Is Basingstoke a nice area to live?

[samantha06]

So, my partner has been offerd a transfer in his work but it's to Basingstoke (RG22).
We are obviously considering all the options and I've been veiwing some properties without our budget - moving from surrey - near Epsom - we will get ALOT more for our money there, but just wondered if anyone could tell me what it's like? Maybe you live there or have family or anything? Is it a good move or a nice place to live Ect.
Also our daughter will be two next month so if anyone knows how nurserys/schools in the area are that would be really helpful.
Thankyou 😊😊

[DoubleCarrick]

I love Basingstoke. It's big enough to have loads of stuff but not manic.

We are about five minutes (or less) from the countryside and Basingstoke has loads of green spaces.

I can tell you more about the schools - will you be moving to rg22 or more rg21?

[willfuckformichilenstarfood]

It's nice, there's areas to avoid as with every town.

I think it's great though. Especially when there's no roadworks

[MariaSklodowska]

I was in Basingstoke town centre in the early evening not long ago and found it horrifying. It was deserted and even the McDonalds was boarded up.

[samantha06]

Double carrick - not sure it's somthing we would have to look into but his work would come under RG22?
Am fairly flexible as he drives but ideally wouldn't like any thing further than 40-60 mins away from the house. 😊

[DoubleCarrick]

I'm local to rg22. Rg21 is probably about 20 mins across town in the traffic. Happy to pm.you if you like - don't want to talk too much about my exact area. Also, knowing your budget would help to know the area you'd be looking for

[PolaroidsFromTheBeyond]

It's fine. There are some nice areas and some not so nice areas though. The town centre isn't as good as Reading but it's ok.

There are some nice villages nearby if that would be more your bag. What about Chineham? Some friends recently moved there and they like it. Decent schools and a nice community feel.

[samantha06]

Double carrick - Thankyou,
I'd i need any advise once we have looked through his new contract Irl message you :)
Thanks everyone!!

[Piemernator]

I used to have to travel to Badingstoke with work occasionally. It is known in this house as the anus of England. Sorry maybe it's changed but I thought it was a miserable place.

[MariaSklodowska]

And the countryside around there is either owned by the duke of Wellington or the Barings. Vile.

[TrespassesW]

You could look in Winchester or villages just outside in the right direction (Micheldever, Kings Worthy etc). House prices are higher than Basingstoke but probably still cheaper than Epsom! Very easy commute by car or train.

[TrespassesW]

I grew up in Basingstoke, btw, and was somewhat reluctant to move back there when we had to relocate locally! That said, it has improved since I was young. Definitely worth getting some (up to date) advice on schools, especially secondary catchment areas.

[YogaDrone]

There's a reason the employees of the Ordinance Survey call it "The toilet of Hampshire".

Commonly referred to as either Basingrad or Basragrad by my colleagues who live there

[Newbie7077]

I am not sure if op is still watching this thread but if so I just wanted to say that we moved to basingstoke as a midpoint between soton and London and were told by everyone how horrible basingstoke was and when we got here (~2 years ago) we were positively surprised. There's absolutely nothing wrong with basingstoke unless you are looking for a quaint village (there are numerous very nearby!!) Or a large city (London is 45 mins on the train). Old basing is absolutely love, so is Tadley and if you go a bit further Hartley wintney. Basingstoke town centre is growing with one area near festival place blossoming with nice restaurants. We've lived all over the UK and this is not a bad place to live :)

[StarfishandToffee]

I used to think "Basinghole" was a bit shit, but actually its ok. There are some nice green spaces, a new Waitrose/John Lewis at home, sport facilities, nice villages around, good transport links (M3 and train).

It's bad reputation stems from being an London overspill new town, with some of yucky 70's architecture.

[StarfishandToffee]

some yucky 70's architecture - don't know why the 'of' crept in.

[HopeClearwater]

The secondary schools aren't up to much though.