dan17 Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 As the title suggest, me and my family are looking to move down to the Southampton area. Without wishing to sound like a complete snob (and probably failing), can people recommend a decent area of the city/outskirts to move to? Funnily enough, the only area of Southampton I have really experienced is St Marys! Would really really appreciate any recommendations that you fine people may have.... thanks in advance, Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 millbrook is really nice, good shops and diverse mix of residents Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
This Charming Man Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Hardly a snob for not wanting to live in a dump. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joesaint Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Nice area's I would say in Southampton would include; Highfield, as well as around the common, ocean village, bit's of bittern, swaythling, shirley, woolston is going though a large development. I would say don't move to Thornhill, Shirley warren, Lordshill, Millbrook, and Western. Southampton is more or a mix to be fair I live in Woolston and been here 3 years and although not a 'posh' area, the people around are really nice and therefore a nice place to live. Outside of Southampton there are loads of nice places I'd avoid parts of Eastleigh though and maybe part of Totton. Good Luck, I genuinly love living here and have lived in quite a few places, you still get complete idiots here like anywhere but plenty of people you meet are generelly very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norwaysaint Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Hope you find a place to live and make that left back spot your own soon, Dan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Bursledon/Hamble is nice if you want the outskirts. Some good pubs and you can go sailing with other posh people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 If you can afford to live in Bassett then do. You might need minimum of £500k for a house there though. Otherwise as suggested above Highfield is nice. Most other areas have both good and bad parts. For example there's loads of nice houses in Sholing, but also the Merry Oak estate. Personally I'd move just outside the city. There's plenty of decent villages to live that have decent transport links into Southampton. Avoid Hedge End though, it's dull and full of duel carriageways and out of town style shops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Bassett is probably the nicest area that I've seen in Southampton, especially around the Common. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Bursledon/Hamble is nice if you want the outskirts. Some good pubs and you can go sailing with other posh people. Hamble is ok. I live there. The yachties are really quite annoying though and seem to look down at you if you don't own a boat. Loads of nice walks, parks, rivers etc. Good transport links into Southampton (bus and train) but the traffic on Hamble Lane can be a nightmare if you go at the wrong time and will only get worse if the Hampshire County Council give the go-ahead to proposed gravel pits on the old airfield site. Ocean Village is only 15 mins by car if you go through Netley/Weston. Actually Netley is an ok place to live too. Parks and rivers but no yachties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Rather than ask on here, would you trust the answers, come and have a look Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Hedge End, innit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huntingdon Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Nice area's I would say in Southampton would include; Highfield, as well as around the common, ocean village, bit's of bittern, swaythling, shirley, woolston is going though a large development. I would say don't move to Thornhill, Shirley warren, Lordshill, Millbrook, and Western. Southampton is more or a mix to be fair I live in Woolston and been here 3 years and although not a 'posh' area, the people around are really nice and therefore a nice place to live. Outside of Southampton there are loads of nice places I'd avoid parts of Eastleigh though and maybe part of Totton. Good Luck, I genuinly love living here and have lived in quite a few places, you still get complete idiots here like anywhere but plenty of people you meet are generelly very nice. For dan17, comments like yours show how difficult it is for somebody who doesn't know the area You say avoid parts of Totton, but Totton's crime rate is considerably lower than Shirley & Bitterne (places you're recommending) If you were asking Totton residents which areas to avoid, they'd almost certainly say Woolston & Sholing, or anywhere over the bridge (where you currently are) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan17 Posted 14 August, 2011 Author Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Thanks for all the comments people, really appreciate it. What is Midanbury like? Just seen a nice house on rightmove there. 70's Mike - will do! We are planning a visit in the coming weeks - just gotta sort things out with the mortgage men first!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dark Sotonic Mills Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Rownhams and Nursling are pretty good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 What is Midanbury like? Just seen a nice house on rightmove there. A mixed bag like Sholing/Woolston/Bitterne. Depends on the road really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Polygon area (near bedford place/London Road) is mostly student houses so a strong chance of a noisy neighbour or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 (edited) Avoid Shirley Warren, Lordshill, Thornhill, Millbrook. Swaythling, Portswood and Polygon probably not ideal either due to the large amount of rented and multiple occupancy accommodation. Edited 14 August, 2011 by benjii Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Rownhams and Nursling are pretty good. Took the words out of my mouth, quiet and friendly, not far from Romsey, plus terrific access to the motorway and city centre. Hamble and Netley are a good shout as well if youre into sailing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joesaint Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Actually there are places to avoid (the big estates with a reputation) but all the suburbs are a mix and you do really need to look around. Like someone said most on totton is very nice and they would probably say not over the bridge. I have to say you get more for your money here and if you take the time to look at upkeep of other houses it should be a good indicator of area. Southampton is a very nice place to live, Ive lived in Andover, Winchester, Portsmouth, Sailsbury, Tidworth, as well as short stints in Hull (hell), Chester, Glasgow, London. Winchester was top but Southampton although completely different is a very close second. