where would you rent/buy in Portsmouth

Gonzo33

I would go with Fareham actually. If you are coming from fareham up to Southampton on the M27 it isn't too bad traffic wise, it is normally when you go the other way that you have the problems. Plus you can get semi rural with Fareham, although it won't be cheap.

MegS

I live in North End and whilst my road is nice enough given the choice I wouldn't live in Portsmouth (or Southsea) as its all a hole (I am not a local and can't wait to move away). Hamble, Netley Abbey or Bishops Waltham seem nice enough. I have a friend who lives in Hambledon and that seems lovely. You have to bear in mind though that commuting anywhere down here is a nightmare and as for the person who cycles round Portsmouth - YOU MUST BE MAD!!!!!

kitschkitty

Ah, the grass is always greener....

kitschkitty

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

I like North End! I think it is very lively and vibrant. Each to their own, however.

Ah yes "lively and vibrant" just like a pub near closing time!

kitschkitty

Funnily enough the people who have moved to Portsmouth and told me how much they like it here were all originally from London. They all said Portsmouth was a friendly place! Make of that what you will.

To be fair, like any busy city it has it's good and bad points. There's a lot of history and culture, amenities and facilities, but theres also a lot of crime, areas of deprivation, and as it's an island the traffic/roads/transport (and parking) issues can be terrible.

Jamiemac

tooldle wrote: »

I'm originally from Porstmouth (Hilsea). My folks live further out now (Bosham), very rural. Southampton is an easyish commute from there. Getting into Portsmouth is possible by car, train or bus. My folks go everywhere on public transport, its really not that bad, buses seem plentiful

I used to love in Southsea, now live in Bosham. We are actually selling our house and one of the buyers is a Doctor based in Portsmouth. Be warned that the prices round these parts can be a bit on the steep side. Depends on your budget. Hayling Island is also an option, a few semi rural properties on the market there just now. Nice beach and lots of sailing etc.
There is not a lot on the market at the moment though, which is the problem we are finding. Just lots of uninspiring property at inflated prices.

NeverAgain_2

I lived in Cosham for a while - some countryside and a few villages just to the north - so worth a look in that general area.

Richard_Webster

You can see way they had to separate the football fans for the recent match!

MoaningMyrtle

I'd go for the Emsworth, Hayling, Fishbourne areas. Or Waterlooville/Clanfield/Petersfield.

Whirlee

I'm from Portsmouth: grew up in Copnor, went to school in Fratton, moved to Cosham, went to college in Havant, parents moved to Whiteley and then Lee on Solent and have family all over Denmead, Bishops Waltham, Swanage etc. So I know the areas and the commutes quite well.

I agree with people that there are some lovely areas out towards Chichester, but realistically for the journeys that the OP is going to have to do this is not realistic.

In my opinion given that the OP will be commuting to Swindon, Southampton and Portsmouth I think he is best considering areas just off the M27 between Portsmouth and Southampton. I agree Cosham is OK, but I think saying it has rural areas is pushing the meaning of rural a bit too far.

Wickham and Botley are more what I would call rural and very nice, but no where near the sea. It might be that the OP and his wife have to decide which is more important.

I think you would have to test drive the commute from the specific house to the M27 as well. Where I live in London its all very well saying your nearest tube station is 30 minutes to work, but how far do you have to walk to get there? So for example my parents live in Lee on Solent at the moment, which is very nice and by the sea, but on week days it can 30 minutes to get to the M27.

I don't hate Portsmouth or Southampton as some people on here seem to, but I would not suggest living actually in either city given your commuting needs and preference for a rural area.

I really think you need to go and visit these places and then I think you will quickly appreciate people's comments about Portsmouth being very urban.

But an exciting move and lots of lovely areas to live in. Good luck x