The Ultimate Guide to Living in Portsmouth in 2024

Are you considering living in Portsmouth?

If you are thinking of making the move to this wonderful seaside city this is the page for you.

Portsmouth is the second-largest city in Hampshire, second only to Southampton.

Life in Portsmouth offers locals a host of great benefits, all of which we will discuss throughout this article!

Moving to a new area is never a straightforward task.

By providing you with as much helpful information about Portsmouth as possible, we hope to make this task far easier.

There are pletny of things to keep in mind when moving, combined with the stress of the actual move means the whole process can feel very overwhelming.

In this post, we will help you to gain a better grasp of what life in Portsmouth is like.

Having a good idea of what life on the coast is like will certainly influence your final decision.

Check out our ultimate guide to living in Portsmouth!

Property Market in Portsmouth

Considering a move to Portsmouth?

The city’s property landscape is as varied as it is inviting.

With an average property price of £271,963 as of March 2024 — a slight dip from last year’s £282,682 — although it’s an attractive market.

Detached houses average £490,894, showing a decrease from the previous year’s £526,635, while semi-detached sit at £337,008.

Flats go for around £187,547, and terraced homes, prevalent in the area, average at £269,614.

Despite the general uptick in prices over the years, Portsmouth remains an affordable option relative to larger cities, coupling rising popularity with value.

Renting in Portsmouth

Portsmouth presents a robust rental market, particularly appealing for those considering buy-to-let due to its significant student demographic from the local university.

With 596 properties up for rent, choices are plentiful.

Rent for a one-bedroom city centre apartment averages £884 monthly, while a 4-bedroom house typically rents for about £1,940. Portsmouth’s rental options cater to a range of preferences, ensuring a good selection for potential residents.

Rent prices have been rising in recent years, so be sure to check out what properties are available when

Rail Connections in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is very well connected by rail, boasting several stations including Portsmouth Harbour and Portsmouth & Southsea, linking vital city areas like the dockyard, the old town, and Gunwharf Quays.

Fratton station serves the university sector, while Hilsea caters to Portsea Island residents.

The rail network extends nationally with direct services: London is 90 minutes away, Southampton 45 minutes, Cardiff just over 3 hours, and Brighton can be reached in roughly the same time as London.

These connections highlight Portsmouth’s excellent accessibility.

Road Connections in Portsmouth

Portsmouth offers robust road connectivity for its dwellers, with the M275 providing a direct route to the M27.

This facilitates effortless regional travel, including to destinations like Fareham, Southampton, Eastleigh, and the New Forest.

Eastward, the A27 leads smoothly to Chichester and Brighton, while the A3 grants direct access to London, under two hours away.

Portsmouth’s strategic location ensures residents enjoy superb road links for both local and longer-distance journeys.

Job Market in Portsmouth

In Portsmouth, job seekers will find a vibrant employment landscape, bolstered by its status as one of the UK’s most populous areas.

The city’s job market thrives, thanks in part to the presence of the Royal Naval Base, a significant employer in the maritime sector, engaging about 10% of the local workforce.

Beyond this, diverse job opportunities can be found, with major employers like IBM Europe, the University of Portsmouth, and the Queen Alexandra Hospital.

The job market is expanding with the city’s initiatives to enhance innovation and engineering sectors, making Portsmouth an attractive city for career development.

Shopping in Portsmouth

Portsmouth shoppers can delight in a rich selection at Gunwharf Quays, with over 90 outlet stores offering discounts up to 60%.

The ambiance is enhanced by diverse dining options.

For unique finds, Southsea’s vintage shops are the go-to, while the city centre’s pedestrian-friendly streets boast the Cascades Shopping Center, with familiar high street names.

Portsmouth’s shopping scene is indeed diverse and exciting.

Healthcare in Portsmouth

It’s crucial to be informed about healthcare facilities when relocating.

In Portsmouth, the main healthcare institution is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, offering a suite of essential services and located conveniently near major roads.

St. Mary’s Hospital serves as a smaller alternative.

Ensure to register with a local GP to access these services.

Portsmouth’s healthcare facilities are readily available for residents, providing comprehensive care.

Schools in Portsmouth

When living in Portsmouth, families can choose from a spectrum of educational institutions, ranging from infant to secondary schools.

Notable mentions for quality education include Portsmouth High School, St Johns College, and Priory and Charter Academy, all commended by Ofsted. The esteemed Portsmouth Grammar School is also located here, known for its excellence.

For a comprehensive guide on schools, the School Guide website is a resourceful tool. Additionally, the University of Portsmouth, home to over 23,000 students, is recognised for its academic offerings across various disciplines.

Ready to Start Living in Portsmouth?

Have you made the decision to start living in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth privdes buyers outstanding property types ideal for families, a range of fun activities, excellent transport links across the UK and Europe as well as some great shopping options.

If you are thinking of making the move to Portsmouth and have found the ideal home, we are here to help you get moving.

You can start planning your dream move with the assistance of White & Company’s removals service today.

White & Company are also happy to offer our excellent new video survey service.

We can gather all the relevant information for your move from the comfort of your own home.

So, give us a call today or fill out a quick quote form to see how we can get your dream move to Plymouth in the works.