Where to live in Dorset

[warmmfeet]

Where is a good place to live in Dorset?

With decent schools? Primary and secondary.

Currently we live in Weymouth but hearing a lot about drugs and concerned about influences for my DS's as they grow up. They're very little at the moment.

Would like to not be too far from family who are here. Any suggestions?

I’m bumping because I’d like to know too, and want to be near family as well.

Someone suggested to me around the Sturminster Newton area.

Town or country ?
Do you need to travel to work ?
I live in Poole

Oh that's interesting- thank you. And thanks for bumping!

No we can both work from home. I don't think it matter town or country but leaning towards country! I used to live in Bournemouth but moved west to be closer to aging parents.

Bridport is lovely and has several excellent primary schools and a good secondary (Colfox). If your DC don't like the very local secondary, it's possible to take the bus to Thomas Hardye's secondary in Dorchester or to Woodroffe in Lyme Regis. Some also go as far as the Grammar in Colyton. The houses in Bridport have gone up a lot recently but it's an exceptionally friendly place to live. Highly recommended.

@MsDemeanors thank you, that's really helpful. I do like it a lot up that way but only been for occasional day trips, no idea how it is to live there.

It's a really, really wonderful place to live. Have lived in so many places (my husband too) and this is the only one that's stuck. Have been here for over twenty years. Worth exploring!

Whatever you do, don't come back to Bournemouth. Stay west!

Bridport is lovely and is close to West Bay for beaches too but if you ever need a train for yourself, friends or family then it's far from ideal. Nearest station is Axminster or Dorchester, both knocking 15 miles away.

Have you considered Dorchester? Or Sherborne? Both very nice and have stations.

Dorchester or Sherborne would be my choices. Both have good schools, stations, a range of shops, swimming pools/ gyms and community stuff going on. Dorchester has more restaurants and a cinema. Either has good access to the countryside.

They'll have less to do in the country and you'll be committed to driving everywhere.
There's masses of drugs in our large town but it's easily avoided. There's plenty of other things to keep teens occupied.