Moving to Bournemouth: A Detailed Guide

Are you contemplating the possibility of moving to Bournemouth? We’ve written this post, so you can weigh up what it’s like to live there on a day-to-day basis. A coastal town located in the county of Dorset, it once won seaside resort of the year and is only two and a half hours away from London Waterloo by train.

As the region boasts award-winning beaches and forests, there’s always plenty to do. In fact, Bournemouth’s beaches are said to be some of the best in the world. For this reason, the town offers a greater standard of living compared to other parts of the UK, and with its microclimate, you can guarantee you’ll always get plenty of sun.

Whether you’re relocating for work or looking to get away from the urban hustle and bustle, Bournemouth might just be the perfect place for you. From some of the area’s best local schools to the cost of buying a home, get ready for the lowdown on this very beautiful place.

• The best neighbourhoods in Bournemouth
• Average property prices
• The cost of living in Bournemouth
• Places of interest and things to do
• Travelling around Bournemouth
• Education
• Employment opportunities
• Moving to Bournemouth; a handy checklist for relocating
• Simplify your move with self storage in Bournemouth

The best neighbourhoods in Bournemouth

If you’re not sure where to house hunt, we’ve done the research; after all, Bournemouth is a pretty huge place. It does, however, offer a range of different options to suit any buyer – here are some areas worth checking out:

Southbourne

Recently voted the best place to live in Bournemouth, Southbourne is laid-back and boasts easy access to some of the region’s outstanding blue flag beaches. Although some will agree there are more upscale areas scattered around, Southbourne is thriving, and families are drawn to the area for its highly-rated schools and picturesque views.

Like Bournemouth in general, Southbourne also has a great vibe, with plenty going on, and it’s easy to see why the local residents love it so much. In addition, the suburb offers excellent transport links, and the main shopping street has a variety of independent and unique shops and restaurants to enjoy.

Westbourne

Voted Bournemouth’s second-best suburb after Southbourne, Westbourne offers a comfortable and stylish place to call home. Often described as the ‘hippest part’ of Bournemouth, the area has a lively atmosphere and a wide range of places to eat, drink, and shop.

Unlike Bournemouth’s busy town centre, Westbourne is a peaceful retreat, and it has a beautiful Grade II Listed arcade. Whilst properties here aren’t the cheapest around, the local schools are superb, and Westbourne is particularly popular with growing families and young professionals.

Winton

Located approximately 2 miles north of the centre, Winton is home to many students due to its proximity to Bournemouth University and the Arts University Bournemouth. It does, however, provide a good sense of belonging with a strong community spirit, and probably the reason why most people decide to settle down and stay put.

As a result, quite a lot of families live here, and there are plenty of schools, with affordable housing tending to be a mix from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Winton is also well-connected by regular buses, and its busy high street means residents have access to everyday essentials.

Boscombe

Home to one of Bournemouth’s best beaches, Boscombe is just a twenty-minute stroll along the promenade to Fisherman’s Wak. The area also has a range of parks and green spaces, including the award-winning Boscombe Chine Gardens; be sure to head here if you love mini golf!

Like Winton, properties also consist mainly of those from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, but there are some newer developments, and prices here are generally more affordable than in other parts of Bournemouth. Likewise, you’ll also find a lot of rentals here too, and a bunch of great schools, with the centre of Bournemouth just under ten minutes away (3.6 miles).

Average property prices

Are you looking to rent or get a mortgage? Bournemouth has a great range of options in both markets. From flat conversions in historical houses to modern new detached homes, there’s always something fresh to view popping up. 

Buying in Bournemouth also offers great value for money, especially when compared to other major cities. Plus, you get the choice of whether to reside near the beach or in the leafy suburbs. With such a variety of choices available, you’re sure to find your dream home.

Let’s take a look at what Bournemouth’s house prices are like, according to Rightmove:

• Average house (figures shown are over the past year) – £423,900
• Flats – £255,696
• Semi-detached properties – £372,998
• Detached properties – £680,788

Renting a house in Bournemouth

If you are searching for a place to rent in Bournemouth, there are various options online, from self-contained flats to houses and individual rooms. It’s also far cheaper than renting in London, especially on the outskirts of the town. To give you an idea, here’s what you can expect to pay in monthly rent.