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Thanks for all the comments people, really appreciate it. What is Midanbury like? Just seen a nice house on rightmove there. 70's Mike - will do! We are planning a visit in the coming weeks - just gotta sort things out with the mortgage men first!! I used to live in midanbury. It's nice and s friendly area. The local pub, the Castle, used to be good but went through a stage of being full of young idiots just before we moved and got a quite rough, not sure what it's like now. All in all it's a good area to live though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 why is everyone telling him to stay away from the real parts of southampton...working class areas like millbrook are a joy...the finest people live there..and most vote labour so a right bonus.. live and let live Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lighthouse Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Sorry to hijack Dan's thread, but I'm going to anyway. I'm also looking at possibly moving to Southampton. On my own, so only need a 2 bed appartment or house. Anyone got any experience of the new flats around Ocean Village or can reccomend some other decent places? Will only be commuting in and out once a week, so traffic/location issues are less of a problem, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panda Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Bit of trick recommending Highfield isn't? Be honest it is Harefield that has a homely feel to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Personally i'd hate to live in or in the close vicinity of Southampton. Much rather find a nice village around Winchester. My family are originally from round the Crawley/Sparsholt/Hursley area and it's a nice area, but expensive now. Southampton is a dump, always has been always will be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ecuk268 Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Depends what you're after ie. a flat or a house with a garden. Any kids (schools to consider). I live in Upper Shirley near the Common and Sports Centre. Good range of local shops and takeaways. Quick access to the motorways or into town. Reasonable bus service if you don't want to take the car. My nipper went to Hollybrook Infants and Juniors which were fine. Upper Shirley High (ex Bellemoor) has a good reputation after a short dodgy period. We like it here. Never had any problems. Only thing I don't like are the number of good family houses being bought up to be demolished and blocks of apartments taking their place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Personally i'd hate to live in or in the close vicinity of Southampton. Much rather find a nice village around Winchester. My family are originally from round the Crawley/Sparsholt/Hursley area and it's a nice area, but expensive now. Southampton is a dump, always has been always will be. Given the choice i expect most people would, but the cost to rent or buy is ridculous and out of a lot of peoples reach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Craig Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 I used to live in midanbury. It's nice and s friendly area. The local pub, the Castle, used to be good but went through a stage of being full of young idiots just before we moved and got a quite rough, not sure what it's like now. All in all it's a good area to live though. I'd maintain The Castle as a boozer best avoiding due to the familiar crowds I've seen that still drink there. Haven't heard decent things said about that place for years. It's got it's regulars and high percentage of those have seen better days, you'd at least hope. Same more or less applies to the Bitterne Park Hotel. Not the worst place but another one which has it's tight group of regulars and is far from being a family pub looking a bit run down. The Station on the edge of Bitterne Park I class as my local is an easy place to get along with. It's gone downhill a bit but have little qualms about going for a drink there. Typically friendly and fairly decent on a matchday. At the end of the day you could say that you go to wherever best suits you and whoever you're drinking with. Once you get used to it it's not so bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan17 Posted 14 August, 2011 Author Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Depends what you're after ie. a flat or a house with a garden. Any kids (schools to consider). I live in Upper Shirley near the Common and Sports Centre. Good range of local shops and takeaways. Quick access to the motorways or into town. Reasonable bus service if you don't want to take the car. My nipper went to Hollybrook Infants and Juniors which were fine. Upper Shirley High (ex Bellemoor) has a good reputation after a short dodgy period. We like it here. Never had any problems. Only thing I don't like are the number of good family houses being bought up to be demolished and blocks of apartments taking their place. Yeah sorry should have mentioned - Me, the missus and our 16 month old son, so schools will defo need to be considered soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stupandus Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 I also live in Shirley.The area between St James Rd and the common is great if you can afford it! schools good too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Given the choice i expect most people would, but the cost to rent or buy is ridculous and out of a lot of peoples reach. It wasn't like that when my old man and his 5 brothers and 2 sisters were growing up. Today it's not a real community, it's stockbrokers etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 It's all about Chandlers Ford. But don't plan on robbing any banks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 I also live in Shirley.The area between St James Rd and the common is great if you can afford it! schools good too Are the schools any good around Shirley? Every time I drive through the place it looks full of chavs and srotes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattio Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Are the schools any good around Shirley? Every time I drive through the place it looks full of chavs and srotes. King Edwards? