Are you thinking of moving home to the South West of England? Or considering moving to another part of the West Country? Well, who could blame you?
The West Country is a truly beautiful area of the country and stretches from Gloucestershire to the tip of Cornwall. With 418 beaches and 2 National Parks, as well as numerous historical sites to visit, you will never be stuck for something to do in your spare time.
In this essential guide to moving home to the South West, you will find a plethora of useful information from the cost of living in the main towns to finding the local bus times, and a local GP Surgery, with many useful links to websites that will be invaluable to you.
So even if you have already decided on your new home location in the West Country, or you are not sure where you want to relocate to in the South West, you will find plenty to interest you here.
You may also be interested in reading: Can Moving Home Make You Happier? The South West is a stunning part of the country to live in but will moving home make you happier or will you just take your problems with you?
What are the Pros and Cons of Moving to the West Country?
From energetic cities like Bristol to quaint fishing villages, the South West has it all within easy reach
Should I move to the South West? To help you make that decision here is our list of pros and cons of moving to the South West.
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Compared to London you can expect to pay about 40% less, the average home price in the West Country is about £400k, however, prices vary hugely between different parts of the South West.
#2 Quality of Life
Some of the lowest pollution levels in the UK mean that you really will be able to get out into the fresh air.
And there is plenty to do if you love the great outdoors. There is a huge choice of award-winning restaurants and many cultural events to attend.
#3 A Great Place to Raise Your Family
With outstanding beaches, moorland, some great towns and cities, and endless places to visit, there will always be something to keep your family occupied.
Couple that with some great schools, and a low crime rate, and you can see why many families choose to move to the West County.
#4 Friendly Locals
Take the time to get to know your new neighbours, contribute to the local community, and you will find the locals super welcoming and friendly.
#5 Great Connections
If you need to travel to London, Birmingham, or Cardiff there is a good motorway network to connect you. And the South West is on several main railway lines too.
The Cons of Moving to the South West
Heavy congestion is inevitable in the summer months
#1 Lack of Choice of Properties
There are far fewer people living in the South West than in other parts of the country, so consequently, there are fewer available properties to choose from for your new home.
And being such a popular place to live, competition for homes is fierce.
#2 Fewer Job Opportunities
There are fewer employers in certain parts of the South West than in many other parts of the country and therefore there are fewer employment opportunities.
However, Gloucester, Wiltshire, and Bristol have thriving economies with many major manufacturers and large businesses based there.
#3 Lower Wages
Compared to many places in the UK, wages are lower in the South West.
#4 Parking
During the summer months when the tourists flock here, finding a parking spot can be an issue.
#5 Congestion
The roads can get clogged up in the summer months and bank holidays, especially the M5.
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A Guide to Counties, Major Towns, & Cities of South West England
In this section, you will find all the information you need for the top 5 towns and cities by population for each county of the South West.
Included are average property rental and purchase costs, as well as the latest crime, and school, report statistics for that particular area.
The South West of England is made up of the following counties. Just click on the county name to go to find out all you need to know about moving to that part of the South West.
You may also like to read How to Estimate Home Moving Costs. One of the considerations when budgeting for your home move is the actual relocation costs. In this guide, we show you how to estimate your moving costs.
What Are The Pros of Moving to Gloucester?
Gloucester Cathedral is featured as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films and is well worth a tour.
At Gloucester Quays you will find an indoor climbing and caving centre as well as a good mix of restaurants and shops.
There is a dry ski slope that offers snowboarding too, an art deco cinema, and Kingsholm Stadium which not only hosts Gloucester Rugby Club, but an array of top performers have played there such as The Wanted, and Tom Jones.
EDF is a major employer in Gloucester.
The M5 motorway runs by Gloucester via which Bristol is only 35 miles away. The A38 also connects the city to Bristol, and Tewkesbury (12 miles). The A40 takes you to Cheltenham (9 miles), the A417 to Stroud (10 miles), and Cirencester (19 miles).
Gloucester has excellent railway links to London Paddington (2 hours), Reading (80 minutes), Bristol (70 minutes), Cardiff (70 minutes), and Birmingham (1 hour).
Bristol Airport is just 50 miles south of Gloucester.
There are a large number of schools within Gloucester and a campus of the University of the West of England.
What are the average property prices in Gloucester?
Detached houses: £433,008
Semi-detached houses: £291,626
Terraced homes: £222,318
What are the average property rental costs in Gloucester?
1 bed £831
2 beds £1,131
3 beds £1,406
4 beds £1,755
Is Gloucester a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Gloucester visit www.police.uk
Home to the famous Cheltenham Racecourse, and Cheltenham Ladies College.
There is plenty to do in Cheltenham from retail therapy along the promenade, taking in an opera, drama, or musical at the Everyman Theatre, a visit to the largest outdoor swimming pool in the UK at Sandfords Park Lido, or taking a stroll in Pittville Park.
Endleigh Insurance is one of the biggest employers in Cheltenham.
Cheltenham is midway between Bristol (42 miles), and Birmingham (61 miles), on the M5 motorway and is connected to Swindon (33 miles) by the A417. The A40 takes you to Oxford (42 miles), and London (97 miles).
