The Best Areas to Live in Southampton and Portsmouth

Whether you like to be in the heart of the action, or prefer to live in a more rural area, there’s something to suit everyone in Southampton, Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. Check out our guide to the best places to live in Southampton and Portsmouth to help you narrow down your search for the perfect property.
 

1 – Netley

Located to the south-east of Southampton, Netley is a historic village which is sought after by house hunters thanks to its old buildings, attractive shingle beach and strong community feel. Home to Netley Abbey, the old centre of the village retains a quaint, charming feel with rows of colourful terraced houses and traditional shops. There’s a railway station in Netley with hourly services to both Portsmouth and Southampton, making it an ideal choice for commuters to either city. The average train journey to Southampton takes 18 minutes, with trains to Portsmouth taking around 45 minutes.
 

2 – West End

West End is roughly 5 miles east of Southampton, and what was once a tiny hamlet in its own right still retains a charming village feel. There are a number of listed buildings in this city suburb, as well as the ornate Victorian buildings which can be found on the high street.
 

3 – Ocean Village

Once the home of Southampton’s first working docks, which opened in 1842, the Ocean Village area of the city has undergone redevelopment in the past couple of decades to become the residential, business and leisure hub it is today. There are plenty of opportunities for work and play here, with a cinema and restaurants on your doorstep, and a variety of houses and flats to choose from, making this a popular choice for both families and young couples looking to buy a house in a thriving area.
 

4 – Bassett

A largely residential area to the north of Southampton city centre, Bassett is a popular area for students to live in, thanks to the University of Southampton’s Glen Eyre halls of residence complex which is home to around 2,100 students. It’s also well-liked by families, due to the area’s proximity to open spaces: Basset is situated between Southampton Common, to the south, and Southampton Sports Centre to the north, which is a 150-acre site with facilities for football, cricket, hockey and netball, as well as dry slopes at Southampton Snow Centre, and two courses (18-hole and 9-hole) at Southampton Golf Course.
 

5 – Swaythling

Swaythling is a quiet residential suburb of Southampton, which is popular with students due to the area’s proximity to the University of Southampton’s main campus at Highfield. The region is good for commuters, as it offers easy access to the M27 motorway, and it’s handy for Southampton Airport, which offers both domestic and international flights.
 

1 – Southsea

Situated at the southern end of Portsea Island, Southsea is a bustling seaside area that’s as popular now as it was when it was first developed in the Victorian age. Southsea beach is a top destination for both locals and tourists, with a flint gravel beach and two piers as well as an amusement park, public tennis courts and volleyball courts. Southsea also has an impressive past, with a castle which was built to the specifications of Henry VIII – but there’s also much that’s modern about this charming area, including its flourishing coffee scene, independent restaurants and unique shops along Albert Road.
 

2 – Copnor

Copnor is a small residential area, located on the eastern part of Portsea Island. It has a long history, with a mention in the Domesday Book, and the area rapidly expanded as the population of Portsmouth grew in the 19th and 20th centuries. A quiet part of the city, Copnor is a favourite with families, and the property options mostly consist of 1930s housing.
 

3 – Cosham

Cosham is in the northern part of Portsmouth, and is an area of the city that isn’t situated on Portsea Island. It has excellent transport links, which makes it desirable for commuters. You’ll be able to take trains into Portsmouth city centre, to Southampton, London, Brighton and more, and it’s also a hub for bus routes in and out of the city. Housing options here are largely 1930s-built detached and semi-detached houses, although there are also some modern developments if you prefer a new-build home.
 

4 – Hilsea

Once a small hamlet in its own right, Hilsea is now part of the city of Portsmouth, and can be found at the northern end of Portsea Island. A largely residential area, it’s also home to the Hillsea Lines, formerly military fortifications but which now serve as one of the city’s largest green spaces. Keen swimmers will enjoy easy access to the Hilsea Lido, a 67-metre long outdoor pool.
 

5 – Eastney

Eastney is a picturesque part of Portsmouth, located on the south-east of Portsea Island. It’s home to the pretty shingle Eastney Beach, and it’s popular with families thanks to the expansive green spaces in the area. There’s a ferry in Eastney, which acts as Portsmouth’s link to Hayling Island, and there are plenty of bus routes to take you around the city and beyond, although there’s no train station in the area.

Looking to buy a house in Southampton or Portsmouth? First Mortgage can help!

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