Are you considering living in Basingstoke?

If you’re thinking of relocating to this vibrant town, you’ve come to the right place!

Living in Basingstoke offers residents a wealth of exceptional advantages—from diverse housing options and excellent schools to superb transport links and a lively shopping scene.

This guide aims to provide you with all the information you need about what to expect when moving to Basingstoke.

Relocating to a new town or city can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.

Numerous factors must be considered, from housing and the cost of living to education and employment opportunities. On top of that, the moving process itself can be stressful.

We’re here to help!

In this article, we’ll help you understand what life in Basingstoke is really like. By gaining a well-informed perspective, you’ll be better equipped to make the decision to move here.

So, let’s dive into our guide to living in Basingstoke!

Table of Contents

1. House Prices in Basingstoke

One of the biggest draws of living in Basingstoke is the variety of housing options available. From stunning Victorian homes and cosy terraced properties in the town centre to charming Edwardian houses and a vast selection of new-build homes, there’s something for everyone.

A little further out, in areas like Old Basing, you can find desirable rural properties, though these can command prices well over £1 million.

According to Zoopla, the average property price in Basingstoke is £339,438.

Here’s a breakdown of cost per property type:

Detached homes: Average price of £501,822
Semi-detached homes: Averaging at £373,419
Terraced houses: Currently around £297,930
Flats: Approximately £180,108

For those considering renting, the average monthly rent is around £1,512.

It’s important to keep in mind that property prices are subject to change.

If you’re thinking of moving to Basingstoke, be sure to stay up to date with the latest property prices in and around the area.

Keeping an eye on the property market could help you spot a great deal when it arises!

2. Understanding the Cost of Living in Basingstoke

Living in Basingstoke offers a comfortable lifestyle at a cost that’s generally more affordable than that of larger cities like London.

Rent: A one-bedroom flat typically costs £1,204 per month.
Utilities: Average utility costs are £217.82 per month for electricity, gas, and water.
Groceries: With supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Lidl, a weekly shop might cost around £40 to £60 per person. Check out Numbeo for a more detailed breakdown of food costs.
Dining Out: Local pubs and cafes offer meals at reasonable prices, sitting at an average of £15 per person.
Transport: Local bus services are affordable, and monthly passes offer good value. However, train fares to London or other major cities can be a significant expense for daily commuters.

Overall, Basingstoke offers a balanced cost of living that supports a pleasant lifestyle.

Everyday essentials are well within reach for a variety of budgets.

3. Schools in Basingstoke

For families considering living in Basingstoke, education is likely a top priority.

The good news is that Basingstoke boasts an excellent range of schools, making it easier to find a suitable institution for your child.

The town provides ample choice with nearly 60 primary schools and 10 secondary schools, some of which include sixth forms.

Notable primary schools include:

Castle Hill Infant School: Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted
Oakridge Infant School: Also received an “Outstanding” rating by Ofsted

Secondary schools with strong ratings:

These schools were rated as “Good” in their most recent Ofsted inspections.

For further education, Basingstoke offers:

Queen Mary’s College (QMC): A former grammar school offering a range of AS and A-level courses in 40 different subjects, as well as vocational courses and BTEC National Diplomas.
Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT): Spread across three campuses, BCoT is known for its industry-standard facilities, including an in-house restaurant, salon, and air cabin crew training facility.

4. Shopping in Basingstoke

If you enjoy shopping, living in Basingstoke will not disappoint. The town offers an impressive array of shopping destinations, ensuring you have plenty of choices.

Main shopping locations include:

Festival Place: Basingstoke’s premier retail destination and one of the South’s best shopping centres. It houses over 160 stores, more than 20 eateries, and a 10-screen Vue multiplex cinema. Visit Festival Place.
The Malls: Conveniently located with easy access from the train station, The Malls offer a range of shops ideal for quick visits. Visit The Malls.
Basingstoke Market: Held every Wednesday and Saturday in the central market square, the market is bustling with activity and offers fresh produce, bread, fish, meat, and more.
Chineham Shopping Centre: With an excellent selection of 29 stores, it’s a destination for busy shoppers looking for great retail options or a place to relax. Visit Chineham Shopping.
Top of the Town: A unique area with a host of places to shop and eat, alongside Basingstoke’s Haymarket Theatre and The Willis Museum, making it the hub of Basingstoke’s nightlife.

