Why Move to Somerset?
Somerset offers countryside, coast, market towns, heritage, strong food traditions and growing business links. It suits families, professionals, retirees, landlords and buyers seeking more space.
The county includes places such as Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Wells, Frome, Glastonbury, Minehead, Burnham-on-Sea, Chard, Wellington and Street. Each area offers a different lifestyle.
Somerset also has strong natural appeal. Residents can enjoy the Quantock Hills, Mendip Hills, Exmoor, coastal towns, rural villages and historic centres. Somerset Council promotes the county’s visitor appeal, walking and cycling routes, heritage, parks and tourism assets.
Why Move to Somerset - What to Expect
Somerset offers a calm lifestyle with access to towns, villages, countryside and coast. It has historic streets, open landscapes and a strong community feel.
Taunton offers shops, schools, transport links and county-town services. Yeovil supports south Somerset with employment, education and local amenities. Bridgwater has links to major energy and regeneration projects. Wells offers cathedral-city charm. Frome is known for creative energy and independent businesses.
Meanwhile, Minehead and Burnham-on-Sea offer coastal living. Glastonbury, Street, Chard and Wellington offer market-town life and local services.
This variety gives movers choice. However, each area has different prices, transport links and property types. Buyers should compare locations carefully before choosing a home.
Housing in Somerset: Exploring Your Options
Somerset has a varied housing market. Buyers can find terraced homes, town houses, apartments, cottages, farmhouses, new-builds and coastal homes.
The average house price in Somerset was £279,000 in March 2026. Average private rent was £986 in April 2026. ONS notes that recent local housing data can be provisional and may change over time.
Detached homes had an average price of £453,000. Semi-detached homes averaged £286,000. Terraced homes averaged £232,000, while flats averaged £134,000.
Taunton, Bridgwater and Yeovil may suit buyers who want town services and transport links. Wells, Frome and Glastonbury may appeal to buyers who want heritage and independent local character. Minehead, Watchet and Burnham-on-Sea may suit those seeking coastal living.
Somerset Council also provides housing guidance, including affordable housing, private sector housing and Homefinder Somerset.
Education in Somerset: A Hub of Learning
Somerset offers education from early years to adult learning. Families can access childcare, primary schools, secondary schools, SEND support, school transport and admissions guidance through Somerset Council.
The county also supports adults who want new skills. Somerset Council offers adult learning, ESOL, employment support and training courses across Somerset.
Further education options include Bridgwater & Taunton College, Yeovil College and Strode College. These providers offer school-leaver courses, apprenticeships, adult learning, higher education or university-level routes.
University Centre Somerset also offers higher education with employer links and practical study routes.
Why Move to Somerset - Employment Opportunities
Somerset has a broad economy. Key sectors include clean energy, aerospace, manufacturing, digital, agriculture, food, care, tourism, construction and local services.
Somerset Council’s Economic Prosperity Strategy 2025 to 2045 aims to grow a fair, green economy. It also highlights clean energy, aerospace, manufacturing and digital as important strengths.
Major developments include Hinkley Point C, Gravity, Nexus, town deals and regeneration projects. Somerset Council also promotes Invest Somerset and the Somerset Growth Hub to support investment, jobs and local businesses.
Tourism also plays an important role. Somerset’s coast, countryside, heritage sites, walking routes and visitor attractions support hospitality, retail, leisure and food businesses.
Therefore, Somerset can suit people seeking local employment, self-employment, hybrid work or business growth.
Why Move to Somerset - Transport Links
Somerset has road, rail, bus and community transport options. Transport access varies by town and village, so buyers should check routes before moving.
Somerset Council provides roadworks, parking, public transport, community transport, active travel and Rights of Way information. It also supports walking and cycling through active travel plans.
Road links include the M5, A303, A358, A38, A37 and A39. These routes support journeys across Somerset and into Devon, Dorset, Bristol and Wiltshire.
Rail services operate from stations such as Taunton, Bridgwater, Highbridge and Burnham, Castle Cary, Yeovil, Frome and Weston-super-Mare in the wider Somerset area. Services vary by route and operator.
Nearby airport options include Bristol Airport and Exeter Airport, depending on where you live.
For rural buyers, transport planning matters. A village may offer beauty and space, but it may need car access or community transport.
Exploring Attractions in Somerset
Somerset offers historic cities, coast, caves, hills, moorland, gardens, railways and family attractions.
