and those seeking a stylish urban lifestyle.
The marina hosts events and offers beautiful views, making it a desirable place to live.
Shirley is a bustling neighbourhood with a strong local community and a wide range of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
It’s known for its convenient amenities and affordable housing options, making it popular among young professionals and families alike.
Shirley also hosts a popular weekly market.
Located southeast of Southampton, Netley is a charming historic village popular with house hunters.
The village is known for its old buildings, picturesque shingle beach, and strong community spirit.
Netley’s railway station provides hourly services to the city, making it convenient for commuters, with an average journey of 18 minutes.
These are just a few wonderful towns and neighbourhoods surrounding Southampton.
Need Help with Your House Move?
Are you thinking of living in Southampton in 2024?
Whether you are considering moving for the excellent range of properties, the great schools or the exceptional amount of things to do, living in Southampton is a great choice.
If you have made the big decision to move, we are here to help you get your dream move to Southampton underway.
Here at Curtiss & Sons Portsmouth, we are an experienced and professional removals company that has been helping people moving home since 1871.
If you need help and advice on moving your home or perhaps some questions about your house removals, you can get in touch with us on 023 9298 5830 and our friendly team is here to assist you with your enquiry.
