Living in Ferndown: A Complete Guide

Living in Ferndown - A Complete Guide x

Thinking about living in Ferndown? You’re in for a treat.

Nestled in the beautiful Dorset countryside yet just a short drive from the golden beaches of Bournemouth and Poole, Ferndown offers that rare balance between peaceful living and easy access to everything you need.

It’s a town that quietly impresses; friendly, well-kept, and surrounded by nature, with all the modern conveniences right on your doorstep.

Whether you’re relocating solo, moving with a growing family, or downsizing for a calmer pace of life, Ferndown ticks a lot of boxes.

From great schools and local shops to green open spaces and a strong sense of community, it’s a place that feels like home from the moment you arrive.

And when it comes to getting there, RH Pardy Removals & Storage are the local experts who can make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1. Location & Transport Links

1. Location & Transport Links
Ferndown’s location offers excellent transport links, with easy access to the A31 and regular bus routes to Bournemouth, Poole, and Wimborne.

Let’s start with where you are and how you’ll get around.

Ferndown sits just north of Bournemouth and Poole in East Dorset.

Its location gives you easy access to the A31 and beyond, which means good links to the coast, to the New Forest and further afield.

Ferndown is served by 5 bus routes: the 13 & 13a to Wimborne and Bournemouth, the X6 to Ringwood, Verwood, Bearwood and Poole, the FE1 to Ferndown Industrial Estate and Poole, and the 38 to Ringwood, all operated by morebus

For movers, this means two things: firstly, your removal vehicle can navigate to and from Ferndown without too much hassle; secondly, it’s a sensible location if balancing peaceful residential living with access to bigger town amenities.

2. Housing & Neighbourhoods

2. Housing & Neighbourhoods
The Ferndown housing market is popular for its detached, owner-occupied homes, but also offers a healthy mix of flats and family properties.

Now, what kind of home can you expect in Ferndown?

According to recent data, approximately 80% of dwellings are owner-occupied, and detached homes comprise over half of all properties.

Whether you’re after a modest flat or a large, detached home with garden space, Ferndown has a mix.

Estate agents’ guides highlight properties ranging from one-bedroom flats to large family residences in sought-after areas.

 When you’re relocating, these housing details matter.

If you’re moving lots of furniture, a detached house with a garden and easy access is a dream; if you’re into a flat or a smaller spot, you’ll want to check staircases, lifts (if present), loading zones for the removal van and parking for the movers.

Planning ahead with your removal company — and any property agent — will reduce stress on moving day.

The very latest listings in Ferndown can be accessed online via Rightmove or Zoopla.

3. Local Amenities & Lifestyle

3. Local Amenities & Lifestyle
For daily life, Ferndown offers the Penny’s Walk shopping centre, major supermarkets, and beautiful natural heathlands like Ferndown Common.

Let’s talk about life once you’re living there. Ferndown offers a good shopping centre (Penny’s Walk), supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s, and a range of cafés and restaurants.

More than adequate for day-to-day necessities, however, you have much larger locations such as Poole and Bournemouth not far away, providing a huge range of retail offerings.

For leisure, there’s woodland, heathland (including Ferndown Common, a Site of Special Scientific Interest) and various parks and play areas amazing if you want a bit of nature as part of your day-to-day.

If you’re relocating with kids and pets, or simply want a good lifestyle, these aspects really make a difference in your overall well-being.

4. Schools & Family Friendly Features

4. Schools & Family Friendly Features
The town is a great choice for families, operating a three-tier school system which includes the well-regarded Ferndown Upper School.

For families, schooling and local services are key.

In Ferndown, the three-tier school system is in place (first, middle, upper). For example, Ferndown Upper School takes students from age 13 to 19 and prides itself on strong academic and vocational pathways.

Having reliable schools nearby makes settling in easier: you’ll feel more confident that your children have good options, and it helps with the resale or rental appeal of your property.

You can find out more about Ferndown’s primary and secondary schools and their Ofsted ratings by by visiting the Locrating website.

To enrol your child at one of the local Ferndown schools, check out the school admissions page at Dorset County Council’s website.

5. Things to Do & Community Vibe

5. Things to Do & Community Vibe
Ferndown has a strong community vibe with plenty to do, from the renowned Ferndown Golf Club to nature walks at Longham Lakes.

Moving to a new town is more than walls and a roof; it’s about feeling at home and building lasting friendships.

Ferndown has plenty on offer across all ages.

Join the renowned Ferndown Golf Club (heathland courses in beautiful surroundings)

Visits to nature at Longham Lakes or the surrounding heathlands, and community events via the Ferndown Town Council.

For new residents, this means you’re not just getting a property; you’re joining a community, making the unpacking and settling-in process more rewarding.

6. Moving Tips & Practicalities

6. Moving Tips & Practicalities
Our practical tips for moving to Ferndown cover essentials like checking van access, arranging parking, and planning your unpacking schedule.

OK, now onto the moving nuts and bolts. If you’re relocating to Ferndown, here are some practical things to check to ensure your move runs as smoothly as possible:

  • Access: Confirm the removal van can access your new property easily (driveway width, parked cars, overhanging trees).
  • Parking: Book parking for the removal day if needed (especially in more built-up areas).
  • Packing & timeline: Ideally, pack well in advance, label boxes by room, and stick to a timetable to reduce stress on move-in day.
  • Local services: Update utility providers, council tax (via the Ferndown Town Council site), and post-move logistics.
  • Unpacking plan: Have clear instructions for the team helping you (which items go where, any fragile/bulky items).
  • Other considerations: If moving with pets or children, plan a “quiet hour” at the end of the day so everyone settles in without overwhelm.

Using a removal company that knows the local area helps massively: they can anticipate narrow roads, local restrictions, and typical traffic patterns,  making your move far less stressful.

Ready to Start Living in Ferndown? Move with RH Pardy Removals & Storage

R.H. Pardy Removals company in Christchurch

When you’re moving home in Ferndown, you want a partner who has your back. That’s why choosing RH Pardy Removals & Storage is a smart move.

Our locally based knowledge means we are totally familiar with Ferndown’s streets, parking quirks, and access points.

We operate both removal and storage services, so if you need a short- or long-term storage of your items while your new home is being prepared, we can help.

Our friendly, professional team will walk you through every step, from packing to unloading, so you can focus on starting your new life in Ferndown without the stress.

If you’re moving into the area, make sure your chosen movers offer the local expertise and flexibility you’ll need, and with RH Pardy, you get exactly that.

If you need some practical advice and tips based on moving home, take a look at some of the other helpful blogs we have produced:

Last Minute Moves in Dorset: The Go to Guide

How to Move House as a Single Parent – 10 Practical Tips

Moving House and Council Tax in 2025 – A Complete Guide for Dorset Movers

Storage in Christchurch – What to Know Before You Rent