Living in Dorchester – 11 Amazing Reasons to Move Here

Living in Dorchester 11 Reasons to Move to Dorset's County Town (2025 Guide)

If you’re looking for a town that truly embodies the spirit of Dorset, living in Dorchester is hard to beat.

As the county town, it offers a fantastic blend of rich history, modern amenities, and that quintessential West Country charm.

It’s perfectly positioned, nestled between the rolling hills inland and the dramatic Jurassic Coast just a short drive away.

For anyone considering a move, Dorchester presents a compelling case: it’s historic yet vibrant, well-connected yet peaceful.

At R.H. Pardy Moving & Storage Ltd, we’ve been helping families settle into Dorchester and across Dorset for over 100 years.

As a local, family-run firm based just down the road in Christchurch, we know this area intimately. This guide gives you an honest, insider’s perspective on what living in Dorchester is really like in 2025.

1. Step Back in Time: A Rich Historical Heritage

1. Step Back in Time A Rich Historical Heritage
Dorchester’s deep history is visible everywhere, from its Roman walls and Maumbury Rings to the nearby Iron Age hillfort, Maiden Castle.

Dorchester wears its history proudly. Its roots stretch back to Roman times (‘Durnovaria’), and you can still see remnants of the Roman walls and visit Maumbury Rings, a Neolithic henge later adapted by the Romans as an amphitheatre.

The nearby Maiden Castle is one of Europe’s largest Iron Age hillforts – a truly awe-inspiring place for a walk.

In the town itself, the Dorset Museum houses fascinating collections that bring the county’s deep past to life. Living here means that history isn’t just in museums; it’s part of the town’s fabric.

2. A Vibrant Cultural Scene

Despite its market town feel, Dorchester has a surprisingly lively cultural calendar. Dorchester Arts, based at the Corn Exchange, hosts a fantastic programme of theatre, live music, comedy, and film.

The town also celebrates its strong literary connections, most notably with Thomas Hardy, through events like the annual Dorchester Literary Festival.

Throughout the year, various festivals, markets, and community events keep the town buzzing.

3. Excellent Schools for Families

3. Excellent Schools for Families
Families are drawn to Dorchester for its reliable educational infrastructure, which includes the highly-respected Thomas Hardye School.

Finding the right schools is crucial when relocating, and Dorchester provides solid options.

The town offers several well-regarded primary schools known for their supportive environments.

For secondary education, The Thomas Hardye School is highly respected, boasting a strong academic reputation and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

The presence of Dorchester Middle School also provides a popular transition stage for many families. This reliable educational infrastructure makes Dorchester a top choice for families moving to Dorset.

4. Gateway to Dorset’s Natural Beauty

4. Gateway to Dorset's Natural Beauty
Dorchester’s location is a perfect gateway to the Dorset AONB and the iconic Jurassic Coast, with Lulworth Cove just a short drive away.

Dorchester’s location is perfect for exploring the great outdoors. You’re surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Countless footpaths and bridleways crisscross the rolling hills, perfect for walking, cycling, or horse riding.

Crucially, you’re only a short drive (around 20-30 minutes) from the iconic Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering breathtaking coastal walks, fossil hunting, and charming seaside villages like Lulworth Cove and Abbotsbury.

Expert Insight from R.H. Pardy: “Many families we move to Dorchester specifically mention the easy access to both countryside and coast. Being able to pop down to the beach after school or go for a long country walk at the weekend is a huge lifestyle benefit here.”

5. A Strong and Welcoming Community

Dorchester manages to retain a genuine, close-knit community feel.

The weekly Dorchester Market (held on Wednesdays) is a prime example – it’s as much a social gathering as a place to shop. Numerous local clubs, societies (check Health & Kindness for listings), and volunteer groups make it easy for newcomers to get involved and meet people.

It’s a town where you can quickly feel like a local.

6. Convenient Transport Links

6. Convenient Transport Links
As a well-connected county town, Dorchester features two train stations with direct routes to London, Bristol, and Bath.

Being the county town means Dorchester is well-connected.

  • Rail: It uniquely boasts two train stations. Dorchester South is on the mainline to London Waterloo (approx. 2.5 hours) and Southampton. Dorchester West serves the Heart of Wessex line towards Bristol and Bath.
  • Road: The town sits conveniently near the A35 and A37, providing straightforward road access across Dorset and towards Somerset and Wiltshire.

7. A Great Shopping Experience

Dorchester offers a pleasing mix of independent shops and high-street names.

The main shopping streets (South Street, High West Street, High East Street) are full of character.

Brewery Square, a modern redevelopment on the old Eldridge Pope brewery site, provides a hub with shops like Joules and Hobbs, restaurants (including Wagamama and Zizzi), cafes, and a cinema. Don’t miss the unique boutiques dotted around town and, of course, the bustling Wednesday market.

Just outside town, Poundbury, King Charles’s model village, offers another distinct shopping area with artisan stores and cafes.

8. A Diverse Food and Drink Scene

8. A Diverse Food and Drink Scene
The town’s food and drink scene ranges from historic pubs and fine dining restaurants to cosy independent delis and cafes.

You’ll eat well in Dorchester. The town has a superb range of options.

  • Historic Pubs: Numerous traditional pubs offer hearty food and local ales – The King’s Arms, famously featured in Hardy’s work, has been beautifully restored.
  • Quality Restaurants: From fine dining experiences showcasing Dorset produce to excellent Italian, Indian, and other international cuisines, there’s plenty of choice. Myra’s Kaiseki offers highly-regarded Japanese food.
  • Cafes & Delis: Lots of independent cafes provide great spots for coffee, cake, or a light lunch.

9. Reliable Healthcare Facilities

9. Reliable Healthcare Facilities
Residents have access to excellent healthcare, anchored by the comprehensive Dorset County Hospital located right in the town.

Access to good healthcare is essential. Dorset County Hospital, situated in Dorchester, offers comprehensive services, including an A&E department.

There are numerous GP practices and dental surgeries within the town, ensuring residents are well-catered for. You can easily find and register with local NHS services online.

10. Plenty of Recreational Activities

Keeping active is easy when living in Dorchester.

The Dorchester Sports Centre offers a swimming pool, gym, and fitness classes.

The surrounding countryside provides endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits.

The nearby coast is perfect for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Within the town, the beautiful Borough Gardens offer a Victorian park setting for walks and relaxation.

11. Relatively Affordable Housing

11. Relatively Affordable Housing
Dorchester’s property market offers a diverse mix of homes and often presents better value compared to Dorset’s coastal hotspots.

While nowhere in Dorset is truly ‘cheap’, Dorchester often presents better value for money compared to the coastal hotspots like Poole or Bournemouth, or popular towns like Sherborne.

  • Average Prices (Late 2025): The average sold price hovers around £357,114
  • Property Mix: You’ll find a good range of properties, from elegant Georgian townhouses near the centre to Victorian terraces, 1930s semis, and modern family homes on newer developments like Poundbury. Terraced homes offer a more accessible entry point, averaging around £275,000 – £300,000.

Ready to Start Living in Dorchester?

Living in Dorchester offers a fantastic quality of life, combining history, culture, community, and stunning natural surroundings, all underpinned by practical amenities and good value.

If you’re planning your move, choosing a removals company with genuine local expertise is key.

As a BAR-accredited firm based in Dorset for over 100 years, R.H. Pardy Moving & Storage Ltd understands the nuances of moving within the county. We offer professional , secure , and a friendly, reliable service to make your transition seamless.

Speak with our experienced team today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us help you settle into Dorchester.