If you’re considering moving to Poole, you’re in for a treat.

This beautiful coastal town located in the county of Dorset has a lot to offer, from stunning natural beauty to a thriving local economy.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to your new home.

Covering everything from the town’s history to its best attractions, neighbourhoods, and schools.

We hope to answer all the questions you may have about relocating Poole.

Where is Poole?

Situated in the county of Dorset in South West England, Poole is governed by Poole’s unitary authority.

The town sits five miles west of Bournemouth, 74 miles southeast of Cardiff, and 98 miles southwest of London.

Community and Lifestyle in Poole

Poole is renowned for its welcoming community and the quality of living it offers its residents.

The town caters to a variety of lifestyles, attracting families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

Suburban areas like Broadstone and Branksome Park are particularly popular among families due to their reputable schools and spacious homes.

Meanwhile, areas like Poole Quay and Hamworthy are loved for their unique blend of waterside living and community feel, making them hotspots for those seeking a balance between a peaceful environment and urban convenience.

Residents can enjoy a range of activities, from leisurely strolls along the quay to participating in various water sports in the harbour.

For newcomers wanting to dive deeper into community life, visiting local community centres or the Poole Tourism website can provide a great insight into upcoming events and local clubs.

Is Poole Good For Commuting?

Poole’s transportation infrastructure is well-developed, facilitating easy access both within and outside the town.

The A35 and B3070 roads provide seamless connectivity to nearby areas like Bournemouth and the picturesque villages of Corfe Castle and Swanage.

Poole Train Station, part of the South Western Railway network, offers efficient rail services to major cities including London, which is just under 2 hours away.

For those relying on public transport, the local bus services operated by Morebus and First Bus cover extensive routes throughout Poole and its suburbs.

Cyclists benefit from a dedicated cycle network, making it a practical and enjoyable mode of transport within the town.

Detailed information about routes and schedules can be found on the South Western Railway and Morebus websites, providing residents and visitors with all they need to navigate the area effectively.

Properties in Poole

Property price and availability are huge factors when moving to a new area.

Luckily, Poole can accommodate buyers at all levels of the housing ladder, making it a desirable area for individuals from various backgrounds.

Sandbanks is the place to be if you’re looking for a luxurious home.

With an average sold price of £2,183,579 over the last year, this exclusive location is home to some of the most expensive homes in the region. 

There are lots of possibilities in other parts of Poole, too, if you’re searching for something more reasonably priced.

Due to the abundance of premium homes, the average price of a home in Poole is somewhat inflated at £447,399, although this figure is down from around £470,000 twelve months ago!

Parkstone is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more practical property.

Here, homes can be bought for an average of £366,949, making it a much more cost-effective choice for many buyers.

Retirement properties have a sizable market because of the vast number of retirees attracted to Poole’s waterfront location.

On a shared ownership basis, a one-bedroom apartment in an over-60s development can be purchased for as low as £50,000.

With over half of the 763 properties for sale being one- and two-bedroom residences, first-time buyers are well catered for as well.

Costs for properties with one bedroom start at £170,000 and go up to £450,000 for a luxurious apartment with two bedrooms and an ocean view.

Local Council Services in Poole

Moving to a new area can feel extremely overwhelming.

There always seems to be so much to do and various organisations to inform of your move.

Informing your local council of your move should be a top priority.

You must pay council tax if you are above 18 and own or rent a residence, according to the law.

It is therefore important to know who your local council are.

The Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council (BCP) are responsible for the Poole area.

It’s wise to invest a little time in browsing their website.

The majority of what you need to do can be completed online these days, saving you the time and hassle of visiting the council offices in person.

You can also enrol your child in a nearby school through the website.

Have your name registered to the electoral register and learn when your trash is likely to be emptied.

Also, you will discover additional pearls of local knowledge that could prove useful in the future.

What Job Opportunities Are Available in Poole?

Finding a great home isn’t the only concern you could have if you’re relocating to Poole.

You may also be keen to get employment there. Poole’s economy, fortunately, is more diversified than Dorset’s overall economy, thus there are many options available.

Poole’s economy was once centred around manufacturing and while it is still a significant industry today, the town’s prosperity now relies mainly on the services industry.

The largest privately owned motorboat builder in the world, Sunseeker, is one of the largest employers in Poole.

They employ more than 1,800 workers at its shipyards in Poole. Other significant employers in the regional manufacturing sector include Ryvita, Siemens, and Lush.

The town also boasts the most industrial estates in the region, including the Branksome Business Centre, Arena Business Park, Mannings Heath, Poole Trade Park, and the Nuffield Industrial Estate.

For job seekers in Poole, resources like LinkedIn’s job search tool and local business news on the Poole Economic Development website can provide valuable insights into current job openings.

Engaging with these resources will help potential new residents and local job seekers understand the market dynamics and available opportunities.

