Relocating to a new village, town or city is never straightforward – this is certainly the case for anyone thinking of living in Andover!
It is frequently made more tricky when you do not know a lot about the region you are thinking of moving to.
If you have decided to start the process of moving to Andover then you have come to the right place, this article is packed with helpful information and aims to show potential buyers why Andover is such a lovely place to call home.
As with moving to any new location, there are various things to consider when thinking of relocating to Andover.
We understand that the whole moving process can seem very daunting!
If you are thinking of moving to Andover, we are here to assist you.
In this article, we aim to provide you with a better understanding of everything the area offers so you are fully prepared for your move and know what to expect upon arrival.
Having a well-informed understanding of what you can expect from life in Andover will certainly help with your decision to move and as you will see throughout this article, there are plenty of wonderful reasons to move here!
Here are just some of the best reasons to start living in Andover!
House Prices
This quiet suburban location has been attracting attention in recent years in part due to its very reasonable property values.
There is a good mix of tenures – private (to buy and rent) and affordable (renting from a Registered Provider) and Shared Ownership.
Andover has over 20,000 properties, with new builds popping up seemingly every day!
There are several new build developments in the town which may appeal to you.
- Taylor Wimpey has recently constructed a number of houses and apartments at Saxon Heights.
- The Paddocks is a Persimmon Homes development with a huge selection of 1- & 2-bedroom apartments and 1,2-,3-,4- & 5-bedroom houses.
The average cost to purchase a home in the area currently stands at £335,166, although different property types and sizes will set you back different amounts, meaning there is sure to be something to suit your preferences and budget!
As Andover’s popularity continues to expand so too do its property prices, so be sure to keep up to date with all of the latest property prices if you are considering a move to the area!
Zoopla is a great tool to keep track of not only the current property prices in Andover but also any new homes that come onto the market – so be sure to head over to their site and have a browse at what is currently available!
Renting in Andover
Andover is fast becoming a commuter hot spot with a journey of just over an hour into Waterloo.
Many ex-Londoners are turning to towns such as this as a prospective location for a permanent home but are renting before they buy.
Andover’s rental market is not especially plentiful given the town’s size, and demand far outweighs supply, particularly when it comes to family-sized properties.
Currently, there are just 33 lettings available ranging from £500pcm for a room rental up to over £2000pcm!
The vast majority of lets are 1 and two-bedroomed homes with just 11 of the properties available to rent being large enough for those moving with children.
As a general guide, the average property rent in the area is £1,153 pcm, although some cheaper properties do pop up from time to time!
If you are considering renting in Andover be sure to stay up to date with the latest prices at Home.co.uk HERE.
Zoopla is again an excellent tool to keep tabs on and with new rentals appearing every week it is definitely worth checking out.
Cost of Living
Andover is not seen as a particularly expensive location.
There are other areas nearby such as Southampton and Reading which are known to be pricy places to live where you can expect to pay more.
Nonetheless, we are all affected in one way or another by the cost of living, no matter where we reside and without doubt, the cost of living is rising year on year.
So, even if you feel you are in total control of your finances, running a quick check on a relatively regular basis to see what and where your cash goes is a very sensible approach.
Whilst Andover may not be the most overpriced town, follow these simple money-saving tips and you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you can reduce your outgoings by:
- Make a list of everything you spend in a typical month.
- Run a price comparison check on your Utility bills, including broadband, mobile phone, gas and electricity. Change suppliers if necessary. Too many of us don’t bother and just pay the same month on month.
- Before you buy anything, shop around first.
- Use price tracking websites. Camelcamelcamel is a good one. A free Amazon price tracker which monitors millions of products and alerts you when prices drop, helping you decide when to buy.
- Never buy just because something is on special offer. It is a clever marketing technique to make you spend MORE!
- Check reviews. If you are not sure about a product, check online before you buy. See if there are any reviews. Just type its name into a search engine, followed by ‘review’. That way you will be sure you won’t waste your money.
It is not just the shopping and monthly bills where you can save money either. Entertainment is also an area you need to review.
Another drain on our cash (notwithstanding Covid), is eating out or a family day trip.
Andover has a number of attractions that are extremely cost-effective, even free to enter.
Tripadvisor is a brilliant place to start a search in your local area for ideas and the Andover Advertiser also has some interesting attractions too.
Schools in Andover
A great choice of school is a particularly important factor for those thinking of making the move to Andover with children.
Luckily, if you are considering living in Andover, there are some excellent choices when it comes to schooling.
