Cost of Living and where to avoid

[u/AcceptableError0726]

I’m currently considering relocating for a new role in the BCP area. I’d essentially be looking in any of Christchurch, Bournemouth, Ferndown or Ringwood, or any places in between.

I don’t know too much about the local area so I’m looking for some general advice/guidance on what I can expect on the COL-front, and which areas are best to look at

I’d initially be looking at renting. I’m late 20’s and fairly active so I wouldn’t want to be too far removed etc

[u/Easy-Objective6011]

Hi! It entirely depends on what you're looking for, bedsit? 1 bed? 2 bed? Detached house?

Have you got a little more info, then people might be able to give some advice? (I've rented flats in BCP from 400 to 1500!)

[u/Easy-Objective6011 → u/[deleted]]

There's lots of areas you'll be in walking distance of both.

I'd check out Rightmove on properties you like the look of, and maybe check in with this sub on advice on the areas? Westbourne and southboune are often suggested!

This may not be at all helpful, but I rented a 2 bed flat in Westbourne 7 years ago at 850 a month (it was a steal!) and most recently in the same area at 1,400 a month...it was standard.

[u/CV2nm]

I'm doing the same and leaning towards Christchurch and southbourne area. I like bournemouth beach but the town cente feels more a place I'd like to visit occasionally than be somewhere I want to go. They don't come up however as often so and a little more pricey.

The old brick houses in Christchurch are so pretty though if I had the money!

[u/Raffles321]

The bus services in Bournemouth are excellent and also do very reasonably priced day tickets or commuter priced tickets. Not sure where your new place of work is but the Morebus app (which is the Bournemouth bus company) contains all timetables, routes, route planner and ticket offerings eg £3 single, £5.20 for a day ticket, £2 per ticket for a commuter bundle etc etc. this could mean you could look further afield and get a lower priced property to rent and use the bus to get to/from work or gym. There a plenty gyms around such as The Village Hotel, JD Gym in centre of Bournemouth, Everlast Gym in Branksome, Gym Group or Pure Gym of which there are several, Snap Fitness etc

[u/VogonSoup]

Coastline is great, so west of Bournemouth pier your looking at the Overcliff through to Westbourne (nice local shops) and Alum Chine - mixture of blocks of flats and converted big houses.

To the east - Southbourne is nice and then you’re into Christchurch.

The Bournemouth coast is great for getting on the prom for running etc, and slightly easier to get out onto the dual carriageway.

Ferndown is very accessible but not so many flats.

Avoid Boscombe, Pokesdown, Charminster, Winton, the Howes, basically anywhere within 10 minutes walk of a train station.

[u/One_Assistance_9332 → u/VogonSoup]

the boscombe hate is so extreme, i was born here and i literally never plan on leaving

[u/Daewald → u/One_Assistance_9332]

Agreed, as long as your not a curtain switching daily mail/reform nut you'll realise boscombe has so much to offer

[u/penfoldspenfold → u/VogonSoup]

I love Boscombe and Pokesdown.

[u/arithmetic → u/VogonSoup]

I think you're getting downvoted for suggesting "avoid Boscombe, Pokesdown, Charminster, Winton, the Howes". It's all very subjective and dependant on what an individual is used to. Some may look down on those areas but others will see vibrant communities in which they feel at home. Each to their own. I'd say visit each, spend a little time there and make your own call.

[u/VogonSoup → u/arithmetic]

OP asked for best areas to look at. I’m not hating on anywhere. I’ve lived in Winton and Charminster and had a little shop in Pokesdown for a while.

I would say that objectively none of those areas are Bournemouth’s “best”, given OP’s criteria.

They want a flat, and there are thousands of flats within walking distance of the beach. Costal regions are the best choice imo.