Town comparison
Botley vs Hedge End
Which is better to live in? 1.1 miles apart — compared on house prices, crime, schools, broadband and more.
The verdict
Property in Hedge End is about 25% cheaper on average. Botley has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Botley edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Botley
£430,994
Hedge End
£343,737
Crime Rate
Botley
54.7
Hedge End
54.7
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Botley
100.0%
Hedge End
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Botley
406.8
Hedge End
406.8
EPC Rating
Botley
73.2
Hedge End
73.2
Median Income
Botley
£35,092
Hedge End
£35,092
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in South EastBuyers will find Hedge End more wallet-friendly, where the average price is £343,737 versus £430,994 in Botley. The most affordable entry point in Botley is a flat at £225,000, while in Hedge End it is a flat at £178,721.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: flat homes are 26% pricier in Botley (£225,000 vs £178,721).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Botley prices grew faster — 26% vs 4%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in South EastWith 54.7 offences per 1,000 people, Botley is the safer of the two – 0% lower than Hedge End's 54.7 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Botley is violent-crime, while in Hedge End it is violent-crime.
Crime Rate by Category (per 1,000 residents)
Both towns share the same top crime category: violent crime.
Schools & Education
Best for schools in South EastSchool quality favours Botley: 100% of its schools are in the top two inspection bands, compared with 100% in Hedge End.
Botley School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 1 school (1 primary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Hedge End School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 8 schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Botley | Hedge End |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 1 | 8 |
| Primary | 1 | 6 |
| Secondary | 0 | 2 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Internet users in Botley enjoy 406.8 Mbps on average, while Hedge End lags behind at 406.8 Mbps. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 97% of premises in Botley and 97% in Hedge End. Gigabit availability stands at 74.5% in Botley and 74.5% in Hedge End.
Botley is the faster of the two by 0% on average download speed (407 vs 407 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
The average EPC rating in Botley is band C (score 73.2), ahead of Hedge End's band C (score 73.2). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,092 in Botley and £1,092 in Hedge End. 71% of homes in Botley have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 71% in Hedge End.
Botley has more energy-efficient housing — 71% reach band C or above, vs 71% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Botley has a population of 3,143 while Hedge End has 23,195. Median household income is £35,091.5 in Botley and £35,091.5 in Hedge End. The median age is 44.2 in Botley and 44.2 in Hedge End. Employment rates stand at 60.4% in Botley and 60.4% in Hedge End.
| Indicator | Botley | Hedge End |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,143 | 23,195 |
| Median Age | 44.2 | 44.2 |
| Median Household Income | £35,091.5 | £35,091.5 |
| Employment Rate | 60.4% | 60.4% |
| Owner Occupied | 68.3% | 68.3% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 39% | 39% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Botley and Hedge End?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Botley or Hedge End?
Is Botley or Hedge End safer?
Which has better schools, Botley or Hedge End?
Which has faster broadband, Botley or Hedge End?
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