Thinking of living in Petersfield? You’re making a fantastic choice!
Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Petersfield offers stunning landscapes, a vibrant community, and excellent transport links to major cities.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful rural lifestyle, great schools, or easy commuting options, Petersfield has it all.
Relocating to a new area, town or city is never straightforward!
It is often made more tricky when you don’t know a lot about the region you are thinking of living in.
If you have decided to start living in Petersfield, this is the article for you!
As with moving to any area, there are various things to consider when thinking of living in Petersfield.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know before moving to this charming market town.
1.) Why Live in Petersfield?
Petersfield is a historic market town surrounded by the rolling hills of the South Downs.
Known for its picturesque setting, strong community spirit, and excellent local amenities, it’s no wonder more people are choosing to call Petersfield home.
With easy access to London and the south coast, Petersfield is popular with commuters, families, and retirees alike.
Top reasons to consider a move to Petersfield:
- Stunning countryside and outdoor activities
- A welcoming community with a traditional market town feel
- Highly rated schools and family-friendly atmosphere
- Convenient rail and road connections to London, Portsmouth, and Southampton
2.) Best Areas to Live in Petersfield
Petersfield offers a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re after a bustling town centre or the peaceful surroundings of a nearby village, Petersfield caters to all tastes.
- Petersfield Town Centre: For those who want to be at the heart of the action, the town centre offers access to local shops, restaurants, and markets. It’s perfect for professionals and those who enjoy the convenience of having everything close by.
- Sheet Village: Just on the outskirts of Petersfield, Sheet is a tranquil village that feels a world away from the town’s busier areas. This is ideal for families looking for a slower pace of life while still being close to the town centre.
- Steep: If you’re looking for scenic views and rural living, the village of Steep, located just a few minute’s drive from Petersfield, is perfect. It’s a popular choice for retirees and those who love the outdoors.
- East Meon and Buriton: These picturesque villages are a little further out but offer idyllic rural living. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, they’re ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without being too far from Petersfield’s amenities.
3.) Average House Prices in Petersfield
If you’re thinking of living in Petersfield, it’s important to understand the housing market.
Properties in Petersfield range from charming period cottages to modern family homes, offering something for everyone.
Current average house prices in Petersfield (as of September 2024):
- Detached homes: £884,892
- Semi-detached homes: £537,734
- Terraced homes: £406,849
- Overall Average: £557,100
While Petersfield is more affordable than some parts of Hampshire, its appeal as a desirable location within the South Downs means that house prices remain competitive.
Whether you’re buying or renting, Petersfield offers excellent value for money compared to nearby cities like Winchester or Guildford.
4.) Good Options for Renting
Similar to the sales market the number of vacant properties for rent in Petersfield is also limited to just 9.
Even a wider search does not increase the number of homes available that much.
Needless to say, the market moves very quickly so if you do view a possible let, you need to log your interest as soon as possible.
The average rent in September 2024 is £1,611 (according to home.co.uk).
However, you can rent a one-bedroom flat for an average of £930 and three-bedroom properties are available for an average of £1,680 pcm.
Landlords prefer renters to stay for longer periods, a trend that has been on the rise as first-time buyers struggle to get on the property ladder.
Bearing this in mind, you can sometimes negotiate on the rental price if you commit to a longer-term let so savings can be made with a little clever bargaining.
Again, homes close to the local train stations and good schools are the first to be snapped up and logging your interest with as many agents as possible will give you an edge.
5.) Cost of Living in Petersfield
Petersfield’s cost of living is generally in line with the South East, though it’s more affordable than major cities like London and Winchester.
As with any area, costs will vary depending on lifestyle choices, but here’s a general overview of what to expect when living in Hampshire:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: £14.50
- Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: £60
- Fast food meal: £6.39
- Cappuccino: £3.47
Living in Petersfield offers a high quality of life without the higher costs often associated with city living.
Its proximity to both the coast and the Hampshire countryside provides a wonderful balance for families, professionals, and retirees.
Is there anything you can do to reduce your cost of living in Petersfield?
Following these suggestions could help you lower your expenses:
- First, it’s important to understand where and how you spend your money. This will allow you to identify areas where savings can be made.
- Switching utility providers could save you hundreds of pounds each month.
- If you enjoy eating out, consider opting for cheaper alternatives.
- For credit cards, there are various 0% interest accounts you can choose from.
- Try to keep your purchases to a minimum.
By following these straightforward steps, you can save money not just in Petersfield, but anywhere in the UK.
Entertaining, especially with several children, can be expensive, but there are many ways to ensure everyone has fun without breaking the bank.
