Suggestions of where to move to near Basingstoke .. looking for towns/ bigger villages

[northernsunshine]

Hello! Looking for insight and recommendations into villages and towns near Basingstoke please.

We like it here but aren’t mad keen on the schools. We’re from up north originally but want to stay localish to here for work/ social reasons and are planning to move nearby mainly for access to better schools. Tell me if this is madly naive?

I like the look of some of the smaller villages on the way out to Reading along the A33 but not sure if there is much going on there compared to a town.

A move to Reading hasn’t been ruled out, schools there are much better but bit put off by crime statistics etc. sorry to be that person!

Have a look at Alton, two good secondary schools, several good primary schools, 20-25 mins drive to Basingstoke, great community with all sorts of clubs for both adults and children, sports, theatre you name it. Surrounded by beautiful countryside. Also some good new bars, restaurants and coffee shops and a modern sports centre.

Would your budget run to Odiham? I think it's one of the nicest towns in Hampshire but also very handy for Basingstoke, road and train network etc. I think of it as Meryton from Pride & Prejudice (Jane Austen lived nearby)- lots of beautiful 17th and 18th century buildings if that appeals...

Hartley Wintney is nice too. As is Alresford.

What is your budget?

Bramley? Nice primary school (I think!) and ok train link between Reading and Bstoke

I was going to suggest Alton, it’s around 20 minutes to Basingstoke and actually more affordable as we do have a direct train line to London, we’re on a branch line not the mainline. Schools are all excellent, it’s a case of what suits you and your child. It’s safe and people are welcoming. (There is the odd person that turns up looking for Alton Towers though!)

Thanks everyone, hadn’t considered Alton or Odiham but both are lovely and would tick some boxes. Had looked at Hartley Wintney before which is really nice but very expensive.

Budget is up to £700k.

Love Hartley Wintney, but that A30 is busy!