What's it like to live in Winchester?

[OzzieinLondon]

You may have seen my previous posts about moving to the country. Winchester has been recommended.
What do you think? do you have any experience or knowledge of this area?

have friends there - loads of schools and colleges (plus boarders) around there so very schooly atmosphere. state schools ts are all average-good. property v expensive in centre with small gardens (if any) but there are adjacent areas offering more - nothing is particularly cheap though. pretty bog standard shopping center - high st is a bit better. in many ways, quite a pretty, historic, middle-class enclave

Everyone raves about Winchester but imo its nowt special. Very middle class, very white population. The infrastructure is attractive, there are some great places of historical interest, its a bit more atmospheric than many small towns because of its history, surrounding countryside very nice. Long and expensive commute to London. Property prices high.

best thing is go and have a look - very do-able day out from London. prepare to be underwhelmed though

I think we will do the day trips and find out - anyone on mumsnet live close by and have any thoughts/ideas areas to move to around Winchester