Complete Guide to Working and Living in Weymouth
Are you thinking of living in Weymouth?
Moving to a new area can be quite an intimidating task, especially when you don’t know much about the area you are thinking of moving to!
Most people who are considering a move to a new location will have some idea of what to expect when they get there.
Even a little knowledge, though helpful doesn’t give you the full picture.
If Weymouth sounds as though it might appeal to you, to be absolutely sure you are going to be able to settle here, it makes sense to visit and spend some time exploring the town.
Our Complete Guide to Living and Working in Weymouth hopefully manages to provide you with some information on the most important and practical features the town offers.
Whilst we cannot cover every aspect of moving to Weymouth, we are confident that you will be much more informed about life in this wonderful part of the UK.
Read on for our full guide and start planning your move today.
Is Weymouth a Nice Place to Live
Weymouth is an excellent place to call home. Image credit: Unsplash
Weymouth is appealing in so many ways.
It is a great value destination for property hunters and sits close to a vast amount of beautiful countryside.
The Dorset Area of Natural Beauty wraps itself around the town at its back, and the English Channel sits on three sides, to the east, south and west of the town.
Situated on a sheltered bay at the mouth of the River Wey, Weymouth is the third largest settlement in Dorset after Bournemouth and Poole.
The coast in this area is well known as the Jurassic Coast, boasting 185 million years of history and where you can still find fossilised shells and other marine creatures.
Being among the top three places in the UK for the highest hours of sunshine means you can make the most of the Blue Flag beaches and stunning landscape on offer.
Alongside a swathe of exciting places to visit, the town has a thriving year-round events program.
The Nyetimber Seafood Festival and Weymouth Food Festival rank highly as does the annual Quayside Music Festival.
Life is never boring when living in Weymouth.
House Prices in Weymouth
There is plenty of choice when it comes to properties for sale in Weymouth. Image credit: Envato Elements
Budget, personal circumstances and age are just a few of the criteria that will determine where in the town you are looking to settle.
With an average house price of £308,000 properties in Weymouth are just a tad over the UK’s national figure of £282,000.
As the building of new homes in Weymouth took hold during the Victorian era, there are some very fine examples of properties from this period dotted throughout the town.
In fact, they are the most in-demand properties and rarely do they remain on the market for long.
Best examples can be found in the high street, along the seafront and several streets back from the esplanade area.
401 homes are on the town’s property portfolio ranging from first-time buyer apartments to massive, detached homes sitting on the outskirts of town.
Having such a large area of coastline, you might be lucky enough to buy a home with a panoramic view of the English Channel.
If you can afford it, a four-bedroom detached house on the outskirts of the town is currently for sale for offers over £440,000.
There is a huge choice of homes for sale so you are almost certain to find one you love somewhere in Weymouth.
Renting a Home in Weymouth
Renting a home in Weymouth will be a good option for many. Image credit: Envato Elements
The trend for renting a home in the UK has risen sharply in the past few years.
Many towns have limited rental stock. In Weymouth, even with widening your search to a mile outside the town, there are still only 30 properties available to lease.
As a short-term measure, before you decide where in Weymouth you want to settle permanently, renting a home has certain benefits.
Firstly, renting means you have a chance to see if the neighbourhood you like is going to suit you.
If it doesn’t, you simply test drive somewhere else in Weymouth.
Secondly, it could save you money in the long run if you have sold your previous property.
Sellers love a quick chain free sale.
If you have cash readily available then you are in a good position to barter for a better price.
It is most definitely a case of win-win here.
But, what can you expect to pay to rent a home in the town?
The current average price of renting a property in Weymouth is £965pcm.
Keep in mind that prices will vary when renting in the town.
On factor to consider is property size, with prices increasing when you rent a larger home.
As a guide, you will pay an average of £718pcm for a one-bedroom flat in the town.
Two-bedroom properties are currently averaging at £1,020pcm.
If you are moving with children, a home with three three-bedroom minimum will likely be what you are after. In this case, you need to budget for an average rental price of £1,350pcm.
Schools and Education in Weymouth
Weymouth College of Further Education. Image Credit: Wikipedia
Having a family to consider will also affect your choice of location in Weymouth.
For convenience, you will need to live close to a school that provides your children with a good education.
Weymouth has 14 primary schools and 3 secondary schools.
