Are you considering moving to Dorset? With stunning Jurassic coastline, charming market towns, and exceptional countryside, Dorset attracts families, retirees, and professionals seeking a better quality of life.
R.H. Pardy Removals & Storage has proudly served Dorset for over 100 years, helping thousands of families move stress-free across the county.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about relocating to Dorset, including property insights, best places to live, schools, amenities, and practical moving tips.
Why Move to Dorset?
Dorset is one of the UK’s most picturesque counties, renowned for its natural beauty and relaxed pace of life. Home to popular towns like Bournemouth, Poole, and Dorchester, Dorset combines coastal living with countryside tranquillity.
Key reasons why Dorset attracts newcomers include:
- Award-winning beaches and coastal paths
- Excellent schools and education opportunities
- Thriving local economy with good employment prospects
- Safe, family-friendly communities
Dorset Property Market Overview
When moving to Dorset, you’ll find a wide range of property types from coastal apartments and rural cottages to modern homes in thriving towns.
Average house prices in Dorset (as of 2025):
- Detached: approximately £549,411
- Semi-detached: approximately £393,490
- Terraced: approximately £305,182
- Flats/Apartments: approximately £243,113
Prime locations like Sandbanks and Lyme Regis command premium prices, while areas like Weymouth and Bridport offer more affordable coastal living.
For up-to-date property listings and prices, visit Rightmove Dorset.
Best Places to Live in Dorset
Choosing where to live is crucial. Dorset offers distinct areas, each with unique advantages:
- Bournemouth: Vibrant coastal living, excellent schools, beaches, and strong employment.
- Poole: Family-friendly, great transport, and superb amenities; home to Sandbanks beach.
- Dorchester: Historic market town with excellent schooling, shopping, and community feel.
- Weymouth: Affordable coastal lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and popular with retirees.
- Christchurch: Picturesque riverside town, good schools, safe community.
- Shaftesbury & Sherborne: Beautiful rural towns ideal for countryside living and tranquillity.
Explore more locations via Visit Dorset.
Education & Schools in Dorset
Education is a key factor when moving. Dorset schools rank highly, with strong primary, secondary, and further education institutions.
Outstanding schools include:
- Bournemouth School (Grammar)
- Parkstone Grammar School, Poole
- Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester
- Sherborne School (Independent)
For primary education, there are numerous Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” schools throughout Dorset.
Use Gov.uk’s school performance tool for detailed comparisons and Ofsted ratings.
Employment Opportunities in Dorset
Dorset’s economy offers excellent employment opportunities, particularly in tourism, finance, education, and healthcare.
Leading employers in Dorset include:
- JPMorgan Chase & Co (Bournemouth)
- Dorset Council (County-wide)
- Bournemouth University
- Dorset NHS Trusts
- Sunseeker International (Poole)
Strong economic performance makes Dorset ideal for career opportunities and business growth.
Check latest job openings at Dorset Jobs or via major sites like Indeed or LinkedIn.
Transport and Commuting in Dorset
Dorset boasts good transport links, crucial for commuters:
- Road: Excellent access via the A35, A31, and A354 connecting major towns.
- Rail: Regular trains from Bournemouth, Dorchester, Poole and Weymouth to London Waterloo in approximately 2 hours.
- Air: Bournemouth Airport connects domestically and internationally.
- Sea: Regular ferry services from Poole to the Channel Islands and France.
Check train schedules via National Rail Enquiries.
Leisure & Lifestyle in Dorset
Moving to Dorset means endless recreational opportunities, from coastal walks to historical explorations:
- Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Popular beaches: Bournemouth, Sandbanks, Weymouth
- Historical landmarks: Corfe Castle, Maiden Castle, Lulworth Cove
- Family attractions: Monkey World, Abbotsbury Swannery, and Adventure Wonderland
Discover more leisure options at Visit Dorset.
Image Caption: Dorset’s leisure activities include stunning walks, beaches, and historic landmarks.
Essential Services: Utilities & Healthcare
When relocating to Dorset, ensure you arrange essential services:
- Council Tax: Register with your local council via Dorset Council website.
- Healthcare: Register with a local GP practice here.
- Utilities & Broadband: Providers such as Wessex Water, SSE, and BT operate locally. Use Uswitch to compare tariffs.
Practical Moving Tips from R.H. Pardy Removals & Storage
Relocating involves careful planning. Here are our expert Dorset removal tips:
- Book your removals company at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
- Declutter before moving—donate unwanted items to Dorset Reclaim.
- Arrange professional packing services to save time and stress.
- Prepare an essentials box with necessary items for your first day.
R.H. Pardy Removals offers full packing and storage solutions to simplify your Dorset relocation.
Why Choose R.H. Pardy Removals & Storage Ltd?
With over a century of experience, R.H. Pardy Removals & Storage is Dorset’s trusted removals company. Our BAR-accredited team delivers:
- Reliable local removals throughout Dorset
- Professional packing and secure storage
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Personal move coordinator for your peace of mind
Whether you’re moving to Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester, or beyond, we ensure your move is seamless and hassle-free.
Request your free Dorset removals quotation today.
R.H. Pardy: Making Moving to Dorset Easy
Moving to Dorset promises a lifestyle filled with beauty, community, and opportunity.
Planning ahead and choosing reliable local removals experts ensures a successful relocation.
R.H. Pardy Removals & Storage Ltd stands ready to guide you through every step of your move to Dorset.
Make your Dorset dream a reality—contact our friendly team today for expert advice and a free quote – you can even ask our removals assistant, found at the bottom right of this page, to help book your move.