Top primary and infant schools in the area include Andover Church of England Primary School, Norman Gate School, Vigo Infant School.
Top secondary school options for those moving to Andover include Sparsholt College, The Mark Way School, Harrow Way Community School, Andover Education Centre, Icknield School, Rookwood School.
Clearly, there are lots of great choices of schools when relocating to Andover.
Best Things to Do in Andover
Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in this wonderful area!
Here are some of the things to check out when moving to Andover:
- Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age: Learn about the town’s history and archaeological heritage at these two museums. The Museum of the Iron Age is especially noteworthy for its impressive displays of artefacts from the Roman and Iron Age periods.
- Hawk Conservancy Trust: If you’re a nature enthusiast, this is a must-visit. The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a fantastic place to see a variety of birds of prey up close and even watch flying demonstrations.
- Anton Lakes Local Nature Reserve: Enjoy a leisurely walk or a peaceful picnic in this gorgeous nature reserve. It offers beautiful scenery, walking trails, and a chance to observe local wildlife.
- Finkley Down Farm: Finkley Down Farm is ideal for families with children, this farm park has a range of activities including animal encounters, play areas, and tractor rides.
- Chantry Centre: This shopping centre in the heart of Andover offers a mix of well-known chain stores and independent shops. It’s a convenient place for shopping and grabbing a bite to eat.
- Andover Golf Club: If you’re into golf, you’ll appreciate the well-maintained greens and beautiful surroundings of Andover Golf Club.
Shopping and Dining
Andover offers a variety of shopping and dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences.
The town centre features a mix of high-street retailers, independent boutiques, and a bustling market, providing a comprehensive shopping experience.
For dining, residents can enjoy a diverse culinary scene that includes traditional British pubs, international cuisine, and fine dining restaurants.
Popular spots such as The Angel Inn and Siam Orchid Thai Restaurant are favourites among locals for their excellent food and welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Andover’s dining options will not disappoint.
Transport Links
A move to Andover ensures you have excellent transport links connecting you to the surrounding areas.
If you are travelling to and from Andover by car there are a number of options.
The most popular road links are via the A303/A34/A338.
These A-roads connect those living in Andover to all of the popular local destinations and also allow easy access to some destinations that are further afield.
Andover is also home to its own train station with a further two stations also located nearby.
Both Whitchurch and Grateley are 6.3 miles and 6.9 miles away respectively.
For those travelling further afield, the closest airports are Southampton Airport which is 19 miles away and Bournemouth Airport at 34 miles.
For those needing to travel from London Heathrow Airport, you will be just 47 miles away!
Healthcare in Andover
If you are thinking of relocating to Andover, it is probably a good idea to know about your healthcare options.
Luckily, residents have plenty of choices when it comes to nearby facilities.
The Andover War Memorial Hospital, which is situated in the heart of the city, is the closest hospital to Andover.
However, BMI Sarum Road Hospital and Royal Hampshire Country Hospital are also nearby.
Be sure to check out the Find a GP NHS service if you are moving to the area.
Cultural and Community Life
Andover offers a rich cultural and community life, with numerous events, festivals, and activities that foster a strong sense of community.
The town hosts several annual events such as the Andover Carnival, a vibrant parade with floats, music, and entertainment, and the Andover Food and Drink Festival, which showcases local produce and culinary talent.
There are also numerous community groups and clubs covering a wide range of interests from sports to arts, providing ample opportunities to meet new people and get involved in local activities.
The presence of historical sites, theatres, and galleries adds to the cultural richness of the town, making Andover a lively and engaging place to live.
Green Spaces and Outdoor Activities
Another of the top highlights of life in Andover is the abundance of green spaces and outdoor activities available.
The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the North Wessex Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Local parks such as Charlton Lakeside offer excellent facilities for picnics, boating, and fishing, while the Anton Lakes Nature Reserve provides scenic trails for walking and bird-watching.
Additionally, Andover is home to several golf courses, cycling routes, and equestrian centres, catering to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
These green spaces not only provide recreational opportunities but also enhance the overall quality of life by offering peaceful retreats from urban life that many of us crave.
Are you thinking of living in Andover?
Regardless of whether you are moving for the outstanding range of properties, top-quality schooling options or cheaper everyday costs, living in Andover is a great choice!
If you have made up your mind and are ready to move, we are here to help you get your new journey in Andover underway.
Here at Curtiss & Sons Portsmouth, we are an experienced and professional removals company that has been helping people move 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.
