Where can I buy in the south with £280k

[Peachyroll]

Unfortunately my family all live in Surrey/Sussex which is way too expensive for me to buy a home. But I would like to buy/live within an hour away, if possible. Any direction, not fussed.

Any area suggestions hugely appreciated. Looking for two bed with a balcony or outdoor space. Good cycling routes locally... and public transport links would be good as I occasionally go into London for work. Is this possible or a pipe dream?

Just a bit more background.. I'm 35, single, no kids and not planning on having kids. I'm looking for a place to live very long term, no plans or need to keep climbing the ladder. So preferably looking to buy somewhere in an area where I could get involved in the community.

You can put a very large search radius into RightMove as a starting point, and sort by price.

Our 2 bed victorian terrace with courtyard garden is currently valued at around 200k, near centre of Southampton. Easy rail and road links to London.

With that budget you could get yourself a lovely flat in Worthing, West Sussex with an outdoor space. 1hr 20 from London by train; 20 mins to Brighton by train; between the sea and downs and with lots of community groups.

New forest area. I just typed in your requirements on right move and 403 properties came up.

Colchester

Crowthorne? It's great for cycling because you can ride straight into Swinley Forest.

Nice community atmosphere and easy links to great amenities. I really enjoyed living there.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/124038980#/map?channel=RES_BUY

Aldershot, Basingstoke. You’ll get a two bed house for that in those towns if you’re not too picky.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/123786227#/?channel=RES_BUY
Horsham is a great little town, lots of community events/groups.
This is in a great location for town, park and train station.

There's a couple of 1-2 bed flats in Horsham. Or did you want a house?

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/123568247?utm_campaign=property-details&utm_content=buying&utm_medium=sharing&utm_source=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_BUY
Right near train station to get into london and lots of cycling routes.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/122985413?utm_campaign=property-details&utm_content=buying&utm_medium=sharing&utm_source=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_BUY

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/125020169?utm_campaign=property-details&utm_content=buying&utm_medium=sharing&utm_source=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_BUY

This comes up with millions of results, and mostly mobile homes and car parking spaces.

If you go to advanced settings you can filter a lot out and save a drawn area in any shape and it will save area for next time