Southampton Area Guide

UK Area Guides

Southampton, Hampshire

Exceptional4.3

Living in

Southampton, or Soton as it’s known by the locals, is a small coastal city with a lot to offer. Southampton has had city status for about half a century, and has a population of around 240,000 as of the 2011 census. 

 

There are two universities in Southampton, and a student population of over 30,000. This means that there is a very large population of university-age adults living in this area, which tends to have an impact on the city – it is perhaps the students who can be thanked for the good shopping, dining, and nightlife options in Southampton.

 

However, the city has a lot to offer families. Relatively affordable family homes, lots of green space, and good schools all draw families to the area. Good transport links by road, rail, and even by sea and air make this a good place for commuters to live, too. 

 

Southampton was named the sixth best place to live in the UK by the 2015 Good Growth for Cities Index.

Ratings

Exceptional4.3

Community

Southampton offers many There are several community groups and activities available in this area, which can be found on the Soton Placebook online directory. 

 

People who move here for reasons other than to attend university do tend to stay within this area, coming as young professionals wanting one-bed flats and then moving up the property ladder as their families grow. However, there is a large transient student population, and in some areas there is tension between them and the local community.

Safety

The crime rate in Southampton is relatively high - it is the highest in the Hampshire force area at 113.50 crimes per thousand residents over the period of twelve months ending in September 2016. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Southampton was also high, virtually tied with Porstmouth for the highest rates in the constabulary.

Parking

Southampton offers a fair amount of council car parks around the city centre, and there are also parking facilities at the main shopping centres, including WestQuay and The Marlands. There are some congestion issues, especially in the city centre, which seems to be of the sort that is largely unavoidable in urban areas. 

Nightlife

Southampton offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. There are several shopping centres with restaurants, including WestQuay, There’s also the Mayflower theatre and cinemas. Southampton also has a range of pubs, bars, and nightclubs – a large student population virtually ensures a lively nightlife scene.

Family Friendly

Property in Southampton varies, but includes a lot of property that is sought-after by families. There are large Victorian villas, Victorian and Edwardian terraces, postwar homes, and more modern developments. This would be a good place to look for a family home.

 

There is no shortage of green and open spaces in this city, which has over 50 parks and green areas, and is one of the greenest cities in the UK. There are wildlife sites, including a wildlife centre on Southampton Common, places to fish, including Weston Shore, and many acres of parkland for walking, running, and playing.

 

Schools in Southampton are generally very good, with local schools like King Edwards and Oasis Academy getting good results for their pupils. 

 

About 10% of Southampton residents are children aged 0-15.

Pet Friendly

Southampton’s property offerings are varied - there is everything from large period homes with big back gardens to new, purpose-built flats along the waterfront - but the range includes plenty of homes that would be suitable for pets. 

 

The city also has over 50 parks and green areas, and is one of the greenest cities in the UK. There are wildlife sites, places to fish, and many acres of parkland for walking, running, and playing with a pet.

Transport

Southampton is very well-connected, both within the city and between Southampton and other parts of the UK. 

 

Travelling within Southampton is also easy on public transport, with several bus operators serving the area. The suburbs are all connected to the city centre by bus, and regular and frequent services run to neighbouring towns.

 

South West Trains runs direct local rail services, including to Southampton Airport. There are also rail services to other parts of the UK, including Southern services to London Victoria and trains to London Waterloo. 

 

National Express coaches serve the Southampton Coach Station, with routes to London, Bournemouth, and Portsmouth among the most popular. 

 

Road links include the M3, the M27, the A31, and the A36, and there are parking facilities in the city. There are also ferries to the Isle of Wight. Southampton is cyclist-friendly, and cycle maps are available online.