Are you thinking of living in Southsea?
Southsea, a gem in Portsmouth, blends the charm of a Victorian seaside resort with the buzz of modern city life.
It’s laid-back, quirky, and packed with character.
Here, you’ll find indie cafés on Marmion Road and Elm Grove, Albert Road’s cafes, and vintage shops, all within a stroll of the beach and Southsea Common’s huge green space.
Think relaxed coastal living with cultural buzz, all in one place. Whether you’re unpacking boxes or just scouting for a charming spot, Southsea delivers.
If you want to find out more about this great Southcoast location, read on; there is so much to discover.
Homes & Property: From Flats to Victorian Beauties
One of the first surprises about Southsea is the huge variety of homes for sale.
Whether you lean toward Victorian terraces, converted flats, or smart modern builds, Southsea’s housing market has you covered.
The area is a blend of grandeur and practicality, think imposing villas near the Common and no-fuss apartments closer to the seafront.
As of now, there are over 1000 homes listed on Rightmove; there is sure to be one among them perfect for you.
The average property price hovers around £293,000, with rents of roughly £1,133 pcm.
Values have been rising for the past five years, making Southsea an investment spot worth watching.
Whilst larger online agencies are great price guides, several local estate agents are available, specialising in the sale of properties in the area.
Visit Reeds Rains and Fry & Kent Estate Agencies in person for insider information. Both based in Southsea, they are well-versed in the local housing market and its fluctuations.
When Work & Study Matter: Schools, Uni & More
Families, take note, Southsea is well-served when it comes to education, with options to suit a variety of learning styles and needs.
Notable independent choices include Portsmouth High School for Girls, known for its strong academic results, and Mayville High School, which offers a supportive, family-focused environment.
On the state side, Priory School enjoys a solid local reputation. For younger children, there’s a good selection of primary schools rated positively by Ofsted.
Just beyond the school years, the University of Portsmouth brings an exciting student presence to the area, offering a range of courses from engineering to the creative arts.
This mix of quality schooling and higher education makes living in Southsea particularly appealing to families who value both academic opportunities and a vibrant, youthful atmosphere.
Searching for the right school could not be easier, simply visit the Snobe and School Ratings for the low down on every school in the area.
Work in Southsea: From Shops to Ships
Moving to Southsea? You’ll find a surprisingly broad job market that goes well beyond cafés and boutiques.
The retail scene is bursting with roles ranging from barista positions (Costa Coffee regularly hires locals) to sales advisors at places like Saltrock and New Balance.
Meanwhile, the tourism and hospitality sectors, hotels, restaurants, and events are always on the hunt for friendly faces and customer-focused pros; there are plenty of no-experience-needed gigs on platforms like Glassdoor and totaljobs.
But hey, if you’re after something more specialised: professional services in accounting, legal or admin are often listed on job boards and LinkedIn.
Don’t overlook the naval base, it’s a major employer in the area.
Civilian jobs like finance desk officers, HR roles, or technical posts are regularly advertised on Civil Service Jobs and local listings.
So, whether you’re starting up or switching paths, Southsea’s job market is more dynamic than it first appears.
Getting Around: Trains, Ferries & Walks
Ditch the car you don’t really need it; Southsea is easily walkable.
You’ve got Portsmouth & Southsea railway station, plus Fratton, hooking you up with London (2 hours), Southampton (59 minutes), and far beyond.
Fancy getting to the Isle of Wight? There’s the hovercraft from Southsea’s seafront, an extremely quick 10-minute journey.
Taking the car? Head to the Wightlink ferry terminal from Portsmouth to Fishbourne in around 45 minutes.
And when you’re just heading out for a beachfront stroll or walk across the Common, it’s all a breeze when you live in Southsea.
Seafront & Green Space: Just Chilling in Southsea
A sunny stroll along the pebbled Southsea Beach, ice cream in hand, with the Isle of Wight on the horizon, what more could you ask for?
Then there’s Southsea Common, your green escape from Clarence Pier to the Castle.
It’s where festivals like the Victorious – the family-friendly festival and the Portsmouth International Kite Festival fill the sky with colourful creations, and the colourful celebration of Portsmouth Pride.
Alternatively, have a go at kite-flying, take part in the annual parkrun loads is happening.
The ever-popular canoe lake, nearby, means pedalo in summer, swans, jellyfish, you name it, it all happens in Southsea.
Best Attractions in Southsea’s Vicinity
The entire area is teeming with attractions that blend history, culture, and traditional seaside fun.
Begin at the D-Day Story, an award-winning museum that vividly brings World War II history to life.
Stroll along Southsea Seafront to Southsea Castle, built by Henry VIII, and enjoy sweeping Solent views.
Nearby, Clarence Pier delivers all the arcade and fairground thrills you’d expect from a classic British seaside.
For theatre lovers, the ornate Kings Theatre hosts a packed programme of shows, while Gunwharf Quays is just a short walk away for outlet shopping and the striking Spinnaker Tower. Whether you’re a history buff, shopaholic, or beach stroller, Southsea’s got it covered.
Take a look at the Days Out With the Kids website, they have oodles of ideas for days out locally.
Eating Out & the Local Vibe
Southsea’s a cultural hotbed, with Albert Road packed with independent shops, buzzing cafés, and live music joints.
Southsea is a foodie’s playground, offering everything from artisan coffee spots to fine dining.
Start your day at The Southsea Deli or Home Coffee for locally roasted brews and fresh pastries.
Along Albert Road and Palmerston Road, you’ll find an eclectic mix—Mediterranean small plates at Sant-Yago, hearty pub fare at The Still & West, and contemporary British cuisine at Restaurant 27, one of Portsmouth’s most acclaimed eateries.
Vegans and vegetarians are well catered for with venues like Southsea Coffee Co., known for creative plant-based dishes.
If you’re craving global flavours, there’s everything from Japanese at Sakura to Italian at Nonna’s Kitchen.
With its independent vibe and diverse food scene, Southsea makes eating out an adventure in itself.
Have a look at which restaurants are gaining the most traction via the Tripadvisor website.
Is Southsea Going to be Your Next Move?
If you’re after a place where seaside hangs, local culture, easy connections, and character collide, Southsea’s calling.
It’s friendly, scenic, and unpretentious, refreshingly real.
Ready to unpack or still browsing? Either way, Southsea’s waiting to share that salty air and creative spark.
And, if you want moving help once you’re ready, Curtis Moving isn’t far away, we specialise in Southsea moves.
If you need help and advice on moving house or perhaps have some questions about your house removals, we are here to help.
You can contact us on 023 9298 5830 or by filling out our quick quote form and our friendly team will be in touch to assist with your enquiry.
We are also BAR approved which means you get the best possible service at all times.
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