WANT TO LIVE IN POOLE - WHAT ARE THE GOOD AND NOT SO GOOD PARTS?

[Bettina777]

My DH and I are planning a move to Dorset and have decided that Poole in particular seems to be a good fit for all we want from life. No DCs so schools are not an issue. The problem is that we don’t know Poole in the slightest from a living point of view though we have visited a couple of times. As it is quite a big town and has lots of suburbs, we haven’t a clue which is a good area and a not so good one and we don’t want to end up in a “what on earth have we done” scenario.

If anyone has a good knowledge of Poole, I would really appreciate any help in guiding us through the areas. We do know enough to realise we can’t afford to live in Sandbanks or Canford Cliffs! Crime is a big issue to us too so we want an area with low crime and not hoodies dealing or boy racers at all hours. So the more desirable parts would suit us better for peace of mind and hopefully a better life.

Look forward to hearing your views!

That's fine. You'll also have the New Forest nearby with its open green spaces and wildlife and quaint market towns and villages.

This looks great, in Ashley Cross www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/62348564/

Thank you for that. I will take a look 🙂

Hi, we’re looking to move to Alexandra road in Poole near the park. Is this a safe area? What is the park like at night.

@Bettina777 have you actually been to Poole? Which parts did you visit and what is it you think you would like about Poole or want from living there? Personally I'm not a big Ashley cross/whitecliff fan. It is cliquey as anything and so densely populated with not enough green space for me and I say that as someone who nearly bought there...and yes I know Poole park is just across the very busy roundabout but I don't like it and Ashley cross has a postage stamp of greenspace.
My favourite area (and I don't live there either) is near wimborne, it has bars/shops/restaurants but has loads of countryside or if you have no children the broadstone end of creekmoor or west canford heath or corfe Mullen which is not in catchment for the better schools so slightly cheaper but has some niceish houses, but depends what kind of vibe you want.

I have friends that live there, not sure there are many parks whether in Poole or not that are that great at night, but my friends have liked living there

Thank you.

Hi,
Just wondering did you have success in locating a place to live? Your situation sounds so similar to us, we hope to move that way next March 24. Have a 3 and 1 year old and want to give our children a nice outdoor life without being too far away from city life if we need it. My husband works from home so we have flexibility in where we live but would love somewhere in Poole that is safe and feels family friendly. Also where we can make friends too, a nice community of people.
Thanks in advance for letting me know how you got on.

Hi, Broadstone, Corfe mullen or Wimborne are the best places to live.

These are certainly ok and family friendly. Of those, Wimborne has the pick of local amenities, though it's a shame it doesn't have a railway station any more.

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Did you make the move @Bettina777?

I always think it’s prudent to take a rental for 6-12 months to get under the skin of an area - especially with such a big budget - could be an expensive mistake with lots of fees lost in sunk costs.

Thanks for asking. Sadly we haven’t been able to make the move yet due to circumstances beyond our control but we are still hopeful for better luck next year.

Hi Bettina777, just wondering if you made the move to Poole? I’m thinking of doing the same and wondered if you have any advice and knowledge on which areas are best? I’ve seen some really nice houses in Parkstone for around £400k but from what I’ve read on this thread, I should avoid it. I visited in October to get a feel and whilst some roads were an obvious no no, there were what appeared to be some really nice roads like Uppleby Rd, Cheltenham Rd, Buckland Rd, Gladstone Rd and Beaconsfield Rd.

@Bettina777 ignore my message, for some reason I didn’t see your last one that said you hadn’t made the move. Hope you get to do it soon.

Looks like they are all north of Ashley
Road. I suggest you read thread but £400k probably limits you from areas suggested above.

I don't know what area you are moving from @Susannah555 but the area north of Ashley road would not be a reason I would move to Poole.

True, they are all north of Ashley Rd, but not sure what the actual problem is as the streets I looked at (mentioned previously) had really nice properties and if that’s all I can afford then I guess I’m limited to the area if I choose Poole. However, did find some of the streets further up were not so nice.
I’m also looking in Wimborne, Dorchester and Bridport for the same budget and from what I can gather, they are nicer areas, but I’m running out of time so need to make a decision😬.

@Susannah555 it depends what you are after from an area, but certainly the other areas would appeal more to me as I wouldn't want some streets surrounded by main roads, loads of shops of varying quality, rat runs, near not so great areas with not much if any green space nearby. I do know people that live south of Ashley road and they love it, but again, I don't because I like green space and there isn't much where they live either and to me, you could be in any town anywhere. I obviously don't live in Dorchester, but I like it there as it is a quaint town with green space. Wimbourne can be lovely but you need a big budget. I don't know Bridport at all. I've visited and been walking around there but that's it.

Bridport is very nice. It's a quaint market town but also has West Bay only 2 miles away with its beaches and spectacular cliffs. The only downside is it's a long way from a railway station so you're tied to walking or a car