With the vast majority of schools performing at least to Ofsted’s “good” level, finding a home near a reputable school will at least be made that much easier.
Primary schools achieving a “good” rating from Ofsted include Holy Trinity Church of England VC Primary & Community Nursery School, Wyke Regis Church of England Junior School, Bincombe Valley Primary School and Radipole Primary School.
The three secondary schools serving the town are All Saints Church of England Academy in Wyke Regis, Budmouth Academy in Chickerell and Wey Valley Academy in Broadwey.
They have all converted to academies in recent years.
For those seeking a school providing specialist care, Westfield Art College caters for children between 4-19 years.
A foundation special school for children with moderate learning difficulties and associated additional needs. Ofsted rated the school as “outstanding”
School leavers can attend Budmouth Academy’s sixth form centre plus, they can choose to travel to Weymouth College in Melcombe Regis (2 miles).
Weymouth FE College educates had around 3,000 students from Southwest England and overseas.
Part of The University of Plymouth Colleges Network, the college offers a wide range of practical and academic courses in many subjects, ranging from apprenticeship courses to full and part-time university-level courses.
Transport Links in Weymouth
Weymouth Train Station. Image credit: Wikipedia
For those who work full-time and cannot work from home, it is important to include good transport connections in your search for a new home in Weymouth.
You may have to travel to work in other towns in the region such as Poole, Wool, Beaminster or Axminster so, getting around by road or rail is a huge consideration.
Weymouth railway station is the terminus of a route to and from London Waterloo (2hrs 40min), Southampton (1hr 38min), Westbury (1hr 32min), Bournemouth (51 mins), and Poole (39 mins).
For a full timetable of services visit the Southern Western Railway’s website.
First Buses Wessex provide local bus services for the town.
A regular timetable of services run from Weymouth to the Isle of Portland, Dorchester, Poole, Wool, Beaminster, Axminster, and to other villages and the town’s holiday parks.
Easy links to Weymouth’s main roads make travel by car a viable option as well.
The main A354 runs from Weymouth to Dorchester where it splits into three routes.
The A35 goes east towards Bournemouth and Poole.
The A37 continues northwards as far as Yeovil whilst the A35 west provides a direct run to Axminster and Honiton.
The closest airport is Bournemouth International (38 miles). It provides scheduled flights to Western Europe and the Mediterranean area, with charter and seasonal services serving North Africa, North America, and the Caribbean.
Exeter Airport (52 miles) is another option and offers both scheduled and holiday charter flights within the United Kingdom and Europe.
Additionally, if you like to use a greener method of getting around, Route 26 of the National Cycle Network runs through Weymouth.
Working in Weymouth
Weymouth Harbour and Bay. Image credit: Wikipedia
For centuries Weymouth harbour was a passenger terminal and trade and cargo port: goods handled included wool and spices, and in the 20th century, fertiliser, and cars.
Weymouth Harbour is now home to a commercial fishing fleet, pleasure boats and private yachts, these could be areas where you might find work.
The largest sectors in the town are Wholesale, Retail and Repair representing as much as 17.66% of all local businesses.
Those in search of employment in Weymouth will also do well if they have any skills that may fit within the tourism industry.
Many of the town’s 53,000+ residents work within this sector.
Unsurprising when you consider that during 2019, over two-million-day trips and 469,600 longer stays, brought £209,560,000 of visitors’ money into the Weymouth and Portland area.
According to Payscale.com, the average salary in Weymouth is £25k.
There are some mid to large companies based in the region including ASM Technologies, Ultra Electronics, and ASM International.
Check out and register with Indeed, one of the most popular online employment agencies.
Indeed have over 800 vacancies to fill and there may be one that is just what you are looking for.
Amenities in Weymouth
Brewers Quay, Hope Square, Weymouth. Image credit: Wikipedia
You don’t want to move to a town and discover that you have to travel miles to access decent amenities.
That won’t be a concern in Weymouth.
You’ll find everything you need close at hand.
Shopping in the town offers residents a comprehensive retail experience, from clothing shops to the weekly grocery shop.
Bond Street Shopping Centre is the prime spot for fashion enthusiasts to gather.
Here, you’ll find major brands such as JD Sports, TK Maxx, Peacocks, and New Look.
The centre is enhanced by a busy pedestrianised high street.