Cheltenham Spa railway station offers services to Bristol (75 minutes), Swindon (an hour), Gloucester (11 minutes), London Paddington (just over 2 hours), Cardiff (85 minutes), the South West, Birmingham (46 minutes), Derby (92 minutes), the North West, the North East, and Scotland.
Cheltenham has a good range of fine schools with over 30 primary schools, 9 secondary schools, and campuses of the University of Gloucestershire.
What are the average property prices in Cheltenham?
Semi-detached houses: £438,916
Terraced homes: £369,145
Flats: £238,660
What are the average property rental prices in Cheltenham?
1 bed £847
2 beds £1,410
3 beds £1,756
4 beds £2,466
Is Cheltenham a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Cheltenham visit www.police.uk
Stroud is a market town, still holding an award-winning regular farmers market, which attracts visitors from all the surrounding villages.
There are many great little cafes and bars, as well as a good selection of local shops in Stroud, which is also home to Britains’ first fully organic café, Woodruffs.
Stroud has a real community feel with many local sports and recreational clubs, as well as an outdoor swimming pool.
There is plenty of local history including Neolithic long barrows, Tudor houses at Newark Park, and Roman remains at Frocester.
Stroud is a well-known magnet for artistic types and boasts artists, authors, and musicians among its residents.
The A4173 links Stroud to Gloucester (10 miles) and the A46 to Bath (33 miles), whilst the A419 takes you to Cirencester (13 miles) and the M5 motorway. Bristol is only 26 miles away, and London is only 91 miles.
There are frequent rail services to London (1 hour 40 minutes), Reading (62 minutes), Swindon (30 minutes), Cheltenham (40 minutes), and Gloucester (25 minutes).
In Stroud, there are 4 primary schools, and 3 secondary schools, as well as a college.
What are the average property prices in Stroud?
Detached houses: £586,120
Semi-detached houses: £389,140
Terraced homes: £300,305
What are the average property rental costs in Stroud?
1 bed £1,156
2 beds £918
3 beds £1,135
4 beds £1,633
Is Stroud a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Stroud visit www.police.uk
Tewkesbury is a beautiful market town set beside the River Severn.
Tewkesbury is home to Tewkesbury Abbey which is one of Gloucestershire’s biggest tourist attractions, as well as many Tudor and Medieval buildings.
There is a world-famous Medieval Festival, a number of local fetes and festivals, a weekly market, a theatre, as well as many museums and walking trails.
The main high street is where you will find antique shops, booksellers, and a number of independent shops and cafes.
Tewkesbury has a new sports centre and a marina where you can moor your boat, or just take leisurely strolls.
Tewkesbury is serviced by the M5 and M50 motorways. Tewkesbury is 9 miles from Cheltenham, Worcester is 18 miles away, whilst Gloucester is 11 miles away.
There are 11 primary schools, 2 secondary schools, and 2 all-through schools in Tewkesbury.
What are the average property prices in Tewkesbury?
Detached houses: £420,964
Semi-detached houses: £278,808
Terraced homes: £244,162
What are the average property rental costs in Tewkesbury?
1 bed £688
2 beds £775
3 beds £1,225
4 beds £2,250
Is Tewkesbury a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Tewkesbury visit www.police.uk
Bristol has every amenity you would expect of a large city. With easy access to stunning countryside and the coast, Bristol is a great place to live.
Bristol County is the home of Bristol City, which has the 10th largest population in England.
Bristol is a thriving city with a booming aerospace industry, creative media, and electronics industry.
Additionally, the docks at Avonmouth are the largest importers of cars to the UK.
Bristol is a popular tourist destination due to its history, culture, great nightlife, vast array of shops, and easy access to some beautiful surrounding countryside, as well as its proximity to many of the attractions of the South West and Wales.
Bristol International Airport is just 9 miles from the city centre.
Amongst the many festivals and attractions that Bristol has to offer, The International Hot Air Balloon Festival is one not to be missed, especially the burner night, when the balloon burners are ignited in time to music, followed by a huge firework display.
To find out more about the county of Bristol here is a link to www.visitengland.com
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What Are The Pros of Moving to Bristol City?
The Sunday Times rated Bristol as the best city in Britain to live in 2014 and 2017.
The Harbourside is home to many restaurants and cafes, SS Great Britain, and is a great place for a stroll around the Sunday markets.
There is a thriving nightlife and every amenity you would expect of a modern city.
There are numerous shopping areas as well as retail parks.
From galleries to a museum to the theatre, your cultural needs will be well taken care of in Bristol.
The edges of the city are more rural and offer plenty of parks and activities for all the family.
There are some lovely villages surrounding Bristol and plenty of countryside to explore, and of course, you are within easy reach of Devon, Cornwall, Wales, and the coast.
The M32, M4, M49, and M5 motorways are all adjacent to Bristol with easy access to Newport (32 miles), Reading 78 (miles), and London (118 miles).
There are two railway stations connecting Bristol to London Paddington (1 hour 50 minutes), Newport (37 minutes), Reading (77 minutes), Birmingham (1 hour 55 minutes), the North West, and many regional and local stations.
Within Bristol are dozens of primary schools, 25 secondary schools, 4 centres of further education, 2 universities, 4 independent primary schools, as well as 10 Independent senior and all-through schools.
What are the average prices of properties in Bristol?
Semi-detached houses: £442,303
Terraced homes: £398,783
Flats: £282,624
What are the average property rental costs in Bristol?
