Ashley sits on the edge of the New Forest with a settled, village-style feel, and it's part of a wider area where low and falling crime rates are the norm rather than the exception. Two "Good" rated primary schools lie within the neighbourhood itself, and the independent Ballard School is close by, making this a strong option for families focused on education. Day-to-day life covers the essentials well, with GP access, local shops and road links to Bournemouth and Lymington, though you won't find big supermarkets or regular public transport right on your doorstep, so a car comes in handy. Housing here spans a genuinely wide range, from some of the best-value flats in the area to mid-priced detached and semi-detached homes, giving buyers at different budgets a realistic way in. This mirrors the pattern across neighbouring areas, where coastal wards like Highcliffe & Walkford and Milton offer detached homes from around £550,000 to £650,000, while Ballard's flats start as low as £210,000. Wherever you look nearby, the story is similar: clean air, a mild climate and a quieter pace of life that appeals to families, downsizers and self-employed professionals alike. What sets Ashley apart within this cluster of neighbourhoods is its balance. It doesn't have the restaurant and café density of Milton or Barton & Becton, nor the railway station convenience of Ballard or Bransgore, but it makes up for this with genuine village character and easy access to both the New Forest and nearby coastal and town amenities. It's best suited to buyers happy to drive a short distance for bigger shops and a wider choice of eating out, in exchange for a calmer, more rural setting with solid schools and dependable transport links to Bournemouth and beyond.