Buckland sits within a cluster of New Forest neighbourhoods that share a strong reputation for safety, good schools and coastal or rural appeal. Crime across the area runs well below the national average and continues to fall, while schools consistently earn Good and Outstanding ratings, making this a popular choice for families. The New Forest setting brings clean air and plenty of green space throughout, with parks, pubs and cafés covering day-to-day needs, backed up by larger towns nearby for a wider range of shops and services. House prices vary a fair bit depending on which part you look at. Forest & Solent sits at the top end, with detached homes averaging £1.64 million, while Sway offers a middle ground at £753,844 for detached properties. Pennington is the most affordable option, with lower prices across detached, semi-detached and flat properties, making it a good choice for buyers wanting value without sacrificing access to good schools and green space. Lymington, meanwhile, commands prices above Pennington and stands out for its self-sufficient town centre and high proportion of home-workers, reflecting its lifestyle appeal. Transport is a mixed picture across the area. Forest & Solent benefits from rail links, buses and a ferry terminal all within its boundary, while Sway has its own station on the Lymington branch line. Pennington and Lymington, by contrast, rely more on cars given limited public transport, though Lymington's ferry link to the Isle of Wight adds a useful coastal connection. Healthcare provision is strong throughout, with Forest & Solent alone home to six hospitals. Altogether, this part of the New Forest suits buyers after a safe, settled lifestyle with good schools and easy access to coast and countryside, with the choice between areas largely coming down to budget and how much you value being near a railway station.