Thinking about living in Fareham?
If you are, you’re onto a good thing.
Packing up and moving home is a huge task, a stressful one too. However, with a little local knowledge and a sympathetic mover, it does make things a little easier.
There are just a few reasons why Fareham could be the ideal spot for you.
This Hampshire town combines historic charm with modern convenience, and it sits in a genuinely enviable spot on the south coast, literally smack between Portsmouth and Southampton.
If you are looking for a place that feels welcoming, offers good value for money, and still keeps cities within easy reach, read on.
1. A Bit of Fareham History and Character
Fareham isn’t a brand-new commuter town; it’s been a settled community for centuries.
People have lived around the River Wallington and the head of Portsmouth Harbour for many centuries, with a documented history dating as far back as the Norman era.
Interestingly, back then it was known as Ferneham (hence the name of the former entertainment venue Ferneham Hall), now Fareham Live.
Even today, the town blends that heritage with a thriving local culture.
Below are quick links to explore these richer layers of its past and present:
- Portchester Castle – an ancient Roman and medieval fortification just a stone’s throw away.
- Titchfield Abbey – a peaceful ruin with a history stretching back to the 13th century.
- Visit Hampshire – for local attractions, events, and visitor info regarding the town.
- Fareham Live – the ultimate theatre experience.
2. Location, Transport & Getting Around
Whether its for work or entertainment, Fareham’s easy transport links are one of its biggest draws:
- Rail links: Fareham Railway Station connects you to Portsmouth, Southampton, and even London Waterloo, a solid choice if you’re commuting further afield.
- Road access: The M27 skirts the town, making trips to other south coast hubs quick and easy.
- Local transport: For those who don’t drive, an extensive bus network runs through town, so getting around without a car is doable too.
Heads up, Fareham was once reported as one of the more car-dependent towns in the UK, so if you’re used to walking everywhere, this might feel different.
3. Everyday Life: Shops, Cafés & Community Vibe
Fareham has a bustling high street and plenty of local hangouts.
With roughly 300 shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs, there’s always something going on.
You’ll find everything from traditional market stalls to contemporary coffee spots, and locals often point to the friendly, close-knit feel of the community as a big plus.
It’s also worth browsing things to do via TripAdvisor’s Fareham listings, where you will find some great ideas on activities, whether you’re new in town or settled in.
4. Education in Fareham: Schools, Colleges & Future Options
If you’re planning a long-term move, education is a big tick in Fareham’s favour.
The town is home to a wide range of well-regarded primary and secondary schools, many rated Good or Outstanding by inspectors, making it a popular choice for families.
Parents also appreciate the balance of academic focus, pastoral care, and extra-curricular activities on offer locally.
For further education, Fareham College is a standout option. It offers a broad mix of A-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and adult learning programmes, and has been rated “Outstanding” by OFSTED.
The college has strong links with local employers too, which helps students move smoothly into work or higher education.
With universities in nearby Portsmouth, Southampton, and Winchester, Fareham is well suited to learners at every stage — from early years through to degree level and beyond.
Find out more about local schools easily via the Locrating website.
5. Healthcare in Fareham: Doctors, Hospitals & Support Services
Health services in Fareham are pretty solid, with a mix of local GP surgeries, community care, and access to larger hospital facilities nearby.
At the heart of primary care is the Fareham Centre Practice, one of the main GP surgeries serving local residents, alongside others like Gudge Heath Lane Surgery, Wickham Surgery, Meon Health Practice, and Portchester Health Centre.
These practices, often working as part of the Fareham & Portchester Primary Care Network, coordinate care, handle general check-ups, chronic conditions, vaccinations, prescriptions and referrals for more specialised treatment.
Out of hours, if you need urgent advice when your GP is closed, you can call NHS 111; they will quickly direct you to the right service or tell you whether to attend urgent care.
For hospital-level treatment, Fareham Community Hospital offers various local services, including physiotherapy and community health support.
For anything more serious accidents, emergency surgery, specialist care, the nearest full A&E and specialist departments are at Queen Alexandra Hospital, run by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.
All in all, whether it’s routine appointments, urgent GP access, or hospital care, Fareham and the surrounding area give you a good spread of health services close to home.
6. Parks, Coast & Outdoor Space
One of the big lifestyle perks of living in Fareham is how easy it is to get outdoors.
The town is surrounded by attractive green spaces, including Holly Hill Woodland Park, a local favourite for woodland walks, river views and family days out.