With so many options it is clear that there are numerous employment options when moving here.

Education in Poole

One of the town’s standout features is the quality of its education system.

It’s no secret that Poole boasts some of the best schools in the region, with several Ofsted-rated “outstanding” schools catering to all ages.

One such school is the local Poole High School, a co-educational secondary school and sixth form located in the heart of the town.

Following its most recent inspection, the school achieved a “good” rating from Ofsted, which is a testament to the dedication of its teachers and staff.

Another top-performing school in Poole is Parkstone Grammar School, which is widely regarded as one of the best schools in the area.

With an “outstanding” rating from Ofsted, it’s no wonder that many parents aspire to send their children to this prestigious institution.

But it’s not just schools that Poole excels in – the town is also home to the Bournemouth & Poole College.

The college offers a wide range of further education, higher education, and community-based courses for the region.

With over 11,000 students, this college is one of the largest in the UK, making it a popular choice for locals looking to upskill or pursue a new career path.

Last but not least, Poole is home to two state-of-the-art universities that offer world-class education in a range of disciplines.

Whether you’re looking to study business, engineering, or the arts, studying in Poole is an excellent choice for anyone looking to further their education and career prospects.

Best Things to do in Poole

If you’re worried about running out of things to do in Poole, think again!

This town has so many entertainment options and annual events that we couldn’t possibly list them all here.

Trust us, boredom is not an option when moving here!

Some of the top spots to check out include Poole Quay, which is perfect for people-watching while sipping a cold one at the Jolly Sailor.

For nature lovers, Brownsea Island is a must-visit spot where you can catch a boat and spot rare red squirrels or overwintering birds in the lagoon.

Want to explore Poole from the sea?

There are plenty of boat tour companies offering trips around the harbour and even along the Jurassic coastline.

If you prefer staying on land, Poole has tons of outdoor spaces to explore, like Upton Country Park and Hamworthy Park.

Don’t forget about Poole Park, which has a boating lake, ice rink, tennis courts, and cafes.

If you’re into arts and culture, you can’t miss the Lighthouse Arts Centre, which is the largest arts centre outside of London.

Here you can see performances by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and check out creative works made by local artists.

Families with young children will love Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, which is specifically designed for kids aged 0-8.

They’ll get to see all kinds of animals, go on tractor rides, play in outdoor areas, and much more.

Last but not least, if you’re interested in learning about Poole’s history, head over to the Poole Museum.

The museum is located in the oldest building in town and spans four floors with fascinating exhibits that cover thousands of years of history.

Clearly, life in Poole is full of things to do!

Shopping in Poole

Shopping in Poole offers a diverse experience, from modern indoor shopping centres like the Dolphin Shopping Centre to the charming independent shops in Poole’s Old Town.

The area caters to all needs, providing both everyday essentials and luxury goods.

Weekly markets offer fresh produce and local crafts, perfect for those who appreciate the quality and uniqueness of local artisan products.

For more information on shopping destinations and special events, potential visitors and residents can visit the Dolphin Shopping Centre website or explore the Poole High Street information page for updates on market days and special shopping events.

These websites are great for planning shopping trips, discovering special deals, and participating in local community events.

Thinking of Moving to Poole?

Moving to a new region is never a straightforward process.

Relocating to Poole will require lots of planning but there are undoubtedly some excellent factors that make living in the area a top choice!

Ensuring you have the help of a trustworthy and knowledgeable removals company when moving to Poole is key.

With years of experience moving individuals and families alike to locations throughout the UK, R.H Pardy Moving & Storage Limited can assist you with every aspect of your move to Poole.

Our specialist team can guide you throughout every aspect of your move.

For added assurance, you will have the knowledge that you are dealing with a member of the British Association of Removers.

For more information about our removals to Poole services, be sure to give us a call today at 01202499390, or fill out our quick and easy contact form here.

A member of our team will be more than happy to help you get you living in Poole in no time!

FAQs

Is Poole a safe place to live?

Yes, Poole is considered a safe place to live with a crime rate that is generally lower than the UK average.

The town is well-policed and community-oriented, which contributes to its overall safety and security.

What healthcare facilities are available in Poole?

Poole provides excellent healthcare facilities, including the large Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

There are also numerous GP surgeries and health centres distributed throughout the town, ensuring accessible healthcare for residents.

What are the best neighbourhoods in Poole for families?

Families often prefer neighbourhoods like Broadstone and Branksome Park due to their reputable schools, spacious homes, and community atmosphere.

These areas offer a balanced lifestyle with access to parks, good schools, and local amenities.

If you are thinking of moving to the region there are plenty of other areas to consider.

How reliable are public transport links in Poole?

Poole boasts an extensive and reliable public transport network.

Buses operated by Morebus and First Bus serve the town and its suburbs extensively.

Poole also has strong rail connections with direct trains to major cities like London and Southampton, making it a convenient hub for commuters.