Hampshire is a county known for its breath-taking scenery, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that it’s fast becoming one of the most highly sought-after places to live in the UK. But beyond its rolling green hills and rugged coastline, it has much more to offer besides, and from excellent schools to being home to several major cities, it offers a great quality of life that is attracting affluent individuals from across the country as they seek to relocate.
Much like Devon and Cornwall, which have seen a dramatic surge in demand for properties over the past two years, Hampshire, too, has proved to be a popular choice amongst those looking to move out of London and enjoy a more laid-back pace of life. In total, 6,334 people moved to the county over a twelve month period between 2020 and 2021 – that’s more than a third up on the previous year – and with the UK housing market booming, it’s a number that continues to grow.
So, what’s behind this mass exodus from some of the nation’s largest and busiest cities? The pandemic, it seems, has given us a new-found appreciation for nature and for the pleasures of the simple life, and after two years of lockdowns, it has become apparent that living in the capital in such situations isn’t necessarily all it’s cracked up to be – and comes with as many limitations, in some ways, as benefits.
In particular, we’re seeing young adults in their 20s making the move, with areas including Eastleigh, Basingstoke and Deane, and Rushmoor proving to be particularly popular. But not everyone is moving across country, and some are simply looking for a more rural hideaway outside of the county’s own larger cities, like Southampton. The number of those looking for a Southampton moving company online has spiked over the past year, demonstrating the fact that even locals are favouring being close to nature over the throng of the city.
Whether you’re looking to relocate yourself, or make a profitable investment in property, it seems that in 2022, Hampshire could be just the place, and there’s never been a better time to make the move than now. Here are three of the biggest reasons to consider this beautiful county if you’re eager to shake things up a bit this year.
It’s great for families
For families with children, as well as young adults who are planning on starting families of their own in the near future, the choice of excellent schools Hampshire offers is an attractive prospect. There are several prestigious independent schools in the county, as well as some highly-rated state schools, and within the larger towns and cities you’ll find plenty of activities and clubs on offer to cater to children and their hobbies. Add to that the family-friendly attractions easily reachable from Hampshire – including Legoland Windsor – and it ticks all the right boxes and more for those with children – either now, or in the future.
It’s awash with beautiful countryside
The Hampshire countryside is the county’s crowning glory, and from its verdant rural areas and peaceful woodlands to its beautiful rugged coastline, it’s rich and varied enough to have something for everyone. Whether you enjoy long hikes in nature or strolling on the seafront, here, you can enjoy it all – and with Southampton a major port both for shipping and cruise ships, not only are business and the jobs market both booming, but it’s well connected for international travel, too.
If you’re seeking a quiet hideaway in a seaside village or a haven of tranquillity in a peaceful countryside enclave, then Hampshire is somewhere you’re almost certain to find it.
It’s well connected
Of course, not everyone wants to go on a cruise, but the good news is that Southampton – as well as the rest of Hampshire – is well connected with some of the UK’s biggest major cities, too. There are fast and frequent rail services to London from across the county, so it’s perhaps little wonder that the county is seen as the perfect solution for those looking to enjoy the best of both London life and the countryside, as commuting is relatively easy and hassle free.
With regards to shopping and dining, it isn’t necessary to head into the Big Smoke, as Hampshire’s many cities offer a thriving scene of their own – but for many, it’s nice to know the option is there for them if they want it.
