Nestled on the stunning southern coast of England, Poole in Dorset is often overshadowed by its more well-known neighbours like Bournemouth or the city of Southampton.
However, those who take the time to explore and understand this coastal gem soon realise it offers a lifestyle that many towns can only dream of. From its award-winning beaches to a thriving job market and rich maritime history, Poole is undoubtedly one of the best places to call home in the UK.
Here are seven compelling reasons why Poole is an amazing place to live.
1. Unbeatable Coastal Beauty and Beaches
Poole is synonymous with its stunning coastline. With over 60 miles of shoreline and some of the best beaches in the UK, this town is a paradise for sea lovers. Sandbanks Beach, in particular, is world-famous — not just for its fine golden sand, but also for its Blue Flag status, which it has held for decades. It’s regularly listed among the top beaches in Europe.
Living in Poole means waking up with the option to take a morning stroll along the promenade, go paddleboarding after work, or enjoy a sunset beach BBQ with friends. Whether you’re a surfer, sailor, or sunbather, the coast is part of daily life here.
What makes it even better? Despite the town’s growing popularity, Poole’s beaches rarely feel overcrowded — a real luxury compared to other UK seaside destinations.
2. High Quality of Life
Poole consistently ranks highly for quality of life, and it’s easy to see why. The town boasts low crime rates, excellent healthcare services, and a clean, well-maintained environment. Whether you’re raising a family, entering retirement, or seeking a fresh start, Poole offers a safe and peaceful setting to thrive.
The air feels cleaner thanks to the sea breeze, green spaces are abundant, and the pace of life — while not too slow — manages to strike a balance between laid-back and lively. It’s the kind of place where neighbours still say hello, and community events actually bring people together.
There’s also a strong sense of civic pride in Poole, with ongoing investment in public spaces, sustainability, and amenities.
3. A Haven for Water Sports and Outdoor Activities
If you enjoy staying active, Poole offers an unmatched variety of outdoor pursuits. Its natural harbour is one of the largest in the world and acts as a magnet for sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and jet-skiing. The harbour’s calm waters and beautiful backdrop make it an ideal place for beginners and pros alike.
Beyond water sports, Poole is surrounded by a host of beautiful walking and cycling trails. The nearby New Forest National Park and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) provide endless opportunities for hiking, fossil hunting, and exploring nature.
There are also well-maintained golf courses, tennis clubs, and yoga studios for those who prefer their exercise on land. Simply put, if you’re the kind of person who likes to get outdoors and move — Poole will feel like home.
4. Excellent Schools and Education Options
For families, Poole offers some of the best education in Dorset. There are a range of high-performing primary and secondary schools, including grammar and independent options. Institutions like Poole Grammar School and Parkstone Grammar School regularly rank among the best in the region.
You’ll also find high-quality early years settings and nurseries, making it easier for working parents to find reliable childcare.
For those pursuing further education, Bournemouth University is just a short journey away and offers a variety of degree and postgraduate programmes. Meanwhile, Arts University Bournemouth draws creatives from across the country.
Education is a priority here, and the local community is deeply invested in maintaining high standards across the board.
5. Rich History and Culture
Poole is steeped in history. Once a bustling medieval port, the town played a significant role in England’s maritime past — including trade, fishing, and shipbuilding. Today, this rich heritage is beautifully preserved in the Old Town, where cobbled streets, Georgian buildings, and charming harbourside pubs tell stories of times gone by.
Museums like Poole Museum and landmarks such as Scaplen’s Court offer engaging glimpses into the town’s fascinating past. Regular heritage walks and cultural events — like the Poole Harbour Festival and summer fireworks — bring this history to life in the present.
Modern culture is thriving too, thanks to venues like Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, which hosts everything from ballet and opera to stand-up comedy and indie films. For a relatively small town, Poole punches above its weight when it comes to creative and cultural offerings.
6. Strong Economy and Job Opportunities
Poole isn’t just about leisure and relaxation — it also offers solid opportunities for work and business. The town has a diverse economy, with thriving sectors in marine industries, tech, healthcare, and tourism.
It’s home to major employers like Sunseeker International, the world-renowned luxury yacht manufacturer, and Lush Cosmetics, which has its headquarters in nearby Poole and employs hundreds of people in the area. The Port of Poole is a vital commercial hub, supporting logistics and import/export jobs.
In addition, Poole’s proximity to Bournemouth and Southampton means residents have access to a wider employment catchment area while still enjoying a coastal lifestyle. Remote and hybrid work is also increasingly popular here, supported by good infrastructure and coworking spaces.
7. Fantastic Transport Links and Accessibility
Though it feels like a tranquil retreat, Poole is far from isolated. The town enjoys excellent transport connections both within Dorset and beyond. The train station provides direct routes to London Waterloo in around two hours, making it feasible for occasional commuting or city day-trips.
Buses are reliable and cover most of the local area, while the nearby Bournemouth Airport connects you to major UK and European cities. For international travellers, Southampton Airport and even Heathrow are accessible with ease.
Poole is also well-served by road, with the A35 and A31 linking to the M27 and the broader motorway network. For those who prefer life on the water, the Poole Ferry Terminal offers passenger and freight services to destinations like Cherbourg and St Malo.
Whether you’re heading to work, planning a weekend away, or hosting visitors — Poole is remarkably well-connected for a coastal town.