Relocation advice - South Hampshire?

[SerialRelocator]

We had planned to relocate last year but it didn't happen. We thought to try again next year. However, we've had another offer on our house (not actually on market) and it has given us pause for thought.

In the event we would want to consider it, it would be useful to hear more about an area we were going to consider as an alternative to our original first choice where we'd struggle to get the sort of plot we want.

So can anyone share some insight on places like Ringwood, Fordingbridge, Romsey and others in that general area? Schools are not relevant to us.

We have a generous budget but would like a house set in the middle of its plot, nice tree-lined roads, a waitrose = bonus, ... quite middle class I suppose. Ideally a town (or its outskirts) that punches above it's weight in terms of amenities (shops, culture, arts) vs size.

Also a place where people are generally welcoming. Crucially, it must also be dog friendly.

My main concern is that the broader New Forest area and Hampshire / East Dorset border area voted for Brexit and has (IMO) a very right-wing MP. Whilst brexit is done, I worry it may be an indicator for values that we don't share, e.g. our outlook is quite globalist and socially liberal. We can't fit in with everyone, but we don't want to feel isolated either.

Anyway, apologies for the length of essay. Any insight would be gratefully received.

I'm slightly further east than that but south coast Hampshire.

Have you looked further along that way? Salisbury green and Warsash areas might provide what you are looking for?

Also Hamble is nice but it's quite a way down a peninsular and can be a pain for commuting!

They are all conservative areas but most of Hampshire along the coast tends to be but it's still a very mixed area with regards people and views.

But if you don't want to live in somewhere with a far right conservative leader Salisbury and Warsash might not be for you. They have Suella Braverman!

A lot of the coastal area of Hampshire is populated by older people. There are areas where every property is a bungalow, or a care home.

Thanks. Least said about Suella ... Those places might be a bit too isolated for us.

The reason Ringwood & Romsey appealed is the variety of countryside we would be able to access. The latter doesn't seem too far from Winchester either.

There are several right wing MPs round there .

There are quite a few alternative green party type people round there though.

Ringwood is a nice town and has a Waitrose . There are quite a few houses in the countryside round there.

@SerialRelocator

Thanks. Least said about Suella ... Those places might be a bit too isolated for us.

The reason Ringwood & Romsey appealed is the variety of countryside we would be able to access. The latter doesn't seem too far from Winchester either.

Yeah she's my MP!

still plenty of Socialists here ! you dont have to run with the flow.. 9(we are on the isle of Wight) but from the Hampshire coast..

Thanks @herecomesthsun. Would you say it is a friendly, welcoming place in the main. Is it more diverse in age groups than some of the coastal places referred to before? (We are early 50s)

Is flood risk a big problem in the area? (Sorry, questions are all over the place)

We're really just centrists with moderately liberal views @Laska2Meryls. I am using the politics as a shorthand but it is really about the underlying values.
I am originally from continental Europe, hence why it matters re 'fitting in'.

Romsey MP is Caroline Nokes. She’s local and I think does get votes from that as well as being v responsive, and did show some independent thinking and backbone before the last election (and got suspended as a result, though has been boringly party line since then) but there’s no getting away from the blueness of the place. AIUI Romsey town voted remain but the ruralities were leave and that would tally with my anecdotal experience. Romsey has: access to varied countryside, many incomers, an arts festival, plenty of music (sacred and secular) at the abbey, a thriving amateur theatre. Shops wise who knows what a high street will look like after all this but it has a small department store and the ability to buy everything you need but ringwood probably has a bit more. Railway station (direct line Portsmouth to Bristol/Cardiff)

Romsey sounds promising @SmednotaSmoo.

Where we live now is a very safe Conservative seat. However, there's a difference between that and UKIP types.

Caroline Nokes seems more like your 'normal' Tory MP.

Bexiteers are often globalists.

I love Hampshire and there are lots of lovely places. What about Emsworth on the coast? Ronsey is great, or would you stretch to a village just outside Chichester, but in west sussex?

Just seen your update. I get the politics/values things and whilst I know it is more difficult in many areas than before I don’t think Romsey would be particularly bad (thoigh Winchester would probably feel more liberal, but it’s also pricier).

I know a little of the IoW. It’s a lovely place but getting on and off is an expensive bore particularly when it’s a necessity (eg healthcare is often at Portsmouth or Southampton hospitals, getting to an airport etc). From what I know it’s more (small c) conservative than my experience of Romsey too.

Fair point @MeanMrMustardSeed

I actually quite like Chichester and haven't discounted it. It is just that bit further east again in terms of getting back to family which could be a challenge in the coming years.

I don't think we are village people. I'd like to not be more than a 20min walk from a town.

Hi SerialRelocator.. Im wondering how you got on in the end? Im considering a very sudden move to Romsey (my son who is autistic is possibly going to be in a school 20 mins away. Looking also for a town that has a good community but not too conservative, similar to how youve described.I noted that Romsey is conservative and wondered if we would find it easy to meet likeminded people (me my husband and son) we are quite liberal and maybe slighlty alternative /creative etc hoping we'd find people to connect with on similar wavelength (even if its just a friiendly community thats also fine).. Did you move there eventually ? x