1 bed £1,409
2 beds £1,798
3 beds £2,024
4 beds £2,616
Is Bristol a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Bristol visit www.police.uk
Wiltshire is home to many industries as well as some beautiful countryside. From the hustle and bustle of Swindon to many picture postcard villages.
Wiltshire is famous as the home of Stonehenge, and Avebury Stone Circles.
It is a mainly rural county which includes parts of the Cotswold AONB.
Wiltshire is also home to Longleat safari park and the National Trusts Stourhead.
Much of Wiltshire is protected from urban sprawl by its green belt status.
Wiltshire is serviced by the M4 motorway giving easy access to London, and supports a good level of employment opportunities, especially in manufacturing.
Here you can find a link to Wiltshire County Council http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ where you can find out things as such council tax bands.
You may also like to read: Is Life Better in the Countryside, the City, or the Suburbs? The are pros and cons to moving anywhere so in this guide we compare what life is like in these choices to help you make your decision as to where your new home will be.
What Are The Pros of Moving to Salisbury?
Salisbury is only 9 miles from Stonehenge, only 20 miles from the coast at Southampton, and 30 miles from beautiful Bath, whilst London is only 78 miles away.
Salisbury is connected to the rail networks of West of England Mainline and Wessex Mainline. The train will get you to Reading in under 90 minutes, Bristol in 80 minutes, and London in 1 hour 37 minutes.
There are bus links to Southampton, Bournemouth, and Swindon, and the city is served by a Park and Ride service.
Salisbury has a beautiful cathedral that houses an original copy of the Magna Carta.
Local markets are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays as they have been since 1227.
In a typical year, Salisbury enjoys on average 1650 hours of sunshine making it one of the sunniest inland areas of the UK.
Salisbury has numerous primary schools, 2 non-selective secondary schools, 2 grammar schools, 2 colleges, 3 independent primary and preparatory schools, as well as 2 independent senior and all-through schools.
What are the average property prices in Salisbury?
Terraced houses: £305,046
Semi-detached houses: £344,480
Flats: £213,685
What are the average property rental costs in Salisbury?
1 bed £756
2 beds £1,568
3 beds £1,349
4 beds £1,500
Is Salisbury a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk for the latest crime statistics for Salisbury.
Swindon lies on the M4 corridor, between Bristol and Reading which are both about 40 miles away, and London is only 71 miles from Swindon.
Being on the London Paddington to Bristol railway line makes commuting easy too. By train, Bristol is 47 minutes, Reading 32 minutes, and London 35 minutes.
Major employers in Swindon are Honda, BMW, and WH Smith who have their Headquarters and distribution centres here.
In May you can enjoy the Swindon Festival of Literature, there is a South Indian art and craft fair annually, and a family-orientated concert known as the Summer Breeze Festival.
There are 8 public parks
For shopaholics, the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet here is the largest covered designer outlet in Europe.
Swindon also has easy access to some great countryside such as Lydiard Park, Coate Water Country Park, and Stanton Park.
Swindon has 61 primary schools, 13 secondary and all-through schools, and 3 colleges of further education.
What are the average property prices in Swindon?
Detached houses: £418,667
Semi-detached houses: £298,368
Terraced houses: £251,266
What are the average property rental prices in Swindon?
1 bed £1,110
2 beds £1,385
3 beds £1,648
4 beds £2,206
Is Swindon a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to view the latest crime figures for Swindon.
Trowbridge is only 18 miles from the M4, with easy access to Swindon (35 miles), and Bristol (24 miles).
There are direct train connections to London, the South West, South Wales, and the Midlands. The train will get you to Swindon in 40 minutes, and Bristol in 40 minutes.
Trowbridge has six grade 1 listed buildings as well as many historical buildings related to the textile industry for you to admire.
Every Wednesday you can visit the town market, and there are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants all to be found in the compact town centre.
There is a marina, a museum and art gallery, a sports centre, and a theatre in Trowbridge.
Trowbridge Park and The Courts Garden are also popular recreation areas within Trowbridge.
Trowbridge has 9 primary schools, 2 secondary schools, and Wiltshire College offers a range of vocational courses for school leavers.
What are the average property prices in Trowbridge?
Detached houses: £444,604
Semi-detached houses: £312,119
Terraced houses: £257,234
What are the average property rental prices in Trowbridge?
1 bed £616
2 beds £843
3 beds £1,283
4 beds £1,665
Is Trowbridge a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to view the latest crime figures for Trowbridge.
Famous for its association with Stonehenge, Amesbury has much to offer those who are interested in history, including a couple of Grade 1 listed buildings.
Amesbury is thought to predate Stonehenge by 5000 years making it the oldest continuously inhabited town in the UK.
Being on the A303 commuter belt, Amesbury is only 6 miles from the London to Salisbury rail link and is a stopping point for the Salisbury-Amesbury-London National Express Coach service.
Amesbury is a popular place to live for commuters, Salisbury is 10 miles away, Andover is 14 miles, Southampton is 31 miles, Swindon is 33 miles, and Basingstoke is 36 miles away.
There are 4 schools in Amesbury
The main employer is Avient Aviation, as well as Boscombe Down military experimental establishment.
