The five most desirable towns to live in Dorset according to Rightmove

It is fair to say there is plenty to see and do in Dorset and we are blessed to live in such a stunning county. 

Therefore it is no surprise that Dorset has seen a huge surge in buyer searches, according to the latest Rightmove data.

The new figures reveal the top five most desirable places to live across Dorset and how rapidly they have grown in popularity.

The coronavirus pandemic has also caused a rethink about people working from home - people are less willing to live in larger areas in order to commute to offices if their jobs can be effectively carried out at home. 

These are the top five locations in Dorset, based on the biggest annual increase in buyer searches from October 2019 to October 2020.

Wareham

Wareham Town Centre. Picture taken with the assistance of Bliss Aviation

The picturesque riverside town is currently the most popular place for people to find a new home in Dorset with a 87 per cent annual increase in buyer searches.

And it’s easy to see why - the market town is one of the few remaining Saxon walled towns in the country and is steeped in history.

There is plenty to see and do in Wareham with its dozens of pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes, meaning people are spoiled for choice when they want to eat or drink out.

Wareham is also a commutable distance from Poole and Bournemouth, while the villages of Wool, West Lulworth and Moreton are only a short distance away.

The average house price in Wareham is £376,736.

Swanage

Tucked away in South East Dorset is the coastal town of Swanage which has experienced a 85 per cent annual increase in buyer searches.

Perfect for those who want a quieter life, Swanage is known for its stunning sea views, historic pier, and coastal walks.

Residents can easily travel to nearby attractions including Corfe Castle, Durlston Country Park, and Studland, which all showcase the county’s beauty.

The average asking price in the area is £378,743.

Broadstone

This Poole suburb is becoming one of the most popular places to move to in Dorset with a 76 per cent annual increase in buyer searches.

This could be down to the upmarket and larger houses in the area, making it ideal for families or commuters.

Broadstone is a commutable distance from central Poole and Bournemouth, with Poole Station within a 12-minute drive away and Bournemouth Airport is approximately 20 minutes away.

Be aware of the house prices in the area - the average asking price for houses is £453,734.

Bridport

Bridport town centre

With a 75 per cent annual increase in buyer searches, there are so many reasons why people want to move to Bridport.

Its town centre is full of unique businesses and independent shops, restaurants, cafes, and its own antiques quarter. Alongside this, residents have been described as “very happy and friendly”, meaning you can easily settle in.

The market town is also minutes away from the Jurassic Coast and the scenic West Bay and harbour with so many shops and kiosks to visit.

Using the A35, motorists can use the road to travel across Dorset to Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Dorchester, and Weymouth or into Devon.

The average asking price in the area is £353,301.

Gillingham

Tucked away in the Blackmore Vale of Dorset is the picturesque town of Gillingham.

The town, which has seen a 75 per cent increase in searches, is surrounded by beautiful Dorset countryside and steeped in history.

Gillingham has more than 60 shops and two commercial estates, Brickfields Business Park and Brickfields Industrial Estate, as well as seven primary schools and one secondary school in and around the town.

Bordering Somerset and Wiltshire, the town has its own station which can take passengers into the South West or towards London. Drivers are a commutable distance from Shaftesbury, Salisbury, Warminster and Yeovil.

House prices in the area are also quite cheap - The average asking price in the area is £287,712.