Doubting move to Bournemouth

[Mallens]

So I moved to Bournemouth from Herts last xmas, and realising it's not the right place for me. I am shocked at the large homeless /drug community - it's the worst I've seen it. Also every week there is a stabbing or serious assault and sexual assaults. A lot occurring in the day. However, I do love being able to walk to Westbourne, Sandbanks and Southbourne (25mins). The bus stop and train station are 5 minutes walk. Enjoy events in the Lower Gardens, and the cinema, theatre are 20 minutes walk. Great cafes. Quieter beach 5 minutes. So looking for another town along the south west coast similar to Bournemouth but without the issues. Ideally edge of town, not more than 20 to 30 mins walk to town and beach. Not a fan of narrow country lanes. Not working at the moment so planning to do a road trip soon. Some suggestions would be much appreciated.

Hi- I live in Poole. I think the issue is that once you get west of Poole it is quite rural- Weymouth and Lyme Regis are the places that sprung to mind. Sherborne is lovely but all three of those are country lane territory. Lymington is nice but $$$. Do you def want the coast? Might Salisbury suit you better?

I live a 15 mile drive out of Bournemouth. I agree unfortunately Bournemouth gone down hill rapidly in last few years . It’s pretty grim

what about Christchurch/ new Milton way ?

Wimborne is lovely. Whilst it's not by the beach, it's not too far to travel to one.

Yeah Wimborne is nice. Bournemouth is HORRIBLE - I get the worst vibe from it, I actually hate going there. It feels really unhappy.

We moved from London to Poole area partly to be closer to relatives, we also know the area, but we regret it now.
We knew that Whitechapel and Bethnal Green were a bit rough at times, but we never had the oppressive feeling we get in the town centres. Always found a friendly people in shops and pubs.
Our main reason is the distance from London. It feels so cut off down here.

As a last resort there is always Milton Keynes.
(That might not be merely a joke)!

I live in Christchurch and love it. Grew up in Swanage which is also lovely but isolated. Christchurch has the beaches, the New forest on its doorstep and is lovely and friendly

The coast and homelessness unfortunately go hand in hand in lots of places. And sadly drugs follow that pattern due to the available markets.

I can't think of anywhere that is "similar to Bournemouth" that wouldn't have those issues. You'd either have to go to much smaller places or ones without as good transport links(as that is another factor, poor access limits ability for homeless).

Bridport is nice but without a rail station, or if you do actually like some of the Bournemouth elements then moving to Southbourne, Christchurch etc are options though still not perfect. Lymington and other surroundings are just about accessible via the branch line. Ringwood again if you don't mind no train line

I know Bethnal Green - my Gran lived there for years, original from Bow :)

Thanks everyone. I wanted Southbourne, but prices have got away from me. I know most of the New Forest towns as my parents were looking to move that way about 15 years ago. Love Lymington, Weymouth and Bridport. Also looking at a few Devon towns - Sidmouth, Teignmouth, along the Exe estuary, possibly as far as Plymouth but I know that has it's issues. Not easy is it?!

I have to say I don’t understand the Southbourne love. It’s just suburbs- a lot of bungalows. I agree Bournemouth town centre is grim but most small town town centres are these days. I’m from Worthing originally- that town centre used to be really good and now it’s awful. Honestly, I just don’t go into the centres ( Poole if I have to). If I go out I tend to go to the more country pubs or in Canford Cliffs/ Penn Hill/ Westbourne/ Sandbanks. I love getting out on the SWC pathway towards Swanage over Studland beach and the Sandbanks beaches always lift my spirits. So yes, I agree it’s got its issues but I feel like it’s still got a lot going for it.

I have personally found Poole to be pretty friendly - we moved here fairly recently from overseas- parents at DCs schools ( in Wimborne but lots of Poole kids) and rugby/ climbing clubs are v nice. What I like about it is there are quite a few newcomers or returnees so you’re not fruitlessly trying to break into cast iron social groups.