Exmoor offers dramatic scenery, walking, cycling, dark skies and outdoor experiences. It is one of Somerset’s best-known protected landscapes.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves is another major landmark. It sits within the Mendip Hills National Landscape and includes limestone scenery, caves, heritage and outdoor adventure.
Wells Cathedral is a key heritage attraction. The cathedral describes itself as a place that has inspired pilgrims for nearly 850 years.
Other popular places include Glastonbury, Dunster, Minehead, Frome, Taunton, Burnham-on-Sea, the Quantock Hills, the Mendip Hills and the Museum of Somerset. Somerset Council also highlights local history, heritage, landscapes and visitor routes across the county.
Dining Out: The Best Places to Dine in Somerset
Somerset has a strong food and drink identity. It is known for cider, cheese, farm shops, country pubs, cafés, markets and coastal food.
Cheddar gives the county one of its most famous food links. Cheddar Gorge and Caves also connect the area with heritage, landscape and local visitor appeal.
Wells Cathedral also hosts cider and cheese events, which reflect Somerset’s local food culture.
Across Somerset, residents can find country pubs, independent cafés, tearooms, farm shops and market-town dining. Coastal towns also offer fish and chips, seafood and relaxed places to eat.
Taunton, Frome, Wells, Glastonbury, Yeovil and Bridgwater all offer a variety of dining options. Rural areas add village pubs, local produce and seasonal food.
Mortgage Brokers in Somerset: Securing a Home
Buying in Somerset can involve a variety of property types. These may include a rural cottage, a family house, a coastal home, a town flat, a listed property or a buy-to-let investment.
A mortgage broker in Bristol can help compare lenders. They can also explain affordability, deposit needs and lender criteria.
This matters in Somerset because property types can vary widely. Some homes may be older, rural, non-standard, listed or close to commercial land. Others may be new-build, coastal or used for rental plans.
A broker may help first-time buyers, home movers, remortgage clients, landlords and self-employed applicants. They can also support more complex cases, such as adverse credit, contractor income, holiday lets or limited company buy-to-let.
Why Somerset is the Perfect Place to Call Home
Somerset offers space, heritage, local food, countryside and coastal living. It also gives access to schools, transport links, business support and major employment areas.
Families may look at Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Wells, Frome, Wellington or Street. Retirees may prefer villages, coastal towns or places near Exmoor and the Quantocks. Professionals may focus on rail links, road access and hybrid working.
The county also offers a strong day-to-day appeal. You can enjoy historic streets, local markets, independent shops, walking routes, farm shops, the coast and the countryside.
For many movers, Somerset feels practical and peaceful. It offers room to grow, work, study and enjoy life.
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FAQ: Why Move to Somerset
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What makes Somerset a great place to live? | Somerset combines countryside charm with easy access to key UK cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter. It offers stunning landscapes, historic market towns, and a slower, more relaxed pace of life ideal for families and remote professionals alike. |
| Are property prices affordable in Somerset? | Compared to southern cities such as London or Oxford, Somerset offers excellent value for money. Buyers can find everything from character cottages and barn conversions to modern developments at more affordable prices. |
| What are the best areas to live in Somerset? | Popular locations include Taunton, Frome, Wells, and Yeovil, each offering its own appeal from bustling arts scenes to peaceful rural living. Bridgwater and Weston-super-Mare also attract commuters and first-time buyers. |
| Is Somerset a good place for families? | Yes. Somerset boasts top-rated schools, safe communities, and plenty of family-friendly attractions like Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, and Exmoor National Park. Many families move here for a better work-life balance. |
| What’s the job market like in Somerset? | The county has a diverse economy, including manufacturing, renewable energy, education, and healthcare. Proximity to Bristol and Exeter broadens career opportunities for commuters and hybrid workers. |
| How are transport links in Somerset? | Somerset is well connected via the M5 motorway, regional rail links to London Paddington, and easy access to Bristol Airport. Rural living here still offers convenient access to the city. |
| What lifestyle can I expect? | Expect a balance of rural peace and modern amenities. Somerset offers a thriving food scene, local festivals, and outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and sailing, perfect for those who enjoy both nature and community life. |
| Is Somerset suitable for retirees? | Absolutely. With tranquil villages, seaside towns, and an active social community, Somerset is a popular choice for retirees seeking affordable homes and excellent healthcare. |