Fleet is at the centre of the district of Hart in North East Hampshire which has been voted the country’s most desirable place to live for quality of life for the second year in a row! In particular the survey mentions that Hart residents enjoy good health, high employment, low crime, and high quality schooling. It was also said to be ‘a step back in time’ with miles of green woodland and the county’s largest freshwater lake. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20816479 for more information.
Fleet is a town which grew up largely around the London and South Western Railway which opened in 1840. Although the Basingstoke Cana lran though the site from 1792 it had very little effect on the area apart from a few inns to serve the passing trade.
As a location, Fleet is perfectly placed for those commuting to London. It is close to the M3 motorway, which gives access both to London, Basingstoke, Southampton, the south coast and to the A34 for travel to the midlands. The express trains from Fleet station reach London Waterloo in under 40 minutes. Heathrow is just over 30 minutes away and there are two local airports Farnborough and Blackbushe.
Fleet is surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfect for relaxing cycle rides and walks. Fleet Pond nature reserve is a popular attraction. In times past, the lake has frozen over and skating has been allowed! The Basingstoke canal has been restored by volunteers since the 1970’s and now offers peaceful walks along the towpath and boat hire from Odiham a few miles away.
There are of course plenty of other leisure activities, including several parks, a golf course and a leisure centre with a swimming pool and sports hall. A week long carnival in July provides great entertainment for all the family, and the town hosts a yearly half marathon in March. The town also boasts football, rugby and tennis clubs to name but a few.
If you are searching for property in Fleet there are a variety of styles from Victorian /Edwardian town houses to the more modern styles. A building boom between the wars, and another in the past few decades with a number of larger housing estates being built around the growing town gives a good variety of houses for those looking to move into the area. There are also many lovely villages just outside the town with much older traditional buildings.
The town centre has a mix of independent shops and high street chain stores, from unique silver jewellery to a music shop and everything in between.
If you are looking to eat out, Fleet boast cafes, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants to suit every taste and pocket!
For more information go to http://www3.hants.gov.uk/localpages/north-east/fleet.htm