Alresford has been named as one of the best places to live in south-east England by The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2023: South East guide, sponsored by Halifax.

Chichester took the regional title in the 11th annual guide, but Alresford made the top ten along with Guildford, the Seven Dials area of Brighton, Reading, Lindfield in West Sussex, Reigate, east Oxford, Folkestone and Wheathampstead in Hertfordshire.

The Sunday Times' judges said: "Pretty and peaceful, Alresford has good state schools and a nice selection of independent shops and cafés. It may feel out of the way, but Winchester is only a short drive away, and there’s always something going on in the town, with sports clubs for all ages, a community choir and theatre, a horticultural society and two arts societies." 

Helen Davies, editor of Best Places to Live 2023, said: “When times are tough, where we live matters more than ever. Attractive surroundings, good neighbours and a comfortable home are the best defences when the stresses of modern life seem overwhelming. 

 “This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2023, from Orkney to Felixstowe, the Chew Valley to Manchester city centre. Whether you’re downsizing, trading up or getting on to the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you.” 

The judges visited all the locations and assessed schools, transport, broadband speeds, culture, access to green spaces and the health of the high street. 

Halifax provided the average house price for each location. Kim Kinnaird, director of Halifax Mortgages, said: “At Halifax, we know it’s where you live that really makes somewhere feel like ‘home’.

"What people look for when choosing where to live is a very personal choice. We know that the housing market can sometimes feel daunting when there are so many locations and things to consider.

"But looking at these fantastic locations is a great start, with options for different budgets and family situations, alongside an exciting blend of urban and rural living.” 

Broadband speeds were provided by Thinkbroadband.com, an independent guide to broadband. 

The judges said Chichester had "both class and a heart", adding: “The beautiful historic town has welcomed the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per head in the country."

The national title – which went to Winchester in 2016 – was awarded to Wadhurst in East Sussex, which the judges said offered “pretty much everything needed for modern life in miniature”.

For more information visit thetimes.co.uk/bestplacestolive