Newbie - Move to Bournemouth

[Am2015]

Hi All

Sorry I’m completely new to this so apologies if I’ve posted to the wrong place.

I really REALLY need some advice on moving to Bournemouth from London. I’ve got three kids under 10. I would like them to go to grammar school or one of the outstanding schools.

We need to find a house but haven’t a clue where to start looking. Which are the best areas for families with good communities?

Look forward to a response - if I’ve done this properly

Oh man now I’m looking at houses in New Forest nearer Southampton but still only 30 min drive to Southbourne.

I couldn’t live out in the sticks - an only 30 minute drive on country roads is arduous and it may take 30 mins at this time on a Sunday in winter, any other time you’re looking at an hour plus. Had to drive to Bournemouth a few weeks ago in the middle of the day from Parkstone (3 miles), took 25 minutes

Hi @am2015 - I was born in Bournemouth and grew up in Southbourne, I now live in Christchurch. I can't help you with schools (I went to BSG - the girls grammar) as don't have children, although as far as I know the grammars are still excellent.

Christchurch is absolutely not for old people! Although it may seem that way - it is v up and coming, as is Southbourne. The East side of Bournemouth is currently better VFM as West towards Poole & Sandbanks always was posher and more established.

The spread is now coming out through Southbourne Grove and towards Tuckton and Southbourne Crossroads (Crossroads currently still looks run down but it's where I would buy if I had the cash for an investment property right now).

You will not regret being by the sea, I can promise you that!

Please do let me know if you have questions after you've been down and seen what we have to offer.

Personally I think the Forest areas are too far out if your DC pass for Bournemouth Grammar, DS has friends that come in from as far as New Milton and Lymington but it’s a bit of a trek, train & bus/bike. if Grammar is what you are aiming for with your budget I would be looking at Penn Hill, Lilliput(lovely primary school), Ashley Cross, AlumChine as previously mentioned, you will have option of Grammars then, Bournemouth, Poole and Parkstone.

Thanks you awesome people. Omg the houses in Ringwood WOW!!! Any thoughts on that area? I tell you, when I finally move down you’re all coming over for drinks!!

Ringwood is an old Market town at the top of the A338, main road into Bournemouth which always seems to have some kind of major road works going on, I agree it’s a lovely town with some lovely houses on the outskirts, town has big Waitrose & Up market market shops but still small. Would I move there from London, probably not, I used to live just past there without kids. Living on the outskirts and with road congestion as it is you risk being a taxi service when your children get older. If it’s the beach you are after then this would be too far for me.

Ok that’s useful. I’m kinda thinking midway now between beach and new forest.....

But apparently Ringwood isn’t multi cultural and narrow minded....according to an estate agent I spoke to..

Well he's right about the first. Can't comment on the second. But if multi-cultural is what you are looking for then the Forest/Ringwood definitely isn't for you. It might take a bit of an adjustment if you have lived in London for a long time, depending on where in London you live (or indeed your own cultural background).

Thank you. Perhaps we’ll add a little colour and culture! X

I moved here in the early 90s from a very diverse city, and it was a shock - it was a almost exclusively white. The bigger towns are much more diverse now than they were but it’s still predominantly white (and Tory). Personally this is another reason I’d stick to the larger towns. Dorchester is another place you might want to look at - houses are excellent value (in fact I saw my dream house there recently, a friend lived in one of the same road and they’re incredible, right in the lovely town centre opposite gorgeous public gardens - take a look www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-65152770.html)

Excellent rail links to poole and Bournemouth, plus Bath, Bristol and London, close to lovely countryside, stately homes etc, it’s a fantastic place.

Yes there are plenty of older people in Highcliffe; but lots of young people too. We’ve lived here since 1990 - children have gone to the two excellent local schools: Highcliffe St Marks’s Primary and Highcliffe Comprehensive. Also very active local scout groups etc.
Five minutes to the New Forest, and about the same to the beach. House prices admittedly high, though not compared to London; 600K will get a decent house though you’d get more for your money in New Milton or areas around Bournemouth. We certainly won’t ever move away from here!

Thank you both. I will check out that house x

Link didn’t work it seems

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-65152770.html

If I had the money I’d buy it tomorrow!

If you want vibrant culture this is really not the place for you.

What do you want to do at weekends, spare time?

I don’t personally think Bournemouth is very nice and it wouldn’t be one of my top choices with that budget. Check it out thoroughly before you move.

That is a beautiful house. Weekends consist of kids and their activities mainly

SO, we visited Bournemouth today and here’s my initial assessment;-

1, Queen’s Park is really nice but the roads are quite narrow and parking appeared tight;

2, Boscombe East looked lovely, wider roads abs broader houses;

3, Christchurch REALLY nice classy place. Wide roads and larges houses;

1. Avon Castle - WOW!! Just wow!! Loved the houses the plots are massive and people really pleasant;

We had a couple of agents cancel on us which was frustrating but we got to see a fair few areas which was great. We’re still confused as to which area to go to but this has really helped reduce the list. Avon Castle though, I’ve fallen in love!!

Shittest day of the year to go though. Got drenched but if a house looked good in this weather imagine what it’ll look like in the Summer woo hoo!!

Xx

I live in Poole
Great beaches !!!!!

Did you move to the area in the end OP @Am2015