For nature lovers, as well as the surrounding countryside, you are between Cranborne Chase AONB and North Wessex Downs AONB.
In 1965 the Beatles stayed in Amesbury during the filming of Help!
What are the average property prices in Amesbury?
Detached houses: £478,603
Semi-detached houses: £298,341
Terraced houses: £275,989
What are the average property rental prices in Amesbury?
1 bed £667
2 beds £931
3 beds £1,167
4 beds £1,367
Is Amesbury a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Amesbury visit www.police.uk
Cider, pagan festivals, ancient monuments, and mysteries. Modern towns and quaint old market towns. Somerset has it all.
Somerset offers something for everyone looking to move there.
You have the historical cities of Wells and Bath, the seaside resorts of Weston-Super-Mare and Minehead, quaint little villages such as Cheddar, the stunning Exmoor National Park, 37 miles of coast, and easy access to many of the major towns and cities of the South West.
There are great train services to the South West and South East, the M5 motorway gets you swiftly to Bristol and Exeter, and Bristol International Airport is within easy reach.
If nature or outdoor sports are your thing then you are spoilt for choice, prefer shopping? Then there is the designer outlet village at Shepton Mallet as well as Bristol city centre just up the road.
With nature, history, culture, and the great outdoors, with some great value homes, good schools, and friendly communities, Somerset is high on the wishlist of many home movers.
Click on the place names below to find out what great places they are to move home to.
Here you can find a link to Somerset County Council https://www.somerset.gov.uk/ where you can find out things as such council tax bands.
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What Are The Pros of Moving to Bath?
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site being the home of the famous Roman Baths and stunning Georgian architecture. The Roman Baths are Britain’s only hot spring.
Although the centre of Bath is compact there is plenty to do, such as a visit to Rondo Theatre, or The Bath Forum to watch a show, visit the Jane Austin centre, tour Bath Abbey, or stroll around Prior Park.
There are all the major high-street stores in Bath as well as many local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Bath is only 14 miles from Bristol and 97 miles from London.
Bath is just 11 miles from the M4, with Swindon just 37 miles away, and Cardiff 56 miles.
There are regular train services to London (2 hours 12 minutes), Bristol (17 minutes), Swindon (28 minutes), Cardiff (90 minutes), and many destinations in the South West.
Bristol Airport is only 20 miles away.
Most local employment is provided by the service industry as well as the software and publishing industry.
Bath has two universities, the University of Bath, and Bath Spa University.
In Bath, there are 17 primary schools, 7 secondary schools, a college, and 5 independent all-through and primary schools.
What are the average property prices in Bath?
Semi-detached houses: £625,796
Terraced houses: £569,276
Flats: £394,785
What are the average property rental prices in Bath?
1 bed £1,476
2 beds £1,736
3 beds £1,998
4 beds £3,950
Is Bath a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to see the latest crime figures for Bath.
Wells is described as the smallest city in England, and Wells Cathedral, with the associated industries of tourism, provides much of the employment here.
In your leisure time, there is plenty that goes on in Wells, from literary and food festivals to carnivals and parades.
Wells leisure centre provides a swimming pool and other sporting facilities, and there is an 18-hole golf course on the outskirts of Wells.
There is no train station here, the nearest one is at Castle Cary about a 30-minute drive from Wells.
There is a bus service to Bristol (about 60 minutes), Bath (about 80 minutes), Taunton (1 hour 45 minutes), and a few other major towns in the area. National Express coaches also stop here.
The A39 connects Wells with Bristol (23 miles) and Bath (22 miles).
Wells has 5 primary schools, a state secondary school, and an independent all-through school (Wells Cathedral School which is a specialist music school).
What are the average property prices in Wells?
Flats: £217,450
Semi-detached houses: £345,760
Terraced houses: £313,289
What are the average property rental prices in Wells?
1 bed £750
2 beds £957
3 beds £825
4 beds £1,350
Is Wells a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk for the latest crime figures for Wells
Weston Super Mare is on the Somerset coast and offers easy access to many local attractions including Wookey Hole, Wells, Cheddar, and Glastonbury.
Situated just off the M5 with easy access to Bristol (25 miles), Wells (24 miles), and Bridgwater (19 miles).
There are direct rail services to London Paddington (just over 2 hours), Bristol (27 minutes), and Exeter (66 minutes).
Local buses provide a service to Bristol Airport which is just 15 miles away.
National Express operates long-distance coach travel from Weston too.
Weston has the second-highest tidal rise in the world, which means the tide goes out a long way and was the reason why the two piers here were built as steamboat jetties.
You will find plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants, and nightlife in Weston, as well as a good selection of high-street chain stores and independent shops.
In Weston, there are 13 primary schools, 4 secondary schools, a college, and an independent primary school.
What are the average property prices in Weston-Super-Mare?
Semi-detached houses: £290,560
Terraced houses: £251,104
Flats: £170,440
What are the average property rental prices in Weston Super Mare?
1 bed £788
2 beds £973
3 beds £1,646
4 beds £1,700
Is Weston-Super-Mare a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Weston visit www.police.uk
Taunton is the biggest town in Somerset and is just 38 miles from Bristol, and 34 miles from Exeter, with the M5, A38, and A358 all close by.
Trains will get you from Taunton to London in 1 hour 45 minutes, Bristol in 52 minutes, and Exeter in 30 minutes.