Nestled between the Marina, The Esplanade, and Weymouth’s attractive seafront, you’ll discover even more shops to explore.
These areas together offer a plethora of fine pubs, cafés, and restaurants, perfect for a quick snack or a more substantial meal, day or night.
You’ll also find the local cinema here.
Cineworld Weymouth is a 9-screen cinema with ample parking facilities.
Hope Square is another superb shopping spot.
It is home to an array of cafés, bars, bistros, and the historic Brewers Quay building.
When it’s time to do your grocery shopping, there’s a great selection of supermarkets to choose from, such as Co-op, Lidl, Asda, Iceland, and a large Sainsbury’s superstore.
For more details, Expedia has the ultimate guide to shopping in Weymouth. Why not check it out?
Leisure Facilities in Weymouth
Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, Osprey Quay, Weymouth. Image credit: Wikipedia
If you were thinking that Weymouth might not provide you with lots of things to do and see, think again.
Whether you are a keen sports person, a gym bunny or simply enjoy a leisurely cycle ride, Weymouth comes up with the goods.
Here are just a few of the places you may want to spend time keeping fit when you live in Weymouth:
- Weymouth Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre
- Osprey Leisure Centre
- Budmouth Community Sports Centre
- Active Fitness Club
- Zone Fitness
- Weymouth and Portland national sailing academy
Local Attractions
Weymouth Beach is a popular attraction. Image credit: Unsplash
Weymouth has long been a popular coastal holiday destination.
Weymouth Beach, a stunning stretch of golden sand with Blue Flag accreditation, spans three miles.
Its bracing blue waters ensure there is ample space even during the peak season’s busiest times.
Just steps away, the quaint and colourful quayside harbour offers gift shops, alfresco dining, crabbing, antique emporiums, and award-winning fish and chips.
But Weymouth is more than just its seaside.
If exploring your local surroundings is your thing, you’re in for some real treats.
Weymouth Sea Life and Adventure Park is brimming with marine life.
The under-ocean tunnel is a particular favourite for visitors of all ages.
You can even book ahead to participate in feeding some of the local marine residents.
It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family!
RSPB Radipole Lake and RSPB Lodmoor provides the opportunity to get up close and personal with local wildlife, with regular interactive events for both the young and the old to enjoy.
A vigorous walk along the Southwest Jurassic Coastal Path is a splendid way to spend your time.
The views along the path are breathtaking.
You’ll also find plenty of watering holes along the way, so there’s no need to pack a lunch.
If cycling is more your speed, there are numerous excellent traffic-free paths of varying lengths to discover.
Whatever your interests, you can be certain that Weymouth offers engaging activities all year round.
Doctors, and Dentists in Weymouth
Weymouth offers residents excellent healthcare provisions. Image credit: Envato Elements
Although entertainment and amenities are very important, your health is also a priority.
Weymouth can supply you with a good choice of doctors and dentists.
Depending on where you live in the town there will be a medical centre close to you.
It is even more of a priority to register with a new doctor if you take any kind of medicine that requires a prescription.
Ensuring your medical notes are transferred in a timely fashion will avoid unnecessary, potentially dangerous delays.
The Find-My-Doctor website is a handy tool, you can quickly locate which surgery is going to be closest to you.
The next step is to arrange for the transfer of your notes. It is a simple process.
All you need to do is to pop in or call your new doctor and complete a form. They can then make the necessary arrangements.
It should all be done within a few days.
The same process applies to dental services.
Weymouth has plenty of dentists dotted about the town however, it may prove a bit of a challenge to find an NHS dentist.
The best way to search for an NHS-registered surgery is by searching the Dental Choices website online.
Are you Ready to Make the Move to Weymouth?
White & Company Truck
Now that you are armed with much more information about living in Weymouth, are you ready to take the plunge and move here?
Moving home requires plenty of planning and preparation.
It is a huge challenge and will take you right out of your comfort zone so you will need some help.
Your first port of call is to enlist the services of a removal company.
Consider White and Company when moving to Weymouth.
We have been serving the Weymouth community for over 150 years, helping to move thousands of people to new locations across the UK, Europe and internationally.
We know a thing or two about removals.
Our fully trained staff, a fleet of vehicles of all sizes and experience in the removal industry is hard to beat.
Following a personal visit or virtual survey, we can supply you with a no-obligation written quotation tailor-made just for you.
Call us today.
Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.
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