Relocating back to UK - Bournemouth area

[PearTreeBoat]

Fully posting for traffic.

it looks like I’ll be moving back to UK after 12 years abroad and potentially will be working near Bournemouth Airport but have no idea which areas would be best to look at to live so need some wise advice.

im mid 40’s, single with no children and will be renting so looking at 1/2 bedroom apartments. Also open to a small house but no point cleaning and paying for space I won’t use and don’t need.

Ideally I’d want to live within walking distance of nice wine bars/cosy pubs/lovely restaurants but definitely not into late night clubbing and all that business. Would prefer to be close to a rail station on the London line but that’s not a dealbreaker.

My budget is probably around £1-1.2k per month but of course would love to spend less. Am currently looking at Ringwood, Bournemouth, Verwood, Christchurch areas but as I don’t really know anything about the actual areas I’ve no idea where would be best.

As I’ll be in the office at least 3 days per week I’d prefer a commute less than 45 mins each way but will increase this for the right area.

Any suggestions on areas to look at or areas to avoid????

Westbourne/southbourne? Near sea, quick commute from Bournemouth station (think there may be one near Southbourne and Branksome station is very near Westbourne. Plenty of bars,restaurants etc. and quite lively communities. Budget sounds okay for a flat.

@MrsFaustusthank you, will have a look on Rightmove at these areas.

Southbourne has a nice feel and has wine bars. I’d try and get somewhere walking/cycling distance to the sea if possible.

Southbourne seems to be buzzing nowadays. Independent shops a few wine bars. I’d definitely look at that area and easy to get to the sea.

Verwood was always known as where you wait to die so unless it’s changed a lot it might be a bit sleepy.

I grew up in Bournemouth and love the beach so would want to be near there. Ringwood is lovely, it’s on the edge of the new forest and will have lots of cosy pubs, great restaurants but I’d find it a bit “posh” and “horsey” and too far from the beach. If you don’t want to be really close to the beach, Wimborne might be worth looking at. Lots of pubs and restaurants etc. it’s always had quite a lively atmosphere.

Thanks for the suggestions. Southbourne seems popular and ticks boxes so going to start having a look at rentals there. Love being by the beach so that’s a great plus. Also love cycling so some quieter roads and/or short drive to nice cycle routes is a positive.

Southbourne is walking / short bus ride distance from Pokesdown rail station.
There are lots of restaurants & coffee shops, boutiques in Southbourne plus late night bars / pubs & even events with djs. It’s situated near a lovely long beach. My sister lives on the clifftop and I really recommend it.
Pokesdown end is cheaper than actual Southbourne though and yes rougher but there are still coffee shops & plenty of antique/ vintage shops there too.

Pokesdown station ( for southbourne ) is not one that the express trains to london stop at. So the journey is much slower. There is NO parking at the station.

Christchurch and Bournemouth both run much faster trains.

If you commute regularly you might be better to be near one of those and travel to southbourne if you want to visit it.

Christchurch would be the better of the two. Its more large villagey about what goes on there. Therefore easier to make friends and still lots of central accommodation. Some really beautiful small character homes around the centre.

All of these places are transitioning from bustling shopping centers (through charity shop wastelands) to quite interesting places filled with local businesses.

The Westbourne or Ashley Cross might suit you as well as Southbourne. Nearest train stations are Parkstone and Branksome. Or you ca take to Bournemouth for the fast trains. Not too bad a journey to get out to the dual carriageway and up to the airport that way rather than meandering through town. Fab cycling across the Swanage chain ferry.