The other thing about it is that it does have some diversified work whereas the prettier towns up the coast are v tourism dependent. But if you’re retired/ not working then maybe that’s less of an issue.

Also, weather. Got to love the microclimate 😎

I grew up in Bridport, it's lovely but rubbish public transport if that's important to you. What about Wareham, not too far and has a station.

Weymouth also has not insignificant drug issues.

Hi @Mallens
We lived in Southbourne for 12 years but 4 years ago moved back to London to be nearer elderly parents / feel connected / work / opportunities. Almost nobody moves back to London so realise this is unusual !)
i regret moving the kids and miss the outdoor lifestyle but my work in London is a million times better, short commute and see kids at the end of the day, parents at weekend.
but I do miss the seaside and friends and think we may move back to Bournemouth at some point.
how is life there for you now @Mallens ?

Thanks everyone. Still in Bournemouth but definitely wanting to move in the next 12 months. I've done a road trip of Devon and top of Cornwall and Exmouth is top of list at the moment. Did West Sussex in February, quite like Littlehampton and Chichester. Want to have a look around Eastbourne, last went there about 10 years ago. Changed so much from when I was a child - love Sovereign Harbour. I know what everyone says about the area, but I don't think it's that bad. Having a week in Falmouth after Easter. Still considering outskirts of Christchurch and Lymington. I think when the time comes, where I end up will depend on what I sell for and what's for sale. My budget would be £350k to £400k. Appreciate everyone's comments, they do help.

Wareham is pretty and safe and has plenty of nice pubs but it's a bit dull and just about everybody is over 60.

I was going to say the same. Nice place with a wonderful prom/beach but does have a bit of an edgy vibe.

If you're happy to go further west, Totnes and Dartmouth in Devon are lovely.

Wimborne is nice but as people have said, it has no train station. Ditto Bridport.

Christchurch is safe but a bit Tory, if these things matter to you.

12 years ago,we had a week a/l, went house hunting in Bournemouth and surrounding areas. Wanted a 2 bed detached bungalow, the few that we found,had subsided or were in the middle of a dubeous social housing estate. Looked then at Peacehaven, Worthing,seaford, settled in a village near Eastbourne. Perfectly happy, youngest DD then 30, moved last year into the middle of Eastbourne town, with DGKs, who love it.

I have a friend of 30 years,who now lives in sovereign harbour Eastbourne, I haven't heard anything negative about it.

The OP has asked for south west suggestions and you are talking about are very much in the south east.

My parents have moved to a village near exmouth. They have a good bus link to exmouth and sidmouth (which they prefer). They can also get to Exeter easily. When we visit it has a lovely holiday feel so weekends with them are lovely. They were looking at Weymouth but were out priced with high offers on homes way above asking price (moved 2021 so lots of Londoners moving south). I think it’s worked out well for them and they love the location.

The OP said in a follow up post she wanted to look at Eastbourne?!?!?? Read the whole thread!

Apologies! :)

I'm moving to Exmouth in the summer.

Partly because family live there but also it seems to be a 'normal people' coastal town (albeit skewed to retirement age) rather than somewhere overly tourist focused & full of air BnB. You will deffo be able to buy something nice for your budget.

I've been checking out what's available to do locally, compared to where I am currently - yes there's only one leisure centre but given I only go to one of the many available in a city of a million people I'm not feeling too daunted by it! Seems to be a decent amount of facilities for a town of 40k people.

Nice 👏hope move goes well. I also like that Exmouth isn't 'seasidey' (think Paignton). Lots of green spaces. Good mix of independent and high st shops / cafes. Exeter not too far if I want a proper shop. Easy to get to surrounding towns with good transport links. Love going across to Starcross and Dawlish on the boat.

Hoping to get a 2 bed bungalow. Prefer the East side of town which is pricier. (Typical). Also like the Plumb Park development.

I found the old chap in tourist info place is very helpful. Does like to chat! There's a community website - Nextdoor, worth a look. And of course Mumsnet is great 😆