Thinking about living in Petersfield?
It’s a fantastic choice.
Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, this historic market town offers a rare balance of stunning landscapes, a vibrant community, and first-class transport links to the capital and the coast.
It’s a location that manages to be both peaceful and practical, making it a firm favourite for commuters, families, and retirees.
As a local removals company based just down the road in Portsmouth, Curtiss Moving & Storage has been helping families settle here since 1871. We know the town, its villages, and its character inside and out.
Here is our 2025 guide to the 11 best reasons to make Petersfield your new home.
1. A Perfect Commuter Location
One of Petersfield’s most significant advantages is its superb connectivity. It sits directly on the A3, the main artery connecting London and Portsmouth.
This means you can be in Guildford in 30 minutes or at the Portsmouth ferry terminal in 25 minutes.
For rail commuters, Petersfield station is on the mainline to London Waterloo. Direct, frequent services can get you into the capital in just over an hour (around 65-70 minutes), making it an easy and popular commute.
2. Housing & Property in 2025
Petersfield offers a fantastic range of properties, from charming period cottages to modern family homes.
According to Rightmove data from late 2025, the market remains competitive due to the town’s high desirability.
- Overall Average Price: £561,450
- Detached Homes: £890,120
- Semi-Detached Homes: £541,300
- Terraced Homes: £410,500
The rental market is similarly in demand. According to Home.co.uk, the average rent for a property in late 2025 sits around £1,650 pcm.
Properties, especially those near the station or good schools, are snapped up quickly, so it pays to register with local agents early.
3. The Heart of the South Downs
You are not just near the South Downs in Petersfield; you are in them.
The town is the only one entirely surrounded by the South Downs National Park.
This gives residents an incredible quality of life, with nature on the doorstep.
The famous Petersfield Heath, a 69-acre beauty spot, features a stunning lake (or “pond”) and is perfect for walks, picnics, and family time.
You also have direct access to the South Downs Way for world-class hiking and cycling, and Queen Elizabeth Country Park is just a 10-minute drive away.
4. A Vibrant Market Town Feel
Petersfield is not a sleepy dormitory town; it’s a thriving, self-contained market town.
The town centre is bustling, with a popular market held every Wednesday and Saturday in The Square.
Alongside high-street favourites, you’ll find a wonderful selection of independent shops, delis, boutiques, and bookshops, particularly around The Folly and Chapel Street.
It’s a place where you can run your errands, meet friends for coffee, and feel part of a real community.
5. Excellent Local Schools
Families are a huge part of the community, and the high standard of local education is a significant draw.
Petersfield has a strong reputation for its schools at all levels.
For primary education, schools like Sheet Primary and Herne Junior are highly regarded.
At the secondary level, The Petersfield School (TPS) is a very popular academy rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, with a strong reputation for both its academic results and its performing arts.
For those seeking private education, Churcher’s College is one of the top-performing independent schools in the country.
6. A Thriving Food & Drink Scene
For a town of its size, Petersfield has a fantastic and growing food scene.
The town centre is home to a great mix of historic pubs serving local ales, cosy independent coffee shops, and high-quality restaurants.
You can find everything from fine dining to relaxed bistros and authentic international cuisine, meaning you don’t need to leave town for a good night out.
7. Explore the Best Local Areas
Petersfield isn’t just one place; it’s a collection of charming neighbourhoods and idyllic villages, each with its own character.
- Town Centre: Perfect for those who want shops, restaurants, and the station on their doorstep.
- Sheet & Steep: These beautiful, leafy villages are just on the edge of town, offering a more rural feel while still being within walking or a short drive of all amenities.
- East Meon & Buriton: A few miles further out, these are classic, picturesque South Downs villages with historic pubs and stunning scenery, ideal for those seeking a peaceful country life.
8. Things to Do & Local Culture
There is always something happening in Petersfield.
The recently refurbished Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery offers fascinating exhibits on the town’s history and hosts visiting art collections.
The town’s cultural calendar is packed. The Petersfield Music Festival is a long-running and highly anticipated annual event.
At the same time, the Petersfield Spring Festival brings the whole community together with live music, food stalls, and family entertainment.
For kids, the play area at the Heath and the local skate park are always popular.
9. Employment & Local Economy
While many residents commute, Petersfield also has a strong local economy.
The town’s retail, hospitality, and education sectors are major employers.
Several business parks on the outskirts host a range of small and medium-sized businesses.
Furthermore, with the rise of remote working, Petersfield has become a hotspot.
Its combination of excellent internet connectivity, a beautiful environment, and easy access to London for occasional meetings makes it an ideal base for flexible professionals.
10. Community Spirit & Festivals
What truly sets Petersfield apart is its genuine community spirit. It’s a town of active, engaged residents.
You’ll find a local club for almost any hobby, from sports and arts to rambling and history.
The town even has its own local radio station, Petersfield’s Shine Radio, which is a testament to its strong local identity.
11. Safety & Quality of Life
When all these factors are combined, they add up to an exceptional quality of life.
Crime rates in Petersfield and the wider East Hampshire area are consistently lower than the national average.
This sense of safety, combined with the outstanding natural beauty, good schools, and vibrant community, makes it one of the most desirable and secure places to live in the South East.
Are you thinking of living in Petersfield?
From its unbeatable location to its fantastic schools and community, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to make Petersfield their home.
If you’re ready to make your move, we are here to help.
Here at Curtiss Moving & Storage, we are an experienced, BAR-accredited removals company that has been helping families in Hampshire since 1871.
Our local knowledge and professional team can get your new life in Petersfield started on the right foot.
Get in touch with our friendly team today on 023 9298 5830 for advice or to request a free, no-obligation quote – or fill out our quick and easy contact form to start planning your move.
