Two Borough villages score highly as places to live
Netley and Botley score highly for quality of life
Two villages in Eastleigh Borough – Netley and Botley - have been voted among the top places to live in the area.
Netley came out as the happiest place to live among locations in the Southampton area in a ranking created by Furniturebox, which surveyed 5,000 people across the UK.
The survey found that Netley had a "family-friendly atmosphere" and "abundance of green spaces", as well as its green spaces, calm atmosphere and proximity to well-regarded schools. Furniturebox said: "Netley is generally considered a nice place to live, particularly for families and nature lovers, due to its quiet, family-friendly atmosphere, abundance of green spaces like Netley Royal Victoria Country Park, and coastal views.
Locations were ranked according to various factors including: the beauty of the surroundings and green spaces; provision of good state schools and affordable housing, and access to quality pubs, restaurants, independent shops and cultural attractions.
Meanwhile Botley is among the UK’s top 260 locations in a list published by lifestyle website, Muddy Stilettos, which said the village is “that rare mix of chocolate-box pretty and properly practical…the historic market village has period charm in spades… Add in rail and road connections, a new bypass to cut back traffic and green space galore in the surrounding areas and you’ve got yourself a pretty sweet Hampshire hotspot.”
Botley’s places to eat, shops, and cultural attractions, including the Borough Council-operated Berry Theatre were all highlighted as factors that made it so pleasant.
Eastleigh Borough Council Leader, Councillor Keith House, said: “A key part of our mission, working with parishes and other partners, is to improve the quality of life for people across our Borough - and it’s great to see that two of our villages have been highlighted as excellent places to live. Eastleigh Borough was also named one of the top ten locations to move to as a part of a survey based on factors that people look for when buying a new home, so it’s very pleasing that we are receiving consistent recognition.”
Picture credit: Botley - P.Cartwright / Shutterstock.com