advice on commute from Christchurch to Chandler's Ford

[Jet888]

Hi mumsnetters,

I'm starting a new part-time teaching job in Chandler's Ford. We're keen to live in Christchurch, Dorset to be near family and childcare. Anyone know what this commute is like traffic wise and time wise? I'd need to be in school around 7:45 and leaving around 5:00. (Not keen to live in Chandler's Ford and Winchester too expensive and bit too far from family.) Thanks for any knowledge!

i travel from ringwood to southampton airport on a regular basis. i allow 1 hour...though i do have to get car park ticket etc. in rush hour it can take longer though. i would be most concerned about your journey back as that is likely to be busy. a lot of people do that journey each day though

As the PP said, the journey back will be the worse. At that time of the morning, it will take around an hour, but coming back you will have to allow for bottlenecks in Lyndhurst or Ringwood depending on which way you go. The A31 is always busy, and seems to have more than its fair share of hold ups. The M27 is just starting the dreaded “upgrade to smart motorway” hell, but there are back roads that you can easily use.
I’ve worked in schools round Chandler’s Ford, and lots of the staff live in and around Bournemouth, so it can’t be too awful a drive.
Christchurch would be a lovely place to live, but you could also look at Ringwood (only slightly closer) or Romsey (much closer).
Hope that helps.

Sorry for very delayed response. Had nightmare with our house sale falling through because of our awful freeholder being a nuisance and blocking the sale but at least could move in with my mum near my new job. Definitely going to be looking at the areas you both suggested! Thank you very much for taking the time to reply.