Suggestions for areas to move to - South of England

[Collie86]

Hi everyone,

I'm returning to the UK after being out of the country for some time, and I'd like to ask about good places to move to in the South.

I'm looking for a countryside area with good transport links and local supermarkets handy - up to 35 minutes commute time to London is fine. Even a bit more is ok.

I've looked into Guildford, Surrey, Ascot, but I don't know where else to look and frankly, I don't even know much about the areas noted. I've been away for a few years and everything has changed.

Would really appreciate suggestions about areas.

Some info that might help:

• I'm looking for a safe, family-oriented area as I'll moving alone - single female
• Village/countryside or close to nature to go out and about for walks
• Close to a good train line as I'll be relying on public transport - no car sadly
• Walking distance/Close to shops for groceries etc.
• Non-smoker and I don't have pets

Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance

Guildford a big town in Surrey with great transport links into London and countryside and the coast. Expensive though and you would want to be near one of the train stations.

It’s attractive with a nice but steep High Street and offshoot cobbled streets with lots of restaurants, independent shops and all the major normal offerings as well. Very popular with the ex London crowd.

Haslemere even pricier and much smaller. There is a lot of wealth around this area. It has the highest number of first class season tickets for train travel in the country.

Southsea on the coast and travel into London much longer and far more expensive. Not sure I would want to do that commute though some do. You really would need to check out the train costs as it will be high.
Parts of Southsea are lovely with nice housing stock and you will get more property for your money. But it’s a very popular and busy seaside area with a big expansive pebble beach so it’s popular with day trippers and holiday makers. Move further along and it gets a bit grim near the pier and amusements etc. Portsmouth itself a mixed bag. The old Town is nice other bits not so much.

There is a World of difference between say Guildford, Haslemere and then seaside Southsea.