According to home.co.uk, rent in Bournemouth by the number of bedrooms on average is as follows:

• One bedroom – £875
• Two bedrooms – £1,250
• Three bedrooms – £1,600
• Four bedrooms – £1,950
• Five bedrooms – £2,350

The cost of living in Bournemouth

Despite being a popular tourist destination, living in Bournemouth doesn’t have to be expensive at all. In fact, compared to other UK cities, the cost of everyday living is typically in line with the national average prices.

According to Numbeo, Bournemouth is also 19.4% less expensive than living in London, and a family of four can expect to pay £2,530.50 as a monthly average without rent. If you’re curious about the prices of restaurants and food, let’s take a look at the figures – here’s the average cost of some of those items:

• 1 litre of milk – £1.13
• 1kg of cheese – £5.78
• Banana – 90p
• Bottle of mid-range wine – £6
• 3-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant – £65

See, it’s not that bad, is it?

Places of interest and things to do

Hit the beach, of course!

Bournemouth’s stunning coastline is in a league of its own and, thus, provides a wealth of beach-related activities. Whether you fancy taking a leisurely walk or spending a day on the sand, nothing beats being beside the ocean.

Alternatively, if you have your sea legs, why not charter a boat? Or, for the more adventurous, there’s also the chance to try your hand at kayaking. Bournemouth’s waters are also great for wakeboarding and are renowned for surfers. Here’s what else you can get up to if you venture down to the coast:

• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Beach yoga
• Jet skiing
• RYA power boating courses

See the sights and go shopping

If you can’t resist a good shop, you’ll find it all here, from quirky boutiques to large shopping centres. In particular, we’d recommend heading to Castlepoint, which is just 4 miles out of Bournemouth town centre, for shopping, a bite to eat and a jolly good time. 

Likewise, if you love a good tour, there’s no better way to get acquainted with Bournemouth than on a sightseeing bus. Part of City Sightseeing, you can hop on and off as you like to discover some of the town’s best hotspots.

Check out Bournemouth’s many festivals

For those that have a keen eye for the arts, Bournemouth is great, and there are several museums and art galleries scattered about. The town is also renowned for hosting an array of events that draw the crowds in, from music to cultural events, food and drink.

Highlights include Bournemouth Bay Run and the annual Air Festival. Organised by Britain’s Armed Forces, the latter is also free to attend. As the festive period approaches, the event calendar also steps up a gear – Christmas in Bournemouth is always very special.

Explore the region’s vast outdoor spaces

If you love to get out and get exploring, Bournemouth has plenty for you to enjoy. From its stunning coastal trails to the many beautiful parks, here are some recommendations for getting outdoors:

• Hengistbury Head – located at the eastern end of Bournemouth, Hengistbury Head is a nature reserve with multiple scenic walking trails that provide breathtaking views of the coastline. It’s definitely worth a visit!

• Boscombe Pier – why not take in the views at Boscombe Pier? This pier from the Victorian era boasts panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding coastline.

• Bournemouth Gardens – situated in the centre of town, the Bournemouth Lower Gardens is a nice place to admire the flowers and grab a coffee with friends.

• The Coastal Path – stretching for 13 miles, the Bournemouth Coast Path is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

Travelling around Bournemouth

With its excellent transport links to the surrounding region, Bournemouth is a great place to live. Whether you’re looking for a quick town-centre commute or long-distance travel, it’s easy to get around hassle-free.

Key facts about Bournemouth’s transportation options:

• Car – Bournemouth can be easily reached via the A338, a major primary route in Southern England. The road originates from Salisbury and can also be joined at Ringwood through the A31. The motorway passes through Bournemouth and continues into Poole, making it convenient to reach both towns.

• Taxi – PRC Streamline is the leading taxi provider and offers its services to residents in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and the surrounding areas.

• Train – this seaside town is also served by a main train station and is well-connected, so you can get pretty much anywhere in the UK. Additionally, it only takes 2 hours and 21 minutes to travel by train to London, with an impressive 55 services back and forth every day.

• Bus – thanks to its new provider Morebus, Bournemouth has a comprehensive bus service, which makes getting around really simple. It also covers the town’s major shopping districts, as well as connecting Bournemouth elsewhere, including Southbourne, Lilliput, Poole Quay, and Mudeford. Click here to view a map of the new network.