Within 40 miles of Taunton is Exeter International Airport and Bristol Airport.
Taunton has plenty of cultural highlights such as the Brewhouse Theatre, Creative Innovation Centre, and the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre.
Vivary Park, Longrun Meadow, Hudson Way, Goodland Gardens, and Wellington Park are all popular places for locals to enjoy the great outdoors.
Taunton is a garden town, the first such one in the South West, which means that there is an investment in new homes, improved local transport, and funds for the town centre regeneration, as well as improvements to public spaces.
There are 10 primary schools, 4 state secondary schools, 2 centres of further education, an independent preparatory school, and 2 independent senior and all-through schools.
What are the average property prices in Taunton?
Detached houses: £449,774
Semi-detached houses: £303,078
Terraced houses: £254,037
What are the average property rental prices in Taunton?
1 bed £868
2 beds £925
3 beds £1,345
4 beds £1,588
Is Taunton a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to see the latest crime figures for Taunton.
Yeovil is just 40 miles from Bristol, situated just off the A37, whilst the A30 and A303 are close by.
The town is built around the 14th century St John the Baptist church, and there are many historic buildings, cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Yeovil is fairly compact so the shops, swimming pool, theatre, and town amenities are within walking distance, although Yeovil has great public transport too.
Yeovil has some lovely surrounding countryside which is ideal for walkers, including Summerhouse Hill, Ninesprings, and Wyndham Hill.
The aircraft and defence industries are the major employers in Yeovil.
There is one college and 3 secondary education schools, 11 primary schools, an independent primary school, and an independent all-through school in Yeovil.
What are the average property prices in Yeovil?
Detached houses: £405,418
Semi-detached houses: £258,966
Terraced houses: £209,145
What are the average property rental prices in Yeovil?
1 bed £598
2 beds £862
3 beds £1,213
4 beds £1,798
Is Yeovil a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to see the latest crime figures for Yeovil.
Just look at that stunning view. Dorset is a fabulous place to move to
It is not surprising that Dorset is a magnet for tourists and as a leisure destination, with a stunning coastline, beautiful countryside, historic buildings, and picture-postcard villages, but what is it like for people who want to live there?
Well, whatever your aspirations for your new home, Dorset can deliver, from the amenity-filled Dorchester to seaside resorts, to quaint little villages.
You will find new build homes, fisherman cottages, quayside apartments to detached 5-bed homes.
There are direct rail services to London and Exeter for commuters, and the A303 is the London to Exeter trunk road that runs through part of the county.
Dorset has some great schools too.
Although Dorset is mainly agricultural there are also some major industries with significant employers such as BAE Systems and Perenco UK.
Click on the towns below for a better idea of what Dorset can offer home movers.
Here you can find a link to Dorset County Council www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/home.aspx where you can find out things as such council tax bands.
You may also like to read How Do I Find New Housing Developments? If you are looking to move to a new-build home then this guide gives you some invaluable information about where to go so that you are among the first to know where a new development is or when the latest batch of homes are being released.
What Are The Pros of Moving to Bournemouth?
Bournemouth is the largest coastal resort town in Dorset and the regional business centre.
The town centre is noted for its Victorian architecture, and Bournemouth itself lies at the centre of Green Belt.
Bournemouth has mild summers and cool winters.
Most employment is within the service sector with a third of all town centre businesses relying on the leisure industry.
Bournemouth has plenty of shops, bars, cafes, and nightlife to keep you entertained.
The two railway stations here are on the Weymouth (57 minutes) to London Waterloo (2 hours 20 minutes) route, and also serve Basingstoke (1 hour 20 minutes), and Poole (11 minutes) among its destinations.
Bournemouth Airport flies to 23 international destinations in nine countries.
Weymouth is 36 miles away via the A35, Basingstoke is 63 miles via the M3, Poole is 6 miles via the A35, Salisbury is 29 miles via the A338, and London 108 miles via the M3.
Bournemouth has 28 primary schools, 10 secondary schools, 2 grammar schools, 2 centres of further education, 4 independent primary schools, and 3 independent senior and all-through schools.
What are the average property prices in Bournemouth?
Detached houses: £633,487
Semi-detached houses: £379,102
Flats: £256,462
What are the average property rental prices in Bournemouth?
1 bed £934
2 beds £1,473
3 beds £1,775
4 beds £2,951
Is Bournemouth a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to see the latest crime figures for Bournemouth.
With its Blue Flag beaches, plenty of history, and the largest natural harbor in Europe, Poole attracts many visitors and is the second-largest town in Dorset.
Poole Quay has a good mixture of historic buildings, cafes, bars, and modern apartment blocks.
Poole Harbour has one of the largest sailing communities in the UK and hosts two of the largest dinghy regattas in the country.
There are over 50 miles of cycle network here and many walking trails.
There are 11 infant schools, 7 junior schools, 10 primary schools, 9 secondary schools, 5 independent schools, and a college of further education.
Via the A35 Bournemouth is just 6 miles away, Ringwood is 17 miles away via the A31, Blandford Forum is 14 miles away and Shaftesbury is 26 miles via the A350, and Salisbury is 33 miles via the A338.
What are the average property prices in Poole?