Petersfield is surrounded by stunning countryside, making it easy to plan a day out at little to no cost.
Pack a picnic, bring a bat and ball or a frisbee, and you’ve got a fun, low-cost day out that’s perfect for the whole family.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park, with its 1,400 acres of open woodland, offers plenty to explore.
It features several well-maintained, waymarked, and graded mountain biking trails.
You can also book a BBQ spot – all you’ll need to pay for is parking.
It’s another brilliant option for a budget-friendly day out!
For shorter trips, take the children to Petersfield Skate Park or the play area at Heath Pond!
This local attraction is ideal for those looking to keep costs down.
Living in Petersfield doesn’t mean you can’t save a bit!
6.) Schools in Petersfield
Petersfield has a strong reputation for education, with a range of outstanding schools at both the primary and secondary level, making it a top choice for families.
Primary Schools: Petersfield offers several excellent primary schools, including Sheet Primary School and Herne Junior School, both of which have strong reputations and high Ofsted ratings.
Secondary Schools
The area is also home to the highly regarded The Petersfield School (TPS), a large secondary academy that has been praised for its academic results and extracurricular activities. TPS regularly receives high ratings from Ofsted and is a popular choice for local families.
Private Schools
For those considering private education, Churcher’s College, an independent day school for boys and girls, is one of the top schools in the region, providing high-quality education from nursery to sixth form.
7.) Commuting from Petersfield
One of Petersfield’s biggest advantages is its excellent transport links, making it ideal for those who need to commute.
Train links
Petersfield Station is on the mainline route between Portsmouth and London Waterloo. With trains running frequently, the journey to London takes just over an hour, making it a viable option for commuters. There are also direct services to Portsmouth, Southampton, and other towns along the south coast.
By car
Petersfield sits conveniently on the A3, providing easy access to both London and Portsmouth. It’s also just a short drive to the M27 and M3, offering great connectivity to other parts of the South East and beyond.
Local Bus Routes
The town is well-served by local bus routes connecting Petersfield to surrounding villages and towns, as well as larger cities like Chichester and Winchester.
8.) Things to Do in Petersfield
Petersfield is brimming with activities for all ages, whether you enjoy the great outdoors, shopping, or cultural experiences.
- Petersfield Heath and Lake: This beautiful area is a local favourite for walking, picnics, and boating. It’s also home to a popular playground, making it a great spot for families.
- The South Downs Way: Living in Petersfield gives you direct access to this famous walking route. The South Downs Way offers stunning countryside views and is perfect for hiking, cycling, and horse riding.
- Petersfield Market: A traditional market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, where you can find everything from fresh local produce to handmade crafts. It’s a great place to soak up the town’s community atmosphere.
- Petersfield Museum: Delve into the town’s history by visiting the Petersfield Museum, which offers exhibits on the local area and its fascinating past.
- Events and Festivals: Throughout the year, Petersfield hosts several community events, including the Petersfield Spring Festival and the Petersfield Music Festival, which are both highly anticipated by locals.
9.) Employment Opportunities in Petersfield
While Petersfield is a market town with a rural charm, it offers a range of employment opportunities within the town and the surrounding areas.
Whether you’re seeking local work or commuting to larger employment hubs, there are plenty of options to suit various professions.
Local Employment
Petersfield’s local economy thrives on a mix of retail, education, healthcare, and hospitality.
The town’s independent shops, cafes, and restaurants provide opportunities in the retail and service sectors, while local schools and healthcare facilities are significant employers.
Petersfield also has several business parks that house small to medium-sized enterprises, including those in IT, marketing, and creative industries.
Commuting for Work
Due to its excellent transport links, many Petersfield residents choose to commute to larger cities for work.
London, Portsmouth, Guildford, and Southampton are all accessible within an hour by train or car, providing access to a wide variety of roles in finance, law, healthcare, technology, and other industries.
The town’s location near the A3 also makes it a convenient base for professionals working in neighbouring towns and cities.
Remote Working
With the rise of flexible and remote working arrangements, Petersfield has become a popular choice for professionals who want to work from home while enjoying the benefits of a rural lifestyle.
The town’s generally good internet connectivity coupled with some of its co-working spaces make it a convenient option for remote workers, even if you need to host an important meeting!
Are you thinking of living in Petersfield?
Regardless of if you are moving for the excellent properties, top-notch schooling or the great everyday costs, living in Petersfield is an excellent choice!
If you have made up your mind and are ready to move, we are here to help you get your new journey in Petersfield underway.
Here at Curtiss Moving & Storage Portsmouth, we are an experienced and professional removals company that has been helping people moving 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.
