Are you thinking of moving to Hampshire? With its mix of beautiful countryside, picturesque coastlines, historic towns, and excellent schools, Hampshire is increasingly popular among families, commuters, and retirees.
As one of Hampshire’s most established removals firms, Curtiss Removals has over 150 years of experience helping families and individuals move seamlessly into the region.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know before relocating to Hampshire, from choosing the right location to understanding local services and amenities.
An Overview of Hampshire: Location, Landscape & Lifestyle
Located in Southern England, Hampshire offers a unique blend of rural tranquillity, coastal charm, and urban convenience.
Bordered by Dorset, Surrey, and Wiltshire, it is ideally placed for commuting to London and surrounding counties.
Hampshire’s diverse landscape encompasses areas of outstanding natural beauty, including the New Forest National Park, the South Downs, and the Solent coastline.
Historic cities such as Winchester and Portsmouth provide character and culture, while market towns like Petersfield and Romsey offer excellent local amenities.
Property Market Insights: What Can You Expect to Pay?
One significant attraction of moving to Hampshire is the property market. Compared to neighbouring counties like Surrey, Hampshire offers better affordability without compromising on quality or convenience.
You’ll find an array of property styles, including period homes, modern new builds, cottages, and rural properties.
Prices naturally vary by location, with Winchester and the South Downs villages commanding higher premiums, while areas around Basingstoke and Fareham tend to be more affordable.
To track current house prices, websites like Rightmove offer excellent real-time market insights.
Best Places to Live in Hampshire
Hampshire offers an array of towns and cities, each with their unique charm and advantages. Popular places include:
Winchester:
Known for outstanding schools, historic architecture, and excellent commuter links, Winchester is highly desirable for families and professionals alike.
Southampton:
A bustling port city with great shopping, vibrant nightlife, and excellent employment opportunities, ideal for younger residents.
Petersfield:
Located within the South Downs, Petersfield offers a quieter lifestyle, great schools, and easy commuting via road and rail.
Basingstoke:
Affordable and well-connected, Basingstoke provides modern amenities and excellent transport links to London and beyond.
Selsey:
Offering coastal living, a friendly community, and affordable homes, Selsey is perfect for retirees or anyone seeking a quieter seaside lifestyle.
Read more about living in Selsey.
Other notable locations include Andover, Alton, Lymington, and Fareham, each offering unique advantages depending on your requirements.
Schools & Education in Hampshire
Education is often a decisive factor when relocating. Hampshire boasts an excellent reputation for schooling across all levels.
The county offers a range of highly rated state primary and secondary schools, as well as independent institutions such as Winchester College and St Swithun’s School.
Hampshire also benefits from outstanding further education, including the University of Southampton, Solent University, and Winchester School of Art.
For the latest Ofsted school ratings, compare school performances here.
Commuting & Transport Links
When moving to Hampshire, reliable transport is a significant advantage. The county provides excellent road and rail connections.
- Rail: Regular services run from Winchester, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, and Southampton to London Waterloo, taking around an hour.
- Road: The M3, A3, and M27 provide fast links to London, Surrey, Dorset, and Sussex.
- Airports & Ferries: Southampton and Bournemouth airports are nearby, and ferry services operate from Portsmouth and Southampton, providing convenient connections to Europe.
Things to Do in Hampshire
Moving to Hampshire means access to an array of leisure and entertainment options. Notable highlights include:
- Outdoor attractions: New Forest walks, sailing on the Solent, cycling the South Downs.
- Heritage and culture: Winchester Cathedral, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Jane Austen’s House Museum.
- Family entertainment: Marwell Zoo, Paultons Park, and Beaulieu National Motor Museum.
- Dining and local produce: Hampshire is renowned for farmers’ markets, vineyards, and traditional pubs.
Discover more great activities at Visit Hampshire.
Local Services: What You’ll Need When You Arrive
To ease your transition, ensure you arrange key local services early:
- Council & utilities: Notify Hampshire County Council to update your details, register for council tax, and learn local recycling schedules.
- Healthcare: Register with a local NHS GP and find nearby healthcare providers using the NHS services locator.
- Broadband & utilities: Arrange connections before arrival to ensure immediate convenience.
Why Use a Local Removals Company Like Curtiss?
With over 150 years of local experience, Curtiss Moving & Storage understands Hampshire inside out. We know precisely how to navigate the region’s roads, property styles, and regional challenges, providing tailored moving solutions.
Curtiss Moving & Storage proudly holds full accreditation from the British Association of Removers (BAR), guaranteeing you professional standards and fully insured services.
Our comprehensive services include:
- Expert packing and unpacking
- Secure storage solutions
- Specialist handling for valuables and antiques
- Free, transparent quotes with no hidden fees
Ready to Start Moving to Hampshire?
Hampshire combines the very best of British living: beautiful landscapes, historic towns, superb schools, and exceptional transport connections.
With careful planning and trusted local experts by your side, your move to Hampshire can be stress-free and straightforward.
If you’re considering moving to Hampshire, Curtiss is here to help.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and start your exciting new chapter.
Request your free removals quotation now!
