Choosing Dorset as a Place to Live

A Costello Lettings Area Guide

There are places you visit, and then there are places that make you wonder what life might look like if you stayed.

Dorset is very much the latter.

With its rolling countryside, historic market towns, picturesque villages and famous Jurassic Coast, Dorset offers something increasingly difficult to find: space, character and a slower pace of life, without being completely disconnected from the rest of the country.

For those considering a move, Dorset offers an unusually broad choice of lifestyles. You might find yourself living in a Georgian market town, a traditional village surrounded by farmland, a coastal community or a larger town with excellent amenities — all within the same county.

So, why choose Dorset as a place to live?

A County With Room to Breathe

One of Dorset's greatest attractions is its landscape.

The county is home to rolling hills, open countryside, ancient woodland, heathland and some of the UK's most recognisable coastline. Much of the countryside has protected National Landscape status, while the Jurassic Coast provides an extraordinary stretch of internationally recognised coastline.

For many people moving from larger towns and cities, this access to the outdoors is a major part of Dorset's appeal.

A morning walk across the countryside, an evening by the coast or a Sunday lunch in a village pub can become part of everyday life rather than something reserved for weekends away.

For families, couples, retirees and those looking for a different pace of life, that lifestyle can be a compelling reason to move.

Coastal Dorset

For some, Dorset begins and ends at the coast.

The county's coastline is one of its defining features, with sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, harbours and traditional seaside towns.

The Jurassic Coast stretches for 96 miles between Dorset and East Devon and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its outstanding geology. Famous landmarks include Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Old Harry Rocks, West Bay and Kimmeridge Bay.

Popular coastal areas include:

Weymouth
A traditional seaside town with a sandy beach, harbour and plenty of amenities, making it particularly appealing for those wanting coastal living with the convenience of a larger town.

Swanage
A charming coastal town on the Isle of Purbeck, surrounded by some of Dorset's most spectacular scenery.

Lyme Regis
A stylish and historic seaside town famous for its Cobb, beaches, independent businesses and fossil-rich coastline.

Bridport & West Bay
A combination of market-town character and dramatic Jurassic Coast scenery.

Poole & Christchurch
Ideal for those looking for a more urban lifestyle while still having easy access to beaches, harbour and countryside.

Rural Dorset

If your ideal home involves a country lane, a village pub and fields stretching beyond the garden, rural Dorset deserves serious consideration.

The north and central parts of the county are particularly well known for their rural character.

Blandford Forum, Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Sturminster Newton, Sherborne and Wimborne Minster all offer different interpretations of rural Dorset, from historic market towns to smaller communities surrounded by countryside.

For those looking for a quieter lifestyle, the villages surrounding these towns can offer something even more peaceful.

Think:

• Period cottages
• Georgian homes
• Converted barns
• Country houses
• Village properties
• Homes with gardens and rural views
• Small communities with strong local character

This is perhaps the Dorset many people imagine before they arrive — beautiful, green and distinctly English.

Dorset's Market Towns

One of the great advantages of Dorset is that you don't necessarily have to choose between country living and convenience.

The county's market towns provide a useful middle ground.

Blandford Forum

For those looking towards North Dorset, Blandford Forum offers historic architecture, independent businesses, restaurants, schools and everyday amenities, while being surrounded by beautiful countryside.

The town is particularly notable for its Georgian character and its position on the River Stour.

Sherborne

Sherborne is one of Dorset's most characterful towns, surrounded by green valleys and wooded hills. Its historic architecture, independent shops and strong sense of community make it a particularly attractive option for those seeking a traditional Dorset lifestyle.

Dorchester

As Dorset's county town, Dorchester offers a different proposition.

It combines history, culture, shops, restaurants and everyday amenities with easy access to the surrounding countryside and coast. The town has a history stretching back to the Roman period and is strongly associated with Thomas Hardy.

Wimborne Minster

Wimborne offers a charming combination of historic architecture, independent businesses and countryside, making it popular with those looking for a traditional market-town atmosphere.

Shaftesbury & Gillingham

For those looking towards North Dorset, Shaftesbury and Gillingham offer access to the beautiful Blackmore Vale and surrounding countryside, while providing their own amenities and communities.

The Dorset Lifestyle

Perhaps the biggest reason people choose Dorset isn't one particular town or attraction.

It's the lifestyle.

Dorset encourages you to spend more time outside.

There are coastal walks, country footpaths, cycling routes, village pubs, farm shops, independent cafés, markets and countless places to explore.

And while Dorset has a reputation for being peaceful, it isn't short of things to do.

The county has events throughout the year, including country shows, festivals, food events, regattas and local celebrations.

For families, there are beaches and outdoor activities.

For walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, there are miles of countryside and coastal paths.

For food lovers, Dorset has an increasingly strong reputation for local produce, independent restaurants, seafood and artisan food.

And for those simply looking for a quieter pace of life, there is always another village lane to explore.

Is Dorset Well Connected?

One of the concerns people sometimes have when considering a move to the countryside is whether they will feel isolated.

Dorset is rural, but it isn't cut off.

The county has rail, road, coach and bus connections, with links towards larger towns and cities across the South and beyond.

For some residents, Dorset provides the opportunity to enjoy a more rural lifestyle while remaining within reach of larger employment centres.

This makes certain areas particularly attractive to commuters and those who want to combine career opportunities with a more relaxed home life.

Finding the Right Part of Dorset for You

Perhaps the most important thing to understand about Dorset is that there isn't one Dorset.

The county changes dramatically from one area to the next.

If you want:

Country living ? look towards North and Central Dorset.

Village life ? explore the villages surrounding Blandford, Sherborne, Shaftesbury and the Blackmore Vale.

Coastal living ? consider Weymouth, Swanage, Lyme Regis, Bridport, West Bay and the Isle of Purbeck.

A larger town with amenities ? Dorchester, Poole, Bournemouth and Weymouth may be worth exploring.

A traditional market-town lifestyle ? consider Blandford Forum, Sherborne, Wimborne Minster, Shaftesbury or Sturminster Newton.

The right location ultimately depends on what you want your everyday life to look like.

Why We Love Dorset

At Costello Lettings, we believe property is about far more than the four walls of a house.

It's about where those four walls are.

It's the walk you take in the morning.

The village pub down the road.

The school run.

The local farm shop.

The countryside beyond your garden.

The beach you can reach on a Sunday afternoon.

The community you become part of.

That is why we love helping people discover Dorset.

Whether you're relocating to the county, moving within Dorset or simply considering what your next chapter might look like, we'd love to help you find the right place to call home.

Thinking about moving to Dorset?

Talk to Costello Lettings.

We know Dorset not just as a property market, but as a place to live.

From country cottages and village homes to town properties and coastal living, our team can help you understand the areas, properties and opportunities available.

Your next home could be closer than you think.

Costello Lettings — Property with a personal perspective.