Living in Basingstoke: What You Need to Know Before You Move

Moving to a new town or area is rarely just about a house itself. Sure, you need to know about the housing market, average property costs, and the local areas. But you also need to know exactly what day-to-day life will be like once all those boxes are unpacked.

Enter Basingstoke…

Basingstoke is a southern English town that is well-known for its open green spaces, family-friendly community, and as the home of the fashion brand Burberry. With easy transport to London and beyond, Basingstoke has fast become one of the most popular English towns for commuters, families, and anyone looking for a quieter town lifestyle.

But what is Basingstoke like to live in day to day?

In this article, we jump into everything you need to know about living in Basingstoke. From average house prices to transport links, amenities, schools, and lifestyle, by the end you’ll know whether Basingstoke feels like the right fit for you. Let’s begin.

Is Basingstoke a Nice Place to Live?

For many, the short answer is yes. Basingstoke is an ideal town for homeowners who are searching for open spaces, good transport links, and everyday convenience, but without the intensity or cost that comes with larger cities. As a town that is located so close to London, Basingstoke is often seen as a comfortable retreat from the hustle and bustle of capital city life.

Here are some of the main reasons Basingstoke is considered to be a good place to live in England:

• Excellent transport with direct rail links to London and the South Coast
• A wide selection of housing, varying from modern town flats to older detached family homes
• Plenty of open green spaces and parks
• Easy access to a wide-range of different shops and leisure facilities
• Home to a variety of prestigious schools

While Basingstoke is not known for a loud or lively social scene, there are still plenty of pubs, cocktail bars, and outdoor venues where residents can catch up with friends or enjoy a night out. However, the town truly excels at providing a lifestyle that matches a calmer pace, often best suited to families, commuters, and people looking for a home to relax and escape to.

As such, when asking “Is Basingstoke a good place to live?”, it will naturally come down to your individual priorities and what your ideal lifestyle would be. If you value practicality, space, and strong community connections, Basingstoke might just be the town for you.

Which Areas of Basingstoke Are the Nicest to Live In?

Deciding on where to live in Basingstoke will ultimately come down to your personal preference. The town offers a range of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and advantages.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking for more affordable property, a family wanting to plant roots, or a commuter edging towards the outskirts of town, understanding the key differences between each area will help you choose the neighbourhood that best suits your needs.

Of course, knowing about an area can only take you so far, and so it’s always important to visit any area you’re interested in, before committing to a single neighbourhood.

Below we have listed some of the best places to live in Basingstoke, including:

Hatch Warren & Kempshott

Quiet, family-friendly, and home to plenty of parks, playgrounds, and well-regarded schools, Hatch Warren is a popular choice for families or those planning ahead. These leafy suburbs offer a strong sense of community, with friendly neighbours and local amenities within easy reach.

The area is conveniently close to both main roads and public transport links, making commuting easy for those working in Basingstoke or around London. It offers a mix of modern apartments, terraced estates, and established homes, appealing most of all to first-time buyers and families alike.

Chineham

Chineham is a more modern neighbourhood and known for being home to newer houses and new-builds. Its layout and services make everyday life straightforward, with supermarkets, cafés, and parks all within easy reach.

Combining practicality with a quiet, suburban feel, while still offering good transport links for commuters heading into Basingstoke or London, Chineham is most popular with first-time buyers and young professionals.

Brighton Hill

Brighton Hill is a well-established suburb that is popular with both families and commuters and famous for its community feel. The area offers a wide-range of housing options, from modern estates to traditional family homes, alongside parks, playgrounds, and community facilities.

You will find that local shops, cafés, and public transport links are all close by and make everyday life convenient, while the friendly neighbourhood atmosphere and green spaces create a welcoming environment for all residents.

Basingstoke Town Centre

The perfect place for convenience, Basingstoke town centre is the place to live for anyone who wants everything on their doorstep. Residents can enjoy quick access to a variety of high-street shops, restaurants, cafés, and leisure facilities, as well as excellent transport links including the railway station.

While housing prices do tend to be more expensive than in the suburbs, the convenience, vibrant atmosphere, and proximity to amenities make it appealing for professionals and those who value city-style living without leaving Basingstoke.

How Affordable is Basingstoke Compared to Other Towns?

Wherever you plan on living, affordability should always be a key consideration. While the cost of living in Basingstoke is slightly above the UK average, it remains significantly lower than many larger cities such as London or Reading, particularly for housing.

Below is an overview of typical monthly accommodation and utility costs, based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) local housing data:

How Good Are the Transport Links and Commuting Options in Basingstoke?

