Moving house is one of the most stressful events of anyone’s life and choosing a location is a daunting prospect, as there are so many considerations we make take into account.

For anyone looking at new homes, Hampshire boasts some great towns and cities that are within commutable reach of London. The New Forest is right on the doorstep, and many great attractions are located nearby.

However the diamond in Hampshire’s crown is surely Southampton, in the heart of the county.

Southampton is an important and historical port, and has been for over 1,000 years. It allows goods to flow in and out of the country, supporting economies worldwide. It enjoys an unrivalled prestige on the high seas, and is probably best remembered as the port from which the Titanic sailed in 1912.

Evidence of this legacy can be found dotted across the city - from the Titanic Museum, the memorial to the musicians who famously went down with the ship and the White Star Line offices, commemorated near Ocean Village. A walk round this marina demonstrates the city’s love of boating, with some expensive yachts moored. Each year, the town also welcomes The Boat Show.

For those who prefer dry land, Southampton boasts the old walls, which lead visitors around the historical back streets of this very modern city – which boasts stores sure to satisfy even the most extreme shopaholic.

The high street offers a host of well-known retailers and three malls provide a mix of unique plus mass-market shopping. The newest addition, West Quay Mall, was opened in 2000 and houses John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Next, to name but a few.

For people who wish to get away from it all, the New Forest is mere miles away and visitors can easily reach pretty towns like Lymington, Lyndhurst, Fordingbridge and Beaulieu – the latter famed for its motor museum. The New Forest itself is a national park, comprising unenclosed pasture land. Amongst the varied wildlife that calls it home are the New Forest ponies, which are free to roam the area and surrounding villages at will.

Back in the city, expansion and redevelopment has been vast recently, with new homes and blocks of luxury apartments springing up and selling fast. In Woolston, just beyond central Southampton, new homes, bars, restaurants and a marina are being built to rival Ocean Village.

Nightlife too is a highlight. There are many different areas to choose from: Bedford Place is a renowned student spot, the town centre receives a mixed patronage at its many bars and restaurants and Oxford Street tends to attract the more sophisticated reveller. Leisure World, opposite West Quay boasts a multiplex cinema, restaurants and two nightclubs. Along the road is the Mo’Club, where dancing the night away on roller-skates entertains many.