Thinking of moving to Dorchester

[supermum2011]

Hello,
We are thinking of moving to Dorchester for a better quality of life (more space, fresh start, great place to bring up children).
I know a bit about the schools, shops and property but I would like to know more about what makes the town tick, its people and attitudes to outsiders.
We are moving from a London commuter town (30 mins from the City) so I guess we are worried that we will feel too remote or isolated. (It reassures me that there is a direct train link to Waterloo!) Do people in Dorchester travel to London much or is it considered a different country?
Most of all is it a great place to live and bring up children (four of them: 11, 8, 7 & 3)?
Any Dorchester feedback greatly appreciated.
Thank you!!

Hi, we have lived here for 3 years and for me it has taken some time to get used to but as it has links to major towns/cities it is not so isolated.

I like it as it is clean, safe and close to the coast. Don't worry about been from out of town as most of us are. I have been more involved in more local activities since having ds who is 4. And yes it is a good place to bring up children. My son is at private school but the schools in the town have a good reputation.

Thanks Sailorsgal. Would you describe it as an affluent town, or an upwardly mobile town, or am I on the wrong track? It strikes me from afar that there are lots of things good/right about it - are there any big negatives? And any reason why it took you time to adjust?
Thanks again!

It is more an upwardly mobile town I think rarther than affluent. There is a bit of a protest to change here as local people prefer the sleepy market town to anything else, eg: Poundbury, new brewery development where we are sopposedly getting a Hobbs , pizza express, a new cinema.

Its taken me time to adjust as I would like a better selection of restaurants though we do have one with a michelin star now. I would love to have a good health club too, we are a bit limited to the leisure centre.

I used to live in Poole which I preferred as a bit more going on, IYSWIM, but am fairly happy where we are.

Shopping is limited so thank god for the internet.