A standout feature of Basingstoke is its excellent transport links and proximity to London, making it a very appealing choice for working commuters or anyone prioritising easy access to travel to the surrounding towns and cities.

With a comprehensive combination of road and rail connections, getting around is convenient whether you’re heading into London for work or exploring the South Coast for leisure.

For commuters, Basingstoke is particularly well-connected:

• Train: Basingstoke station sits on the South Western Main Line and has regular direct services to London Waterloo taking just under an hour. Other connections link the town to Southampton, Reading, and Winchester.
• Road: The town accesses the M3 motorway, providing straightforward routes for drivers to reach London, the South Coast, and neighbouring counties. In addition, the local roads are generally well-maintained, helping daily commutes run smoothly.
• Bus and Local Transport: A network of buses connects key neighbourhoods, shopping areas, and schools, offering an alternative to driving for shorter journeys.

In short: commuting in Basingstoke is both practical and flexible. Whether you rely on public transport or drive, the town’s strategic location makes it an attractive base for professionals, families, and anyone needing reliable connectivity.

What Are Schools and Family Facilities Like in Basingstoke?

Basingstoke is a family-friendly town with plenty of schools and educational facilities to help learning. From primary to secondary schools, the area is home to well-regarded institutions that consistently perform above the national average, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking quality education.

In addition to its schools, Basingstoke provides plenty of opportunities for children and families to stay active and engaged, from parks and leisure centres to community clubs and libraries. Children can explore, develop new skills, and enjoy a vibrant environment outside the classroom, making the town an appealing place for families to live and grow.

What Amenities Are There in Basingstoke?

Basingstoke can cater to just about every amenity need, making day-to-day living convenient, enjoyable, and engaging for residents. From shopping centres and local markets to parks and fitness venues, there’s plenty to keep you active and well-stocked.

• Shopping and Dining

Festival Place is the town’s main shopping centre, with high-street favourites and boutique shops, while The Malls provides cafés, restaurants, and smaller local retailers. For food lovers, the best restaurants in Basingstoke include The Tamarind (Indian cuisine), Cote Brasserie, and The Anvil Café.

• Parks and Outdoor Spaces

Town Park, Eastrop Park, and War Memorial Park all offer some fantastic walking trails, playgrounds, and open spaces for sports or relaxing weekends. There are also more secluded green spots such as Kempshott Park and Lychpit Lake.

• Arts and Culture

The Haymarket Theatre hosts live performances ranging from drama to comedy, while the Willis Museum showcases local history. For those who enjoy live music in Basingstoke, The Anvil and The Haymarket regularly host concerts and performances.

• Activities and Leisure

Aquadrome Leisure Centre, Basingstoke Sports Centre, and local gyms such as Bannatyne Health Club all make keeping a highly active lifestyle easy. On the other hand, clubs like Basingstoke Rugby Club and Basingstoke Town Football Club cater to those who want to focus their efforts on sports.

What Is the Nightlife and Cultural Scene Like in Basingstoke?

While Basingstoke may not feature a nightlife that would rival London or other major cities, it does still offer plenty of options for evenings out and cultural experiences.

The town has a mix of cosy pubs, stylish bars, and a handful of clubs for those who want to celebrate through the night. So, whether you’re after a relaxed drink after work or a lively night dancing, there’s a venue that will be perfect to match your mood.

For those who are searching for live music in Basingstoke, The Anvil regularly hosts concerts across genres, while The Haymarket Theatre presents everything from drama and comedy to community performances.

Local pubs like The Bear and The Blackbird provide welcoming spots to socialise, and the occasional club night at venues such as Romeo’s ensures there’s still a place for dancing and late-night entertainment.

Looking beyond the nightlife scene, Basingstoke hosts a variety of cultural events, art exhibitions, and seasonal festivals, giving residents the chance to enjoy evenings in a more relaxed and creative atmosphere.

How a Mortgage Broker Can Help Your Move to Basingstoke

If Basingstoke has caught your eye, your next step is likely finding a mortgage that fits your budget and financial needs.

At Boon Brokers, we offer a completely fee-free, whole-of-market service, giving you access to a wide range of lenders and mortgage products. Our dedicated experts take the time to understand your finances, priorities, and future plans, helping you secure a mortgage that truly works for you.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, searching for a family home, or exploring a property investment in Basingstoke, we guide you through every step. From comparing lenders to managing paperwork and liaising with providers, we handle the complex parts so you can focus on finding your ideal home.

Ready to start your mortgage journey?

Contact Boon Brokers today for a fee-free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step towards your new home in Basingstoke.