Should I Move to Bournemouth? 2025 Guide
Thinking about living in Bournemouth? Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or a fresh start by the sea, Bournemouth has plenty to offer. Located on the south coast of Dorset, Bournemouth is predominantly known for its stunning beaches, town centre and easy access to the countryside.
From students to retirees and families, Bournemouth continues to attract people from all walks of life, and it’s easy to see why.
This guide gives you a clear look at what it’s like to live in Bournemouth. We’ll go over the benefits, the drawbacks, and everything in between, so you can decide if it’s the right place for you.
Cost of Living in Bournemouth
The cost of living in Bournemouth is generally in line with the national average. Essentials like groceries, transport, and dining out are relatively affordable, especially compared to larger cities like London or Brighton. Shopping at local produce markets and budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help keep costs down.
Groceries
According to Numbeo, you can expect to pay approximately £1.25 for a litre of milk, £1.30 for a loaf of bread, and £3.62 for a dozen eggs.
Eating Out
A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant typically costs around £65, making Bournemouth a manageable place to enjoy quality of life without breaking the bank.
Transport
The average 30-day bus pass is around £60, which is reasonable for students in the area. Many parts of Bournemouth are also walkable or bike friendly, which helps reduce transport costs.
A positive caveat, is that one of the best things about living in Bournemouth is how much you can enjoy without spending much. The beach is right there whenever you need a break, whether it’s a morning swim, evening walk or weekend picnic. You’re also close to some of Dorset’s most scenic spots like Swanage, Durdle Door and the Purbeck Hills, all great for walks and day trips.
Employment Opportunities
Bournemouth’s economy is service driven and includes strong sectors like tourism, finance, education, and healthcare. JP Morgan, LV=, and Bournemouth University are among the largest local employers.
Bournemouth has a strong local economy and relatively low unemployment, which makes it an appealing place to work. Jobs are available across a range of sectors, including finance, digital, healthcare, education and hospitality. Tourism and public services also play a big role in the job market, especially during the busier summer months.
Transport and Connectivity
One of Bournemouth’s major advantages is its connectivity. With a main train station located centrally, residents enjoy easy access to surrounding areas and major cities. A direct train to London Waterloo takes approximately 97 minutes, making Bournemouth a viable option for commuters or hybrid workers.
Public transport across the town is well-developed, with frequent bus routes connecting neighbourhoods, shopping centres, and schools. Bournemouth International Airport, located in nearby Hurn, provides regular flights to destinations across Europe, adding another layer of convenience for both business and leisure travel.
It’s also worth noting, across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, there are over 155 miles of cycle routes, so getting to and from if you an avid cyclist is easy. With plenty of cycle lane expansions occurring across the region.
Local Advice: That said, Bournemouth does experience traffic congestion during peak times, especially in the summer months when tourism increases. Routes into the town centre and coastal roads can become busy, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Education and Schools
Families living in Bournemouth will find a wide range of high-performing schools. The area has 85 primary schools and 39 secondary schools, many of which are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Notable schools include Bournemouth School, Glenmoor Academy, and Queen’s Park Academy.
For higher education, Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth attract students from across the UK and internationally.
Lifestyle and Things to Do
Living in Bournemouth offers access to one of the UK’s most beautiful coastlines. With over seven miles of sandy beaches and a milder climate, the town is perfect for those who love the outdoors. Activities like surfing, paddleboarding, and coastal walks are part of everyday life here.
Beyond the beach, Bournemouth boasts a lively town centre filled with restaurants, bars, and independent shops. Popular shopping areas include The Arcade and Castlepoint Shopping Centre, which is home to over 40 major retailers.
The town also hosts various cultural and seasonal events, such as the Bournemouth Air Festival, Arts by the Sea, and the Christmas Tree Wonderland.
For sports fans, AFC Bournemouth brings Premier League football right to the heart of the town. Home games at the Vitality Stadium are available, whether you support the local team or another premier league side.
Student Life
Bournemouth is home to a large student community, with both Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth drawing in thousands of students each year. The town offers a great balance of study and social life, with plenty to do outside of lectures.
There’s a wide variety of bars, pubs and clubs, from long standing favourites like BarSo and Cameo to newer venues like Lost. Whether you’re into dance nights, live music or pubs, there’s no shortage of places to go out.
If you’re a student looking for accommodation or advice on renting, check out our student lettings page for helpful info and available properties.
Neighbourhoods and Surrounding Areas
Bournemouth and the wider BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole) area offer a mix of neighbourhoods to suit different lifestyles and budgets:
- Winton – Affordable and student-friendly, close to both universities with lots of pubs, takeaways and supermarkets
- Charminster – Popular with young professionals and students, known for its multicultural food scene and good transport links
- Southbourne – Laid-back and by the sea, ideal for families and beach lovers, with independent cafés and a strong community feel
- Westbourne – Stylish and upmarket, close to the beach and town centre, known for boutique shops and a village-like charm
- Poole – Offers a mix of harbourside living, family homes and vibrant high streets, plus great access to Sandbanks and coastal walks
- Lilliput & Branksome Park – High-end areas with large homes, tree-lined streets and easy access to the water, ideal for those seeking luxury
- Christchurch – Historic and quieter, with a slower pace of life, riverside walks and good schools
- Broadstone & Wimborne – Leafy, semi-rural areas with a strong community atmosphere and excellent for those seeking peace and space
Is Bournemouth Right for You? A Quick Look
Pros
Stunning beaches and access to nature
Good transport links, including direct trains to London
Wide range of neighbourhoods for different lifestyles and budgets
Well-regarded schools and universities
Great for students, young professionals, and families alike
Cons
Town centre and beach can get crowded in summer
Traffic congestion and limited parking during peak times
Rising property prices in popular areas
Limited variety in large-scale industry or corporate roles
Nightlife is decent but limited compared to larger cities
Summary
Bournemouth has a lot going for it. You’ve got the beach, decent transport links, good schools, and enough going on to keep most people happy. It’s a solid place to live if you’re after a slower pace without giving up city conveniences. House prices are creeping up in the popular areas, and summer crowds can be a pain but overall, it’s easy to see why more people are moving here.
Common Questions
Not compared to places like London or Brighton. Rent and house prices have gone up in recent years, especially near the beach, but day-to-day costs like food and transport are manageable.
Decent, depending on your field. There’s steady work in healthcare, education, hospitality, and growing opportunities in tech and creative industries. If you need big corporate roles, you might have to look further afield or commute.
Yes. There are plenty of schools rated “Good” or better by Ofsted, quiet residential areas, lots of green space, and the beach is a bonus for kids.
Very. Direct trains from Bournemouth to London Waterloo take about 1 hour 40 minutes. Not ideal daily, but doable a few times a week for hybrid workers.
Yes, though summer is definitely the busiest. In the off-season, you’ve still got walks, cafés, live music, sports, and decent local events. It’s not a 24/7 city, but you won’t be bored.
Mild, mostly. Winters aren’t harsh, but it rains a fair bit. Summers are warm, and you’ll get plenty of decent beach days — just not all the time.