Detached houses: £720,316
Semi-detached: £374,161
Flats: £326,170
What are the average property rental prices in Poole?
1 bed £946
2 beds £1,482
3 beds £1,870
4 beds £2,725
Is Poole a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to see the latest crime figures for Poole.
Weymouth is a tourist resort that relies on its harbour and tourist attractions to boost the local economy.
From beach motocross to seafood festivals, there is always something going on in Weymouth.
Weymouth has a temperate climate with only a small variation in daily and annual temperatures, and throughout the year temperatures are above England’s average.
Weymouth has one of the sunniest climates in the UK.
House prices here are fairly high but unemployment is very low.
Weymouth railway station is on the Westbury to Bristol (2 hours 28 minutes) and London Waterloo (3 hours 17 minutes) routes.
Weymouth to Yeovil is 39 miles, Exeter 58 miles, and Salisbury 48 miles.
There are 8 primary schools, 2 non-selective secondary schools, 2 selective grammar schools, 2 centres of further education, 3 independent primary schools, and 2 independent senior and all-through schools.
What are the average property prices in Weymouth?
Detached houses: £482,911
Terraced houses: £275,013
Flats: £193,258
What are the average property rental prices in Weymouth?
1 bed £673
2 beds £990
3 beds £1,525
4 beds £1,800
Is Weymouth a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to see the latest crime figures for Weymouth.
Christchurch is between Bournemouth (6 miles away) and the stunning beauty of the New Forest.
It is the fourth largest town in Dorset with the majority of residents being retirees.
The beaches, history, nature reserves, and harbour attract many visitors.
Close to Christchurch is Bournemouth Airport.
The A35 connects the A31 to the M27 at Southampton. Salisbury is 23 miles away, Ringwood 10 miles, and Poole is 12 miles away from Christchurch.
The South Western Main Line from London Waterloo to Weymouth runs here, with departures for Waterloo twice an hour during the week. Trains to London Waterloo take 2 hours 15 minutes, Salisbury (just under 2 hours), Poole (22 minutes), and Bournemouth (9 minutes).
Monday is market day in the town centre, and there is an international food and wine fair every May.
Annually there is a music festival and a regatta.
There is lots of local history with many historical buildings, including a castle and a priory.
The huge Airport Business Park at Bournemouth Airport is the largest employment site in the region.
In Christchurch the are 3 primary schools and 2 secondary schools.
What are the average property prices in Christchurch?
Detached houses: £675,792
Semi-detached houses: £430,688
Flats: £240,123
What are the average property rental prices in Christchurch?
1 bed £992
2 beds £1,174
3 beds £2,028
4 beds £2,175
Is Christchurch a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to see the latest crime figures for Christchurch.
Ferndown is the second largest inland town by population in Dorset with a large elderly population.
It is only 4 miles from Bournemouth International Airport.
Employment is mainly centered around Ferndown and Uddens Trading estate where there are many manufacturing, retail, and business services.
For golf lovers, there are two golf courses here.
Ferndown leisure centre has swimming pools, a gym, squash courts, and a rifle range.
Ferndown benefits from easy access to the M27 and M3. Bournemouth is 16 miles from Ferndown, Blandford Forum is 14 miles, Salisbury is 23 miles, Winchester is 35 miles, and Southampton is 27 miles away.
There are 2 primary schools, a middle school, and an upper school in Ferndown.
What are the average property prices in Ferndown?
Detached houses: £639,776
Semi-Detached houses: £360,420
Flats: £236,867
What are the average property rental prices in Ferndown?
1 bed £1,038
2 beds £1,224
3 beds £1,600
4 beds £2,156
Is Ferndown a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Ferndown visit www.police.uk
Devon is a dream destination for many people to move to.
Devon is a beautiful county with quaint inland villages, and along the coast, you will find ports, fishing villages, and seaside resorts.
Dartmoor and Exmoor span large swathes of the county and consequently, the inland areas of Devon tend to be less populated.
Whilst tourism in the county provides much employment in the summer months, many new firms are moving to Devon, particularly in the finance sector.
The main towns of Devon are well served by the train network with services to many major towns and cities across the UK.
There are two universities in Devon, in Exeter and Plymouth.
Due to the beautiful countryside, lovely seaside villages and towns, and the relaxed way of life, many people choose to retire to Devon, but for families, there are many reasons to move here too, especially if you lead an active lifestyle.
Click on each of the 5 main areas of population in Devon below for a guide to living in each of those areas.
Here you can find a link to Devon County Council https://www.devon.gov.uk/ where you can find out things as such council tax bands.
You may also like to read: Choosing Where to Live: Location, location, location. Location is everything and in this guide, we look at living in cul-de-sacs, on a main road, near a park, near shops, near a school, or near a river, and the pros and cons of these places.
What Are The Pros of Moving to Plymouth?
Plymouth is a port city with a history that dates back to the Bronze Age and is the second-largest city in the South West.
The local economy is supported heavily by shipbuilding and seafaring as well as service-based industries.
Plymouth tends to have a wetter and milder climate than the rest of the UK.
Plymouth has the 38th largest university in the UK, as well as two colleges, 68 primary schools, 15 non-selective secondary schools, 3 grammar schools, 2 independent primary schools, and 3 independent senior and all-through schools.
As you would expect of such a large city there is always plenty to do, from sightseeing to cycling on the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle route.
