Family friendly areas in Bournemouth

[CazzieM]

Hi, looking for some advice. We’re relocating to Bournemouth from Bristol for work reasons and have no idea where to start looking to buy. We have a 7 year old so would like to be close to a good school and preferably walking distance to cafes/shops.
We would really appreciate any advice on the best family friendly areas. We’ve been looking at Verwood and Ringwood as an alternative to living in the centre but we do like the idea of being within walking distance to seafront. TIA

I love southbourne which would fill your criteria. Two things to consider though. Firstly if you are buying, what your budget is. In general closer to the sea means more mostly costly. Secondly where there are school places available. I would call the local council (bcp for bournemouth) and they can tell you. Although Ringwood is Hampshire Council and Verwood would be Dorset Council! I know someone who wanted to move there year 3 child and there was very few options in bcp.

Good luck for the move. We moved down from Bristol and never regret it. Great place to live and raise a family

Northbourne/Ensbury Park is a nice, family-friendly area with decent primaries and secondaries. I agree with PP about Southbourne but the choice of secondaries isn’t great. Ferndown is nice and quiet and a few schools.

Hi! We are also planning to move to the area from London.
we have a 5 year old son and will be needing after school clubs or childminding a few days a week. We will also be buying and our budget isn’t massive. Can you please give us advice on the following?

• we love verwood but worry that is too sleepy and not great for teenagers. Would ferndown be better?
• we are considering Ringwood but worry about the traffic that everyone says it’s bad
• we also like moordown but worry that Bournemouth will be always packed with traffic and tourists

thank you ☺️