Best areas to live in, SO and PO postcodes?

[texasjohn]

A friend is looking to move from the north to a job based in Fareham.

What are the nicer areas to live in? He doesn't mind a 30 minute commute, but does not know the area well at all other than having spent a weekend in Hamble once!

Any areas to avoid, in Fareham/Pompey/Southampton?

He is moving from Preston (just outside of the city actually).

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Paulbav]

It all depends on how much he wants to spend? I commute to Fareham daily from Chichester which takes about 25 mins, Chichester is a really nice place imo but it's horses for courses....

Paul

[Poledriver]

If he's looking for a nice quiet village, but near enough to all the amenities he'd need, I can recommend Rowlands Castle!

[.Mark]

Hayling Island is good, can be a mare some mornings but nothing like it used to be. Surrounded by coast, decent amenities as long as you don't expect too much, no speed cameras, no speed bumps and even the police station is part time.

[texasjohn]

I just texted him...His budget for a house is around 250k, can be a little flexible (350k tops). Needs three bedrooms ideally.

House prices are very reasonable in Preston. He has a four bed up there in a nice area.

Some ex Farnborough (BAe) people up there who moved to the lancashire site and they all live in mansions (as such anyway!) as the money goes quite far the other direction!

ETA: I know Chichester quite well from going to goodwood, nice place.

Farnham (as opposed to Fareham) is a nice town too, I have stayed there a few times on business, maybe a bit out of the way for him to commute though?

Edited by texasjohn on Friday 5th February 20:40

[Peter101]

texasjohn said:

I just texted him...His budget for a house is around 250k, can be a little flexible (350k tops). Needs three bedrooms ideally.

[/footnote]

Budget 250k but has a little flexibility and can go to 350k! Wish I had that little flexibility! lol

[texasjohn]

He's hedging his bets as unsure about prices relative to good and bad areas; paid his mortgage off some years ago too.

[doorman]

.Mark said:

Hayling Island is good, can be a mare some mornings but nothing like it used to be. Surrounded by coast, decent amenities as long as you don't expect too much, no speed cameras, no speed bumps and even the police station is part time.

Well here we go , thats 2 recommendations for Hayling Island then, he will do very well here with his budget, and that relaxing drive over the causeway each day welcoming you home. Down side, 40mph limit, but majority of drivers have not got the confidence to achieve it.

[.Mark]

texasjohn said:

I just texted him...His budget for a house is around 250k, can be a little flexible (350k tops). Needs three bedrooms ideally.

Sorted then, one of my neighbours has just put their house on the market. 5/6 bedroom, should get that within his budget

[texasjohn]

Hayling Island sounds good then!

Any areas to avoid in Fareham or is that a nice town? What about the two cities? Any parts that seem ok but right next door to dodgy estates with trouble that spills over?

Gosport seems to have cheap houses, is there a reason for that?

[dtmpower]

texasjohn said:

Hayling Island sounds good then!

Any areas to avoid in Fareham or is that a nice town? What about the two cities? Any parts that seem ok but right next door to dodgy estates with trouble that spills over?

Gosport seems to have cheap houses, is there a reason for that?

Gosport - ex military, council estates, only one road in/out , not the best place to suggest.

[Stefan SRT8]

I live in Bitterne in Southampton, which is a reasonable area plenty of nice Victorian and 30's properties.

As per usual there are plenty of areas that are best avoided (apologies to anyone here who may live in those areas!) such as Thornhill, Weston, Millbrook and Townhill.

Plenty of nice properties along the river Itchen (towards the narrow end). Then you've got the newer areas around such as Hedge End, Whiteley, West End etc, fairly large modern 'Wimpey Homes' type places, all fairly decent (neck on block time) middle class areas, his budget should see 4 or 5 bedrooms in those areas if he likes modern houses/estates, personally I prefer the period properties in the area.

Can't speak for Portsmouth as I don't really know the area, but there are some nice areas, I like Portsmouth (and no, I'm not a scummer, I'm originally from Cornwall!).

Stef

[texasjohn]

Thanks for the comments much appreciated. Will pass them on.

In fact I should get him to register here save me typing lol.

He prefers the older properties rather than new houses.

[.Mark]

Stefan SRT8 said:

I live in Bitterne in Southampton... ...(and no, I'm not a scummer, I'm originally from Cornwall!).

Stef

So you are a scummer then - by association

Quite a change from Cornwall my friend. Brother-in-law lives in Truro, lovely place - in fact apart from Redruth the whole place is lovely.

[Stefan SRT8]

.Mark said:

Stefan SRT8 said:

I live in Bitterne in Southampton... ...(and no, I'm not a scummer, I'm originally from Cornwall!).

Stef

So you are a scummer then - by association

Quite a change from Cornwall my friend. Brother-in-law lives in Truro, lovely place - in fact apart from Redruth the whole place is lovely.

LOL, never!

I'm a Truronian, was born and raised there, then moved to a small village not far from Redruth where I went to school, it wasn't too bad there when I went to school, but I am talking in the 80's! I also worked in Redruth for a couple of years, but it has gone downhill quite a bit since then!

I still have family and friends down there, but I don't think I'd ever move back, too quiet!

Stef

[IM NUTS2]

Avoid Wickham, when i lived there every one knew who i was and what i did. full of inbreads! glad i moved from the place.

[Syndrome]

IM NUTS2 said:

Avoid Wickham, when i lived there every one knew who i was and what i did. full of inbreads! glad i moved from the place.

Sarahs law ?

[doorman]

.Mark said:

texasjohn said:

I just texted him...His budget for a house is around 250k, can be a little flexible (350k tops). Needs three bedrooms ideally.

Sorted then, one of my neighbours has just put their house on the market. 5/6 bedroom, should get that within his budget

Sounds like a bargain,5/6 bedrooms and under 350k, where is it, might be interested myself?

[.Mark]

doorman said:

.Mark said:

texasjohn said:

I just texted him...His budget for a house is around 250k, can be a little flexible (350k tops). Needs three bedrooms ideally.

Sorted then, one of my neighbours has just put their house on the market. 5/6 bedroom, should get that within his budget

Sounds like a bargain,5/6 bedrooms and under 350k, where is it, might be interested myself?

YHM - should have added the one next door that is almost identical went for £323k.

If you are interested and it works out my finders fee is 2 electric garage doors on the cheap

[doorman]

.Mark said:

doorman said:

.Mark said:

texasjohn said:

I just texted him...His budget for a house is around 250k, can be a little flexible (350k tops). Needs three bedrooms ideally.

Sorted then, one of my neighbours has just put their house on the market. 5/6 bedroom, should get that within his budget

Sounds like a bargain,5/6 bedrooms and under 350k, where is it, might be interested myself?

YHM - should have added the one next door that is almost identical went for £323k.

If you are interested and it works out my finders fee is 2 electric garage doors on the cheap

What ever way it goes, your OK for a PH'ers discount for sure.