If you have a dog there are a few beaches that welcome your dog year-round such as Beesands, Thurlestone, Slaton Sands, and Torcross, as well as Whitsand Bay.
Plymouth is well connected to the rest of the country via the rail network. Trains run to Exeter (64 minutes), Bristol (2 hours and 6 minutes), Birmingham (4 hours), Cardiff (2 hours 47 minutes), London (3 hours 50 minutes).
The A38 and M5 motorway run by Plymouth making Exeter 45 miles, Bristol 131 miles, Cardiff 152 miles, and London 238 miles away by car.
What are the average property prices in Plymouth?
Semi-detached houses: £272,305
Terraced houses: £220,841
Flats: £145,879
What are the average property rental prices in Plymouth?
1 bed £858
2 beds £927
3 beds £856
4 beds £808
Is Plymouth a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to see the latest crime figures for Plymouth.
It is a magnet for the 35,000 workers who commute here from the surrounding areas daily.
There are two campuses of the University of Exeter.
Exeter has every amenity you could imagine including a huge array of bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops.
In and around Exeter are a huge number of activities and places to visit in your leisure time, with some lovely parks and open spaces including Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Haldon Forest Park, and the Northernhay Gardens.
There is Crealy Family Theme Park, the Northcott Theatre, museums, a castle, and many places of historical interest to visit.
Exeter is just off the M5 motorway which connects to the M4 for access to London and Wales. The cities of Bristol, Plymouth, Bath, Salisbury, and Truro can all be reached within 2 hours.
National Express runs long-distance routes from Exeter, and Exeter is also a hub for the South West rail lines, having 3 railway stations.
By rail Cardiff is 2 hours 31 minutes, Bristol is 1 hour 27 minutes, Taunton is 30 minutes, Barnstaple 1 hour 15 minutes, and London is 3 hours 17 minutes.
Exeter Airport is just east of the city and operates to many destinations such as Mallorca and Lanzarote.
Exeter has 6 primary schools, 6 non-selective secondary schools, 3 centres of further education, an independent primary school, and 7 independent senior and all-through schools.
What are the average property prices in Exeter?
Semi-detached: £372,423
Terraced houses: £323,032
Flats: £202,358
What are the average property rental prices in Exeter?
1 bed £881
2 beds £1,346
3 beds £1,582
4 beds £2,263
Is Exeter a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to see the latest crime figures for Exeter.
Paignton is a compact, traditional seaside resort with a long sandy beach, a traditional pier, and a promenade, with beautiful views from the beach across the bay to Brixham and Torquay.
The local economy, and therefore employment, centres upon the tourist trade.
Paignton has a cinema and theatre, and many local community events, as well as tourist-focused events.
Paignton is well linked to other parts of the South West and there are train services to Exeter (63 minutes), Taunton (73 minutes), Bristol (1 hour 56 minutes), Cardiff (3 hours 22 minutes), and London (3 hours 45 minutes).
National Express operates long-distance routes from Paignton.
By car, Exeter is 25 miles, Taunton 55 miles, Bristol 111 miles, Cardiff 132 miles, and London 205 miles.
What are the average property prices in Paignton?
Detached houses: £541,095
Semi-detached: £305,873
Flats: £166,907
What are the average property rental prices in Paignton?
1 bed £688
2 beds £1,088
3 beds £1,166
4 beds £1,550
Is Paignton a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Paignton visit www.police.uk
Exmouth is a commuter town for Exeter which is only 12 miles away. Plymouth is 52 miles away, Taunton is 38 miles, and Bristol is 85 miles.
Bristol Airport is 72 miles away from Exmouth.
The train station is in the town centre and runs services to Exeter (27 minutes), Paignton (90 minutes), Barnstaple(1 hour 44 minutes), Taunton (90 minutes), and Bristol (about 3 hours) amongst many other destinations.
There are eight primary schools and one secondary school in Exmouth.
Not only is Exmouth a major tourist destination but is a hub for the leisure industry, especially watersports, cycling, and walking.
Exmouth has a 2-mile-long sandy beach which is the longest in Devon.
The area is particularly noted for its good bird watching and is a designated SSSI.
The majority of buildings in Exmouth are Victorian.
As you would expect there is a good range of bars, cafes, restaurants, independent and high street chain shops, as well as an indoor market in Exmouth.
The town centre has mainly period terraced homes and flats, whilst as you move out of town the properties become larger, ranging from two-storey townhouses to detached period homes.
What are the average property prices in Exmouth?
Detached houses: £578,634
Terraced houses: £314,044
Flats: £250,452
What are the average property rental prices in Exmouth?
1 bed £800
2 beds £906
3 beds £1,171
4 beds £1,925
Is Exmouth a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to see the latest crime figures for Exmouth.
Cornwall offers so much for everyone, from surfing to high-tech jobs to stunning countryside and fabulous beaches.
The idea of moving to Cornwall will conjure up images of heading to the beach after work, stunning sunsets as you stroll along sandy beaches, endless rambles in the stunning countryside, and a far more relaxed and stress-free life.
Cornwall will offer you all that and so much more.
Many high-tech firms are choosing to move to Cornwall because of the excellent work/life balance that can be achieved here.
There is much investment in Cornwall to attract those engineering, software, and high-tech industries currently.
