Moving to Hampshire with family: A homebuyer’s guide
For many families, moving to Hampshire represents more than a change of address; it’s a lifestyle shift. The county offers that elusive mix of countryside and coast, excellent schools, and historic towns and villages.
Add in fast connections to London and beyond, and it’s easy to see why so many families are attracted to moving to Hampshire for its slower pace and open spaces.
Cities and towns with family appeal
If you want somewhere with plenty going on, Hampshire has some excellent options:
Winchester
One of three cities in the county (and once the capital of England), Winchester is widely regarded as one of Hampshire’s most desirable places to live. With its cathedral, winding streets, and bustling weekly markets, it’s a city that feels more like a large town.
Families are drawn to the cathedral city of Winchester by its excellent schools, long history, and cultural life.
For places to live, there are a mix of period properties, including 18th-century townhouses, as well as apartments and newer family homes. Within walking distance of the city centre, you can find expansive, detached properties.
Also, trains from Winchester to London Waterloo take around an hour, depending on the service, making it a strong choice for commuting parents.
Petersfield
The pretty market town of Petersfield, set at the foot of the South Downs and wholly within the South Downs National Park, is another favourite for families.
Petersfield has a friendly, active community with regular markets, arts festivals, and local clubs.
Properties here range from character cottages and Victorian terraces to larger detached period and newer houses on the outskirts, often with generous gardens.
It’s a good base for outdoor families with walking, riding, and cycling routes starting right from town.
Stockbridge
Sitting on the River Test, Stockbridge is a picture-perfect market town with galleries, delicatessens, and family-run shops.
Housing here tends to be period cottages, converted barns, and grand family homes, as well as more contemporary properties tucked into the surrounding countryside.
It’s a place where families quickly feel at home.
Emsworth
The coastal town of Emsworth is ideal for families who love being near the water. Sailing, paddleboarding, and coastal walks are part of daily life here.
Many of its streets feature Edwardian and Victorian houses, and there are some stunning, modern waterfront developments offering sea views.
The town itself has good schools and a lively café culture.
Romsey
The market town of Romsey combines a historic abbey and gorgeous riverside setting with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Houses here range from gorgeous Georgian properties to spacious detached homes (some with acreage) and newer developments, making it popular with families looking for a traditional town with modern amenities.
Villages where families thrive
Many families are drawn to Hampshire’s villages for their welcoming communities, good local schools, and easy access to footpaths, fields, and rivers.
Villages such as Overton, Hartley Wintney, Alresford, Selborne, Hambledon, Odiham, Crondall, and Hawkley each have their own distinct feel and charm, yet all share the qualities that make rural life so appealing.
There are a wide range of property types in the villages, ranging from traditional picture-box thatched cottages and imposing Georgian townhouses to cosy farmhouses, thoughtful barn conversions, and more modern homes designed for family living.
Many of the villages also have local shops, pubs, and a strong calendar of events, making newcomers quickly feel at home.
Lifestyle: space, countryside, and coast
For many families, another big draw of moving to Hampshire is having more space, both inside and out. Homes here often come with larger gardens and, sometimes, paddocks, orchards, or direct access to footpaths.
The South Downs National Park, the North Wessex Downs AONB, and the Test Valley provide endless opportunities for walking, cycling, and riding.
Hampshire’s chalk streams (the River Test and the River Itchen) are globally rare and offer world-renowned trout fishing. Even if you never pick up a rod, the rivers are wonderful places for family walks and wildlife spotting.
And then there’s the coast! Emsworth and Hayling Island are favourites for sailing and beach life, while Portsmouth and Southampton put ferries to France, Spain, and the Isle of Wight within easy reach. For active families, this combination of countryside and coastline is hard to beat.
Culture, history, and community
Hampshire isn’t just about the great outdoors; the county has a depth of culture and history too that adds richness to family life. Think Winchester’s cathedral and medieval streets, Portsmouth’s naval dockyards, and Southampton’s trading heritage, which all tell the story of England’s past.
At the same time, families can find plenty going on in the present with local festivals, village shows, and a busy cultural calendar.
The Hat Fair in Winchester, the Petersfield Arts and Crafts Society, and Romsey’s music events are just a few examples of how residents come together.
Connectivity
For those still tied to London, moving to Hampshire doesn’t mean cutting yourself off. The M3 and A3 put the capital within easy reach by car, while trains from Winchester and Petersfield take around 60 – 80 minutes.
From central Hampshire, Heathrow and Gatwick are typically around 90 minutes away by road, depending on traffic, while Southampton and Bournemouth airports make short-haul travel simple.
Portsmouth and Southampton also offer ferry links, handy for family holidays on the continent.
Moving to Hampshire for Schools
Hampshire has an impressive line-up of both state and independent schools, making the county a good choice for families.
Independent schools
- Winchester College
- St Swithun’s
- Bedales
- Lord Wandsworth College
- Twyford
- The Pilgrims’ School
- Farleigh
- Highfield and Brookham
- Churcher’s College
All of these have strong reputations and are popular with families both within Hampshire and further afield.
State schools
- Peter Symonds College
- Westgate School
- Thornden School
- King’s School
- The Petersfield School
These are just a few of the many excellent choices available across the county.
This breadth of choice means families can find the right setting for their children, whether they prefer academic tradition, creativity, or schools with large outdoor campuses.
Moving to Hampshire with family
For families considering a move out of London or the suburbs, Hampshire strikes the perfect balance between connectivity, countryside, and a welcoming local feel. It offers a lifestyle that is as enriching as it is practical.
If you’re thinking about moving to Hampshire, we’d love to assist. At Garrington Property Finders, our services help to take the stress out of the search and give you access to homes you might not otherwise see.
With local knowledge, trusted connections, and strong negotiation skills, we’ll guide you through every step, making sure the property you choose really suits your family and the way you want to live. Because for us, it’s never just about finding a house; it’s about finding the right home.
Please contact us today for a no-obligation discussion.
