Moving to North Dorset

[Evasmum88]

Hi all, I was just hoping to get some insider knowledge on North Dorset and to find out areas with good schools and a friendly community. We currently live near Bristol but my my husband and myself have just secured new jobs which means now feels like the right time to look for our forever family home where we want to live long term. We have settled on North Dorset because the scenery is beautiful and we could possibly afford a detached house with countryside views with a big garden which we would not be able to afford where we are at the moment. We have 6 and 9 year old girls and my main priority is finding somewhere friendly, welcoming and with good schools where they would be more likely to make friends easily and feel accepted. We really like the look of Sherborne and was wondering if anyone has any experiences of living there or the schools at all? Are there enough younger people or is it mainly retiree’s that live there? We were also wondering about Shaftesbury but couldn’t find as much information about it.

Would really welcome any views. We enjoy peace and the countryside and would definitely not describe ourselves as needing lots of nightlife, but I would like my daughters to make some friends that they can meet up with and maybe attend clubs like horse riding etc.

Thanks!

Evasmum

Sherborne is friendly and offers a lot considering it is not very big. I am thinking of various events and festivals, societies of all kinds, and essential shops. Because of all the schools there are quite a few younger families (as well as all the retirees, who however seem quite an energetic and interesting crowd!) and I think both the primaries and the big secondary are well attended, so the demographic is really quite mixed. Then of course there are also the Prep, which is great, and the boys' and girls' schools, so there are a lot of options.

I don't know much about Shaftesbury but can definitely recommend North Dorset in general and Sherborne in particular.

Sherborne is a great place with plenty of young people. The state schools are highly thought of and there are three good independents.
A great cultural scene too with music and arts festivals.
Excellent restaurants and bars and well supported markets.

Thanks both. Sorry this is such a late reply I only just looked back on mumsnet properly. I think we have broadened our scope to the North East now as you can get so much more property for your money. Thanks anyway. :-)

What towns are you looking at now, n or e dorset

Ah, I meant North East England. Had a big about change and considered a move to Scotland but have settled possibly on Northumberland :-)

Bloody hell, you will get a mansion in Northumberland for £250,000.

But wages are low.