• Bike – the town also has good cycling infrastructure with bike rental schemes. Beryl Bikes, for example, is the biggest bike share system outside of London.

• Bournemouth International Airport – the local airport is situated in Hurn, north of Christchurch and can be reached by taking the A338. It also offers multiple flights on a weekly basis to a variety of holiday destinations, such as Portugal and Spain.

Education

Renowned for its excellent education, Bournemouth boasts two state-of-the-art universities. It also has some excellent schools, both primary and high. Some of the region’s best ones include:

Primary

• Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
• St Luke’s Church of England Primary School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
• Queen’s Park Academy – Ofsted Grade 1: Outstanding
• St Michael’s Church of England Primary School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
• Heatherlands Primary School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good

Secondary

• Bournemouth School – Ofsted Grade 1: Outstanding
• The Bishop of Winchester Academy – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
• Kings Bournemouth – Ofsted Grade 2: Good

Additionally, Bournemouth has many language schools for learning and teaching English as a second language. These courses are accredited, and there are also job opportunities for qualified teachers – visit The International Education Forum to find out more.

Employment opportunities

Bournemouth’s economy is on a constant rise, and according to Varbes, it ranks among the most prosperous in England. The town, therefore, boasts a competitive market for jobs, and some of its biggest employers include the likes of JP Morgan and the local council.

The biggest employer of all, however, is Bournemouth’s healthcare sector. Across Dorset, the organisation employs a whopping 49,000 people. Tourism also plays a significant role, as does Retail and Finance & Insurance makes up 7% of the economy too.

Moving to Bournemouth; a handy checklist for relocating

1. Clear out attics and sheds in advance

Clearing out any unwanted items is important, and it’ll make a big difference in reducing the number of items you need to transport. Decluttering spaces like your attic and shed can be a great place to start, especially if you’ve not tidied them for a while.

You can even sell anything you don’t want to keep at a car boot or donate them to charity shops to cut waste. Another place you’ll also need to think about clearing is the freezer – the last thing you need to worry about is packing food.

2. Compare different quotes from removal firms

Like with any purchase, it’s always good to compare to make sure you don’t end up paying over the odds. So when it comes to getting quotes for the move, you should request three. Don’t forget to also disclose any essential details like parking restrictions.

3. Handle the formalities

While the removal team can do the heavy lifting, unfortunately, it’s up to you to organise the rest. Things like confirming your child’s last day of school need to go on the list – here’s what else you need to think about too:

• Whether your home insurance covers you for the move
• Submitting a final metre reading
• Notifying anyone important (i.e. utility providers, banks, family and friends)
• Organising accommodation if you’ll be in between homes

4. Keep track of your moving expenses

According to Ideal Home, there are various ways to save money when moving house. Things such as planning ahead and packing early can make the process go smoother and on budget.

Likewise, disassembling furniture before the movers arrive will also help. This way, you’ll avoid any last-minute charges if things don’t go well. Additionally, if you’re easy about the day you can move, this can also cut costs. You can save as much as 20% if you move on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

5. Unpack room by room

To make the process more bearable, unpack room by room, starting with the most essential areas. If you don’t yet have enough space, consider using self-storage to keep items safe until you’re ready to unpack that room.

Unpacking your boxes one at a time will make it easy and prevent you from having to face a daunting mountain of clutter. This approach will also help you to stay organised and find a home for your things; plus, it can make the process more enjoyable too.

Simplify your move with self storage in Bournemouth

There’s no denying that moving to Bournemouth will be worth it long-term, but it’s bound to take a bit of hard work first. If you’re keen to make moving less stressful, renting a self storage unit can help, and it’ll give you somewhere to keep those paddleboards at the end of summer.

With a self storage location in Bournemouth, we’re very easy to spot – you’ll find us on Wallisdown Road, opposite Travis Perkins. We also offer flexible terms meaning at any time, you can upgrade or downgrade without the surprise of any penalties.

So, are you ready for a fresh start in Bournemouth? We promise this town, in all its beauty, does not disappoint. If you have any queries regarding self storage, please feel free to contact our team, or for additional details pop in to the store. Thank you for reading.