5. Things to Do in Basingstoke

Living in Basingstoke means you’ll never be short of things to do. The town offers a rich heritage dating back to Roman times and a variety of modern entertainment venues.

Some of Basingstoke’s highlights include:

Milestones Museum: A living history museum where you can step back in time. Visit Milestones Museum.
Odiham Castle: Explore the ruins of this 13th-century castle with historical significance. Learn More
Eastrop Park: A beautiful green space perfect for leisurely walks, boating, and picnics.
The Anvil Theatre: Renowned for its excellent acoustics and diverse performances. Visit The Anvil.
Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery: Discover local history and enjoy rotating art exhibitions. Visit Willis Museum

Whether you’re interested in history, arts, shopping, or outdoor activities, Basingstoke has something to offer everyone.

6. Employment Opportunities in Basingstoke

Jobs in Basingstoke — There are plenty of opportunities when it comes to finding employment.

Basingstoke is not just a great place to live but also a thriving economic hub with excellent employment opportunities.

The town is home to several notable companies, including:

Sun Life Financial of Canada
The Automobile Association
GAME Digital
Motorola
Sony UK Technology Centre

Industries present in the town include pharmaceuticals, IT, insurance, and electronics.

Thanks to its strategic location and excellent transport links, Basingstoke has become an attractive base for businesses.

This means that if you’re moving to Basingstoke, you’ll have access to a range of job opportunities across various sectors.

For current job listings and opportunities, you might want to check out Indeed’s Basingstoke Jobs.

7. Rail Connections

Living in Basingstoke ensures you’re extremely well-connected, especially with the town’s excellent railway network.

South Western Railway: Provides fast services to London Waterloo in just 45 minutes, making Basingstoke a viable commuter town.
Great Western Railway: Offers services on the Reading to Basingstoke Line, connecting you to Reading and beyond.
CrossCountry Services: Connect Basingstoke to Bournemouth, Birmingham, Manchester, and further north.

8. Road Connections

Basingstoke’s road network is equally impressive:

M3 Motorway: Offers direct routes to London to the northeast and Southampton to the southwest.
The Ringway: A ring road encircling the town centre, reducing congestion and providing easy access to various parts of Basingstoke.
A33: Extends northeast towards Reading and the M4 motorway, and southwest towards Winchester.

These excellent transport links are one of the many reasons why living in Basingstoke is so appealing.

Ready to Start Living in Basingstoke?

Are you thinking of making the move to Basingstoke?

Whether it’s the diverse housing options, excellent schools, thriving job market, or the wealth of leisure activities that attract you, moving to Basingstoke has so much to offer.

If you’ve decided to relocate, we’re here to help make your move as smooth as possible.

At Curtiss Moving & Storage, we are an experienced and professional removals company that has been helping people move home since 1871.

If you need assistance or have questions about your house removals, please get in touch with us on 023 9298 5830.

Our friendly team is here to help you with your enquiry.

Useful Links

FAQs About Living in Basingstoke

Q: Is Basingstoke a good place for families?

A: Yes, with its excellent schools, parks, and family-friendly activities, Basingstoke is a great place for families.

Q: How far is Basingstoke from London?

A: Basingstoke is approximately 48 miles from London, with fast train services taking around 45 minutes to London Waterloo.

Q: What are the job prospects in Basingstoke?

A: The town is home to several major companies across various industries, offering a range of employment opportunities.

Q: Are there good shopping facilities in Basingstoke?

A: Absolutely! With destinations like Festival Place and The Malls, plus a bustling market, shopping in Basingstoke is excellent.

Q: What leisure activities are available in Basingstoke?

A: From theatres and museums to parks and shopping centres, there’s plenty to do in Basingstoke for all ages.