Waterlooville vs Havant: Which is Better to Live In? (2026 Comparison)

Waterlooville and Havant are neighbours — just 3 miles apart — but they have distinct personalities. If you're deciding where to buy or rent, here's the honest comparison.

🏠 House Prices

Winner: Waterlooville (cheaper)

| Property Type | Waterlooville | Havant | Difference | |--------------|---------------|--------|------------| | 2-bed flat | £185,000 | £195,000 | 5% cheaper | | 3-bed semi | £310,000 | £335,000 | 7% cheaper | | 4-bed detached | £475,000 | £510,000 | 7% cheaper |

Waterlooville is consistently cheaper, mainly because Havant has a train station.

🚆 Transport

Winner: Havant (train station)

This is the big one.

Havant: - ✅ Direct trains to London Waterloo (1hr 15m) - ✅ Trains to Brighton (1hr) - ✅ Trains to Southampton (30m) - ✅ Good bus links

Waterlooville: - ❌ No train station - ✅ A3(M) access for drivers - ✅ Bus to Havant station (15 mins) - 🚗 Need a car for most things

If you commute by train, Havant wins. If you work from home or drive, it doesn't matter.

🎓 Schools

Winner: Draw

Both areas have good school options:

Waterlooville highlights: - Padnell Infant School (Outstanding) - Oaklands Catholic School (Outstanding) - The Cowplain School (Good)

Havant highlights: - Warblington School (Good) - Havant Academy (Improved) - St Thomas More Catholic Primary (Good)

Both have access to excellent sixth forms and colleges. Research specific schools for your needs.

🛒 Shopping & Amenities

Winner: Havant (slightly)

Havant: - Larger town centre - Meridian Shopping Centre - More retail variety - Better high street

Waterlooville: - Smaller, more basic centre - Wellington Way precinct - Tesco, Asda superstores - Some empty shops

Neither will wow you — for proper shopping, both towns go to Gunwharf Quays or Whiteley.

🏞️ Green Space & Outdoors

Winner: Waterlooville

Waterlooville is closer to: - Queen Elizabeth Country Park (5 mins) - South Downs National Park (on doorstep) - Forest of Bere (5 mins)

Havant has: - Staunton Country Park (10 mins from both) - Hayling Island beach (15 mins) - Langstone Harbour walks

Waterlooville edges it for hills and forest; Havant for coastal access.

🍺 Food & Drink

Winner: Draw

Waterlooville top picks: - Number 73 Bar & Kitchen - The Bird in Hand - Shalimar Indian

Havant top picks: - Langbrook Farm - The Wheelwright's Arms - Various high street options

Both have decent pub scenes. Neither has amazing restaurants — Portsmouth is the destination for dining.

🚔 Safety & Crime

Winner: Waterlooville (slightly)

Both are relatively safe by Hampshire standards. Waterlooville has slightly lower crime rates per capita, particularly for anti-social behaviour. Havant town centre has occasional issues on weekend nights.

🎭 Vibe & Community

Waterlooville: Quieter, more suburban, strong family feel. Active local Facebook groups. Feels like a town that's becoming a suburb.

Havant: Slightly more urban feel, better transport links attract younger professionals. More diverse high street. Feels like a proper town.

Neither has much nightlife — Portsmouth is 15 minutes away for that.

📊 Summary Table

| Factor | Waterlooville | Havant | |--------|---------------|--------| | House prices | ✅ Cheaper | More expensive | | Train station | ❌ None | ✅ Direct to London | | Schools | ✅ Good | ✅ Good | | Shopping | Basic | ✅ Better | | Green space | ✅ Superior | Good | | Safety | ✅ Slightly safer | Safe | | Community | ✅ Strong | Good |

🎯 The Verdict

Choose Waterlooville if: - You work from home or drive to work - You want the best value for money - You have dogs or love outdoor activities - You prefer a quieter, family feel - You don't need regular train travel

Choose Havant if: - You commute to London or Brighton by train - You want a slightly livelier town centre - Coastal access (Hayling Island) matters - You prefer the buzz of a larger town

The honest truth: They're more similar than different. If you're torn, visit both on a Saturday morning and see which feels like home.