Southampton is one of the south coast's most vibrant cities, offering a mix of maritime heritage, excellent transport links, and a growing economy. Whether you're relocating for work, university, or a change of scene, here's what you need to know.
Why Move to Southampton?
Southampton is the largest city in Hampshire and sits on the south coast of England. It's home to two universities, a major international port, and a thriving cultural scene.
Key facts:
- Population: approximately 260,000
- Average house price: £265,000 (2026)
- Major employers: University Hospital, port logistics, aerospace
- Transport: Direct trains to London Waterloo (approx. 80 minutes), Southampton Airport, M27/M3/M271 motorways
Best Neighbourhoods
For Families
- Bassett — Leafy residential area with excellent schools and green spaces.
- Chandler's Ford — Just outside the city, with a village feel and highly rated primary schools.
- Bitterne Park — More affordable family option with good community facilities.
For Professionals
- Ocean Village — Waterfront living with marina views, restaurants, and easy access to the city centre.
- Bedford Place — Central, walkable, close to nightlife and independent shops.
- Highfield — Near the university, with a mix of period houses and modern developments.
Most Affordable Areas
- Thornhill — Lower house prices, improving infrastructure.
- Sholing — Reasonable prices with good bus links to the centre.
- Woolston — Across the Itchen, regenerating rapidly with new developments.
Transport Links
Southampton's transport connections are a major selling point:
- Rail: South Western Railway to London Waterloo, CrossCountry services to Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
- Airport: Southampton Airport (Eastleigh) offers flights to European destinations.
- Port: One of Europe's busiest cruise terminals — handy if you love cruising.
- Roads: M27 connects to Portsmouth and Bournemouth. M3 runs north to London.
- Buses: Extensive UniLink and Bluestar network covering the city and surrounding areas.
Schools and Education
Southampton has several outstanding schools:
- Primary: Bitterne Park Primary, St. Mark's CE Primary (Ofsted Outstanding)
- Secondary: Bitterne Park School, Cantell School, Toynbee School
- Independent: King Edward VI School, Stroud School
- Universities: University of Southampton (Russell Group), Solent University
Cost of Living
Compared to nearby cities like Winchester or Bournemouth, Southampton offers good value:
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 2-bed flat rent | £900 – £1,200/month |
| 3-bed house rent | £1,200 – £1,600/month |
| Council tax (Band D) | £1,800/year |
| Monthly bus pass | £60 |
| Pint of beer | £5.00 |
Things to Do
- SeaCity Museum — Explores Southampton's maritime history and the Titanic connection.
- Southampton Common — 326 acres of parkland in the city centre.
- WestQuay Shopping Centre — Major retail destination.
- St Mary's Stadium — Home of Southampton FC.
- Art House Cinema and Nuffield Theatre — Independent arts scene.
Moving to Southampton with Tanoli
As a Southampton-based removal company, we know this city inside out. We can help you with:
- Local house removals within Southampton
- Long-distance moves into the city from anywhere in the UK
- Packing services to protect your belongings
- Short-term storage if you need time between moves
Get a free quote for your move to Southampton. We'll handle the heavy lifting while you settle into your new city.