Living in Basingstoke

BASINGSTOKE

Why:

Families living in Basingstoke enjoy the best of both worlds — a historic market town with a cosmopolitan buzz and excellent modern facilities. The combination of vibrant town life, access to open countryside and strong transport connections makes it a consistently popular choice.

Where:

Located 50 miles southwest of London, Basingstoke offers superb road and rail links. The town lies close to the M3 and provides a commuting time of just 45 minutes into London Waterloo, making it ideal for professionals working in the capital or along the nearby M4 ‘Silicon Corridor’.

Housing:

Basingstoke provides a wide variety of housing options, from period cottages and Victorian terraces around the old town to modern family homes and new developments in surrounding villages such as Old Basing and Chineham. The area appeals to both first-time buyers and families looking for more space.

Schooling:

The town offers excellent schooling choices, including a number of well-regarded primary and secondary schools as well as nearby independent options. The good transport network also gives access to wider educational opportunities across Hampshire and Berkshire.

Social:

Basingstoke is a perfect blend of old and new. The historic cobbled market square, mentioned in the Domesday Book, hosts a twice-weekly market and is surrounded by cafés and independent shops. Just moments away lies the modern Festival Place shopping centre, home to over 200 shops, 30 restaurants, a multi-screen cinema, sports centre and the Discovery Centre. The town also boasts The Anvil, a renowned concert and performing arts venue that attracts major West End and international performances.

CR’s view:

With its strong employment base, modern facilities, excellent schools and easy access to London, Basingstoke is a great choice for families and professionals alike looking for the perfect balance between town convenience and countryside living.