Whilst in the more rural areas you won’t have access to 24/7 shops or the range of takeaways that you may currently have, swapping a few inconveniences for a better standard of living in idyllic surroundings will surely be worth it.
Below we look at the 5 most popular places for people to move to in Cornwall in more depth.
Falmouth is the largest port in Cornwall catering for cargo vessels and cruise liners.
It is primarily a tourist destination with five beautiful beaches and is considered one of the main cultural and festival destinations of the South West.
As well as the beaches there are many beautiful gardens to explore including Trebah Garden and Glenduran Garden.
There are museums, art galleries, and Pendennis Castle to visit.
Along with all the main high street brands, you will find an array of local and independent shops.
There are 5 primary schools and 1 secondary school here, as well as a campus of Falmouth University. Falmouth Marine School specializes in marine studies and boat building.
Falmouth is 12 miles from Truro, Plymouth is 67 miles, Exeter is 99 miles, whilst Bristol is 179 miles away.
Trains from Falmouth run to various destinations including Truro (24 minutes), Plymouth (2 hours 36 minutes), Exeter (4 hours 24 minutes), and Bristol (6 hours 47 minutes).
What are the average property prices in Falmouth?
Detached houses: £653,019
Terraced houses: £387,243
Flats: £283,882
What are the average property rental prices in Falmouth?
1 bed £1,706
2 beds £1,772
3 beds £1,200
4 beds £2,500
Is Falmouth a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures for Falmouth visit www.police.uk
St Austell is growing as a tourist destination because of its proximity to some great beaches and the Eden Project.
St Austell has its own hospital, three comprehensive schools, and a centre for further and higher education provided by Cornwall College.
The first baseball team in Cornwall is based in St Austell.
There is a train station with services to Truro (17 minutes) and Penzance (60 minutes) to the West, and Plymouth (1 hour) and London (4 hours 51 minutes) to the East, as well as services to the North of England and Scotland.
By road, Truro is 16 miles, Penzance 44 miles, Plymouth 39 miles, and Bristol 155 miles.
In the town centre you will find many chain stores and independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a cinema.
There is a weekly market every Saturday.
What are the average property prices in St Austell?
Detached houses: £452,353
Semi-detached houses: £265,109
Terraced houses: £224,650
What are the average property rental prices in St Austell?
1 bed £710
2 beds £823
3 beds £967
Is St Austell a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures for St Austell visit www.police.uk
Truro is the southernmost city in mainland Britain and is considered Cornwall’s prime destination for retail and leisure.
Average earnings here are higher than the rest of the county and consequently, many people commute here to work at the Royal Cornwall Hospital and Truro College.
There is a park-and-ride facility and numerous bus services locally.
The Cornish Main Line links Truro with London Paddington.
Truro also has its own airport with regular flights to Gatwick and in 2017 was considered the fastest growing airport in the UK.
High rainfall, mild winters with frequent frosts, and cool summers characterise the climate here.
Truro has 6 primary schools, 2 secondary schools, and 2 independent senior and all-through schools.
What are the average property prices in Truro?
Detached houses: £511,961
Semi-detached houses: £360,718
Terraced houses: £292,147
What are the average property rental prices in Truro?
1 bed £875
2 beds £1,140
3 beds £1,275
Is Truro a safe place to live? Visit www.police.uk to see the latest crime figures for Truro.
Average home rental prices are taken from www.home.co.uk
Essential Things to Know About Moving to the South West of England
Many people holiday in the South West but making it your permanent home is entirely different.
To help you make a calculated and informed decision we have collated some useful links to websites that will provide you with all the information you need.
Crime Statistics: To find out the crime statistics for any part of the South West that you are thinking about moving home to visit www.police.uk and just enter the place name or postcode.
Compare local schools: No matter where you plan on moving to in the South West you can compare local schools by just putting in the name of the place or postcode at www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk
The average cost of living: For the average cost of living in the South West of England visit www.expatistan.com where you can select a city to get average prices for various everyday items. The data is regularly updated and you can even compare the cost of living between your current city and the city you plan to move to.
Employment: If you are looking for employment when you move down to the West Country then you can try www.indeed.co.uk or www.reed.co.uk
Hospitals: To find out the latest inspection report findings and ratings for local hospitals in the South West of England visit www.cqc.org.uk
Doctors and Dentists: Knowing there is a local GP surgery is important to both young and old. Visit www.nhs.uk to find local dentists and GPs near to where you plan to make your new home in the South West.
Public transport: If knowing about public transport in the place you would like to move home to is important to you, then visit www.travelwest.info where you will find everything you need to know.
Climate: Want to know how often the sun shines or how much it rains in the South West? Visit www.metoffice.co.uk to find out.
Find a home by commuting time: If you would like to find a new home in the South West by searching by commuting time then www.zoopla.co.uk has a tool to help you.
Find a home: To find properties for sale and rent in the South West of England try www.rightmove.co.uk
Find a removal company: Read reviews and find a reputable removal company for your upcoming move to the West Country here.
Get a price estimate quote for your home move: To get a free estimated cost for your home move from up to 4 removal companies just click here.
Be sure to visit our resource section for lots of useful advice on moving home to the South West.
Good luck with your search for your ideal home and your new life in the South West.
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