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ecuk268 Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Are the schools any good around Shirley? Every time I drive through the place it looks full of chavs and srotes. Funnily enough, one of the best schools in the country is in Shirley Warren. They may not be top of the league tables but their Ofsted results put them in the top 10%. Ofsted mark a school on a number of criteria and award marks between 1 and 4. Most schools are delighted to get a 2. Shirley Warren got 1's in every category due to outstanding work with their intake, many of which come into the school with little english. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GenevaSaint Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Personally i'd hate to live in or in the close vicinity of Southampton. Much rather find a nice village around Winchester. My family are originally from round the Crawley/Sparsholt/Hursley area and it's a nice area, but expensive now. Southampton is a dump, always has been always will be. It's all relative though isn't it, yes I'd like to live in the middle of the forest but can't afford to! Southampton though in general isn't a dump, it's the same as any city when compared to living out in the sticks in stockbroker belt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glasgow_Saint Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Move to Bournemouth instead! Southampton is a dump, no disrespect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rorski Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Brownlow estate is nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Dave Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 try outside the city - plenty of choice around botley, boorley green, curdridge & durley etc - easy access to soton - all depends whether you want city life or something a little quieter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sperm_john Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 i'm moving to new york cos i've got problems with my sleep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stupandus Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Schools in Shirley are fine! Shirley School.Upper Shirley High,Regents Park.And Tauntons College are all good.Daughter has just graduated with first class honours at Bristol University,Sons about to go to Bath Spa (depending on results).Working class kids raised in Shirley! Say no more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Who? Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 What sort of budget are you looking at? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyboy Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 Yeah Totton is generally nice but highly boring like hedge end. If you are really Mr Fox I expect you'll end up in Chandlers Ford somewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Balls Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 What is Midanbury like? Just seen a nice house on rightmove there. I lived in Midanbury for 19 years and couldn't speak more highly of it. Plenty of convenient shops close by (The Triangle & Castle) good Schools (Beechwood, Bitterne Park, Bitterne Park Secondary etc) good green areas (Riverside park, Deepdeen) and I never really saw any crime. Decent family homes at a good price within a short drive to the city centre. So yes, I'd recommend it. Areas to avoid - Thornhill, Harefield, Shirley Warren, Millbrook, Northam, Weston and parts of Townhill Worth a look - Midanbury, Bitterne Park, Bitterne, Chartwell Green, Bassett, Chillworth, Highfield, Parts of West End, Hedge End, Parts of Eastleigh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 14 August, 2011 Share Posted 14 August, 2011 It all depends on your type of work and where you will be doing it. We're not city types ourselves having moved away from London 40 years ago. My advice would be to look for transport links and how you will commute. After that it all depends on how much you want to spend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 15 August, 2011 Share Posted 15 August, 2011 Move to Bournemouth instead! Southampton is a dump, no disrespect Glasgow is nice yeah. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian H. Cope Posted 15 August, 2011 Share Posted 15 August, 2011 Move to Portsmouth, it's much nicer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Townhillsaintsfan Posted 15 August, 2011 Share Posted 15 August, 2011 Chartwell Green and parts of West End like others have mentioned are quite nice areas. Townhill, whilst not great has a decent infants and junior school with Bitterne Park walking distance. Chartwell Green is also 5 minutes away, decent houses, some shops as well as the two brothers pub which is family friendly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian H. Cope Posted 15 August, 2011 Share Posted 15 August, 2011 Oh, if you need help with any removals PM Junction 9, it's his line of business & I'm sure he'd give a fellow Saints fan a bit of discount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted 15 August, 2011 Share Posted 15 August, 2011 I live in Woolston. Since Vospers shut down, the centre has become a sh*thole full of charity shops and takeaways. Don't move here, it used to be good but it's sh*t now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special K Posted 15 August, 2011 Share Posted 15 August, 2011 Are the schools any good around Shirley? Every time I drive through the place it looks full of chavs and srotes. My only experience of them is north of the High Street, where they are fine. I've got the youngest in Shirley Infants atm, and that is a very good school - well run, excellent teachers and a very happy environment. The boy is in Shirley Juniors which is ok, but seems to lack a bit of cohesion. The head changed a few years ago and i think it's going through a transitional phase. Nonetheless, it's still a fine school. They don't do anything in the way of competitve school sports teams until the final year, which is a disappointment. At the risk of sounding sexist, the teaching unit was very female in profile, but they've got a few male teachers in there now, which helps the older lads and hopefully the formation of a football team! Upper Shirely High (used to be Bellemoor) has a good recent ofsted inspection and although they were knocked back with the BSF funding cuts, it seems to be very well driven by a committed teaching team. Looking forward to going around there in september as we've got to make a decision on where the boy goes next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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