ALRESFORD is one of the most popular towns for city dwellers who want to move to the country, according to a property website.

Compare My Move says Alresford ranks 8th in the top 10 countryside destinations to relocate.

The Chronicle has reported how Londoners have been taking short-term lets in the Winchester countryside including towns such as Alresford.

The website looked at more than 70 popular rural towns and villages in England and Wales were ranked, based on factors such as average house price, median salary, hours of sunlight, rainfall, download speed and number of restaurants, to reveal the best places to live.

Alresford's average house price was £492,173; median salary £27,648; hours of sunlight 1,777.9; rainfall 548.8; download speed 40; restaurants 28; giving it a score of 76.44. Top was Guildford with scores of average house price £539,496, median salary £34,207, hours of sunlight 1,564.2, rainfall 656.6, download speed 60, restaurants 195, score 87.45.

Dave Sayce, managing director at Compare My Move, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has seen many people reconsidering their living situation, with a large number of city dwellers ditching urban living and relocating to rural areas for a slower-paced life in the beautiful English countryside.

“It's easy to see why people are choosing a quiet life in the country as the UK is home to some of the world’s most beautiful rural towns and villages.

“However, relocating can come at a large cost, particularly with hidden fees, such as the cost of removals.

“It’s not surprising to see the top rural destinations are near London, with the likes of Guildford and St Albans proving popular places for Londoners to escape to, whilst having the benefit of quick and easy transport links into the city.”

See research here: https://www.comparemymove.com/rural-relocations.