Living in Eastleigh

Community and local life in Eastleigh is distinguished by its strong sense of participation and togetherness. The area is home to several community groups and voluntary organisations that run regular activities and events throughout the year. Notable events include the Eastleigh Mela celebrating multiculturalism, the Eastleigh Unwrapped arts festival, and summertime family fun days in local parks.

Green spaces such as Fleming Park offer football pitches, tennis courts, and extensive walking routes. The Itchen Navigation runs along the eastern edge of town, providing scenic waterside paths popular for walking and cycling. Weekly markets and a thriving library further foster a communal atmosphere, and local community centres offer activities for all ages, from yoga and dance to art classes and youth clubs.

Crime rates in Eastleigh are generally considered moderate, reflecting its status as an urban centre with a busy town centre. Most residents feel secure, and Eastleigh benefits from an active local police presence and well-supported neighbourhood watch schemes. The local authority collaborates with Hampshire Constabulary to run initiatives to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve public safety—especially around key hotspots such as the town centre and public parks.

Neighbouring residential areas such as Bishopstoke and Chandler’s Ford are perceived as quieter and have lower crime rates, which appeals to families and retirees. Ongoing regeneration and community initiatives continue to focus on improving street lighting, CCTV coverage, and youth engagement programs. Recent years have seen positive trends in crime reduction, particularly in property crime and public order offences.

Parking in Eastleigh presents a mixed picture. The town centre has several multi-storey and surface car parks, making access to shopping and amenities straightforward. Residential areas often have permit schemes, particularly close to the station and central retail outlets. Permit requirements and time-limited spaces help residents find parking while discouraging commuter congestion.

On-street parking is available in most residential neighborhoods, though availability can be variable during peak times. The road network provides convenient access to the M3 for journeys north to **Winchester** (approx. 20 minutes) and the M27 for travel west to **Southampton** (approx. 10 minutes) and east to **Portsmouth** (approx. 40 minutes). The A335 links Eastleigh directly into the national road infrastructure, and traffic congestion is generally manageable, with heavier flows at rush hour typical of commuter towns.

Eastleigh offers a varied food and drink scene, with a selection of pubs, cafés, restaurants, and takeaways catering to a wide range of tastes. Indie bistros and established high street chains line the town centre, while several traditional pubs such as The Wagon Works and The Steam Town Brew Co attract both locals and visitors with their welcoming atmosphere and in-house brews.

For more varied cuisine, Eastleigh has Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Mediterranean restaurants, as well as vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. The town’s nightlife is generally relaxed rather than lively, with a number of bars and occasional live music venues. The Point theatre and Arts Centre adds a cultural dimension, hosting regular performances, comedy, and dance events. For a more energetic nightclub scene, residents tend to travel to nearby Southampton.

School quality: Eastleigh is popular with families due to its number of well-regarded primary and secondary schools, as well as access to esteemed sixth form colleges.

Parks and green space: Parks such as Fleming Park and Lakeside Country Park are ideal for outdoor play, picnics, and nature walks, ensuring families have access to safe and welcoming green areas.

Childcare: The area offers a range of pre-schools, nurseries, and afterschool clubs, many of which have positive Ofsted reports.

Safety: Areas like Chandler’s Ford and Bishopstoke are particularly noted for their quieter, more residential character, contributing to a generally safe environment for children.

Family activities: Eastleigh Leisure Centre, libraries, and community sports clubs provide varied activities for children and families all year round, alongside seasonal events like fairs and festivals.

Pet-friendly living in Eastleigh is well supported by the numerous parks, footpaths, and easy access to countryside. Fleming Park and Lakeside Country Park are popular with dog owners thanks to their extensive trails and dog exercise zones. The Itchen Navigation and nearby woodland walks expand leisure options for pet owners beyond the town centre.

There are several local veterinary practices and pet shops, and many local pubs and cafes allow dogs in outdoor seating areas. Housing in the area often accommodates pets, particularly in low-rise and suburban developments, and there is a supportive local community of pet owners organising group walks and events.

Eastleigh’s transport links are a major attraction for residents and businesses alike. The town sits adjacent to the M3 and M27 motorways, providing excellent road connectivity through the south of England. The primary railway station, Eastleigh, is a key interchange on the South Western mainline with regular services to London Waterloo, Southampton, Winchester, Bournemouth, and beyond.

There is a direct link to Southampton Airport Parkway station, making air travel accessible within minutes. Eastleigh’s well-served bus network provides frequent local and regional services, making travel to surrounding areas both convenient and affordable. Cycle paths and pedestrian routes are being continually developed, reflecting the area’s commitment to sustainable transport.

Typical commute times:

• Southampton – approx. 10 minutes by train, 15 minutes by car via M27
• Winchester – approx. 10 minutes by train or 20 minutes by car via M3
• London Waterloo – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes by direct train
• Portsmouth – approx. 40 minutes via M27
• Southampton Airport – approx. 5 minutes, one stop by train or 10 minutes by car

Schools in Eastleigh are well-regarded, providing a range of options across the primary, secondary, and further education spectrum. The area is favoured by many families due to its range of educational settings and supportive learning environment.

Primary Schools:

Shakespeare Junior School is a prominent choice, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its most recent inspection. Norwood Primary School, also rated 'Good', serves a large segment of the local community and is recognised for its inclusive approach. Barton Peveril Infant School and Nightingale Primary School complete the selection of strong local primaries, each known for their supportive ethos and positive reports from Ofsted.

Secondary Schools:

Crestwood Community School is the main secondary within Eastleigh and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022. Thornden School, situated in the neighbouring village of Chandler’s Ford, is frequently attended by Eastleigh students and is recognised for its longstanding strong academic record. The Toynbee School and Wyvern College in nearby Fair Oak offer further opportunities for secondary education in the catchment area.

Colleges and Independent Schools:

Barton Peveril Sixth Form College is highly regarded, drawing students from across Hampshire and offering a broad curriculum of A-levels and vocational qualifications. Crestwood Community School and Wyvern College both offer Sixth Form provisions. Independent education is accessible in the wider Hampshire area, notably with King Edward VI School and Winchester College in reach.

Universities:

Eastleigh does not host a university but is conveniently placed for **University of Southampton** and **Solent University Southampton**, both of which are accessible by frequent train or bus services in under 20 minutes. The University of Winchester is also within commuting distance.