For nature lovers, Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve offers peaceful trails, birdlife and open landscapes just minutes away.
You’re also right on the edge of the coast.
Portsmouth Harbour’s historic dockyard and the waters of the Solent are perfect for waterside walks, sailing and scenic sunsets.
While at Gunwharf Quays, you can shop to your heart’s content with plenty of great savings to be made at this well-known discount retail shopping area.
Living in Fareham offers an ideal balance of countryside calm and fresh sea air, all close to home.
— perfect for weekend strolls, family picnics, or water views without the city-centre hassle.
7. Safety, Community & Cost of Living
People who live here generally rate Fareham as safe, settled, and friendly.
Crime rates sit below the regional average, which comforts a lot of locals.
Overall, living in Fareham tends to be more affordable than in nearby cities such as Southampton and Portsmouth.
Day-to-day costs, including food shopping, eating out, household bills and local services, are generally more manageable, which helps many households stretch their income further.
If you want to get specific, the cost-of-living comparison site Numbeo is a useful resource.
It lets you explore typical expenses in Fareham and directly compare them with other towns and cities across the UK, giving a realistic picture of what to expect before you move.
8. Buying a Home in Fareham: Prices, Trends & What to Expect
If you’re planning to buy a property in Fareham, the local market remains relatively steady for the Southeast.
As we head into January 2026, average house prices sit at around £335,000–£340,000, reflecting modest growth rather than sharp spikes.
Flats and maisonettes tend to be the most affordable entry point, while semi-detached and detached homes command higher prices, particularly in established residential areas and villages on the town’s edge.
Compared with nearby cities such as Portsmouth and Southampton, Fareham often offers better value for space, which appeals to families and upsizers.
Demand remains consistent, driven by good transport links, schools, and access to the coast, but the market is not as fast-paced or competitive as larger urban centres.
For buyers looking for long-term stability rather than short-term speculation, Fareham continues to feel like a sensible and balanced choice.
Have a look at Rightmove and Zoopla for local property values to see how far your budget will stretch.
9. Renting in Fareham: Monthly Costs & Local Demand
Not everyone can afford to buy a home. For those looking to rent in Fareham, the market reflects wider UK trends but remains more manageable than many nearby coastal cities.
As of January 2026, average monthly rents typically range from £850–£1,000 for one-bedroom properties, rising to £1,200–£1,400+ for family-sized homes, depending on location and condition.
Rental demand is strongest for well-presented homes close to transport links, schools, and town-centre amenities.
While rents have increased over recent years, Fareham still offers better value than Portsmouth, particularly for larger properties with gardens or parking.
Tenants often benefit from quieter neighbourhoods and more space, making the town popular with families, professionals, and downsizers alike.
Overall, renting in Fareham offers a good balance of affordability, space, and lifestyle, without the premium prices seen in bigger urban areas.
10. Local Council Services & Everyday Essentials in Fareham
For day-to-day practicalities, Fareham is governed by Fareham Borough Council, which is responsible for many of the services residents rely on.
This includes council tax, household bin and recycling collections, planning applications, housing services, parking permits, and local environmental matters.
Council tax bands and charges are set annually, and residents can manage payments, discounts, and changes of address directly through the council’s website.
Bin collection schedules are clearly published and typically include separate collections for general waste, recycling, and garden waste, helping households stay organised.
Fareham Borough Council also looks after parks, leisure facilities and community services, while Hampshire County Council covers wider responsibilities such as education, highways and social care.
Together, they keep the town running smoothly behind the scenes.
Wrapping Up Your Move to Fareham with Curtiss & Sons
As you can see, Fareham ticks a lot of boxes. Friendly neighbours, solid schools, decent transport links, and the coast on your doorstep? Not bad at all
If you’re planning a move to or within Fareham, having the right removals team on your side makes all the difference.
Curtiss Moving & Storage is a well-established local removals company based in Portsmouth, with years of experience helping households move smoothly across Hampshire and beyond.
Whether you’re relocating locally, moving further afield, or need professional packing and storage, our teams take a calm, organised approach from start to finish.
Curtiss Moving & Storage is a proud member of the British Association of Removers (BAR), the recognised regulators of the removals industry. This means they work to strict professional standards, giving you extra reassurance on moving day.
To discuss your upcoming move or storage requirements, or request a quote, you can contact Curtiss & Sons on 023 9298 5830 — friendly advice, no pressure, just practical help when you need it.
