Nestled in the charming county of Hampshire, South East England, Winchester is a cathedral city that boasts a rich and ancient history, a variety of properties, and an academic tradition that you can immerse yourself in. 

Living in Winchester offers low crime rates, good schools, and easy access to London, Southampton, Portsmouth, and more, by train. However, there are downsides that you may want to consider, including potentially high house prices. 

So, the question is: is Winchester a good place to live?

Let’s find out!

Living in Winchester

Winchester living can be an unrivalled experience, and there are many reasons why this city is one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Let’s take a look at the different aspects of living in Winchester and what you can expect. 

An Academic City

Winchester is an academic city at heart, with access to prestigious and excellent educational institutions, including the University of Winchester. From primary school to postgraduate studies, Winchester offers exceptional schooling for both private and public education.

Transport Links

The city is well-linked to other areas in the UK, including London, Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, and more. Winchester Station connects Winchester to London and beyond, while the M3 motorway and A34 dual carriageway links Winchester to London, Southampton, and other cities like Oxford, Reading, and Bournemouth. 

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Winchester is unfortunately high, though there are many ways that the average Winchester resident can navigate their way around this. From planning your budget to shopping in cheaper supermarkets like Aldi, living in Winchester doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. 

Property Prices

Although Winchester offers a varied selection of properties, from cottages to modern houses, the area is considered one of the least affordable cities for buying a home. Property prices have skyrocketed in recent years, and it was named the fourth most expensive city in the UK for first-time home buyers. 

Things to Do in Winchester

This historic Hampshire city offers a variety of things to do for both residents and visitors. Living in Winchester means that you can take advantage of the many activities available, which we’ll explore below…

Eat to Your Heart’s Content

With the city’s flourishing landscape, the area provides a wealth of high-quality produce, from vegetables to fish. Winchester’s restaurant scene is vibrant and diverse, from independent cafés to Michelin-starred dining. Towards the countryside, you can find family-founded gastropubs, while the high street is lined with pâtisseries, celebrity chef venues, and restaurants serving international cuisine. 

Admire the Scenery

Bring your family and furry companion along for a stroll in the many beautiful parks and green spaces that Winchester has to offer, including the South Downs National Park. Relish in the idyllic scenery, with its rolling hills and stretched valleys, the perfect place for a hike. Other areas of interest for picnics and walks include St Catherine’s Hill—lush grassland that is home to over 25 different species of butterflies, and Chariton Walk—a trail that takes you through Winchester’s countryside, taking you along the route marched by soldiers during The Battle of Cheriton. 

Go on a Shopping Spree

Winchester is certainly one of the best places for a shopping spree, with a mix of high street boutiques and quintessential local markets. The Winchester Farmers’ Market, one of the largest in the UK, is open every second and last Sunday of each month, featuring over 80 producers. Meanwhile, The Brooks Shopping Centre and Parchment Street for well-known brands and designer stores. 

Step Back in Time

Winchester is a historic hub, famously known as the first capital city of Anglo-Saxon England, established during the reign of King Alfred ‘the Great’ in 871. In 1067, William the Conqueror built Winchester Castle, where only the Great Hall, the home of the famed ‘Winchester Round Table’ of the Arthurian legend, still stands to this day. Winchester’s Great Hall holds battle scars, mediaeval lore, and ancient heritage that you can unravel as you step inside. 

Storage Solutions in Winchester

So, is Winchester a good place to live?

With a thriving economy and an abundance of things to do, it is not surprising that Winchester is a desirable location for new and current homeowners. However, with its unavoidably high cost of living, it also does not come as a shock if existing Winchester homeowners are looking for a new place to live. 

Whether you are looking to move to Winchester, or simply need a convenient solution for storing your belongings in the city, Now Storage has got you covered. Explore our self-storage options in Winchester, including both short- and long-term storage solutions, with no deposit required and no fixed terms. 

Located on Stockbridge Road, our storage unit in Winchester is accessible 7 days a week and can be used to store a wide range of items, from furniture to clothes. Call us on 01962 690 050 or email us at winchester@nowstorage.co.uk for more information.