Somerset is the place of rural delight, with its green pastures, gentle hills, picturesque villages and charming cottages. It is a popular go-to escape for those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Expect dramatic landscapes, a rich variety of outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking, some well-deserved relax along the coastline, and some lovely places to walk. If you’re moving to the South West for the first time and have chosen Somerset as the place to be, we’ve picked some of the best areas to live in.
Somerset area comparison
| Area |
Lifestyle |
Key benefits |
Typical commute links |
| Taunton |
Market town |
Green spaces, strong community, good amenities |
Rail links to Bristol & Exeter |
| Wells |
Historic city |
Cultural events, schools, compact city living |
Road links to Bath & Bristol |
| Bath |
City living |
Heritage, culture, high-end amenities |
Direct rail to London & Bristol |
| Frome |
Creative town |
Independent shops, markets, relaxed lifestyle |
Rail to Bath & Bristol |
| Barrow Gurney |
Village living |
Rural setting, close to Bristol |
Short commute to Bristol city centre |
Living in Somerset
Taunton
Lying on the River Tone, in the Vale of Taunton, Taunton is a town in Somerset boasting a thousand-year history. It is the first garden town in the South West, and has always revolved around taking care of the environment and its community. It was voted as “happiest place to live in the South West” in 2014 thanks to its tranquility and slow pace of life.
Wells
Despite being England’s smallest city, Wells became more and more a touristic destination over the years. It hosts literary festivals, theatrical performances and offers a great variety of bars and restaurants to cater for all tastes. It is found in the Mendip district of Somerset, just outside of Mendip Hills. Wells is also a brilliant place to call home if you have children, as many of its schools are highly-regarded.
Bath
Ranked as one of the most pleasant places to live, and listed as the “UK’s most family friendly site”, the World Heritage City of Bath is a real gem. From the Roman baths, the famous Royal Crescent and the rich variety of museums and art galleries, Bath is a wonderful city for your move. If you’re interested in buying a house here, check out our popular Hunters Wood development for a collection of modern 4 bedroom houses for sale In Melksham, just 14 miles to the east.
Frome
To enjoy some of the best rural landscapes in the UK, don’t miss the picturesque town of Frome, 14 miles north of Bath. With the best street market in the South West, artisan Indy businesses and cafes and an excellent selection of local amenities, Frome knows it all. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet and welcoming, don’t miss our wonderful collection of 3 and 4 bedroom on Birds Marsh View development in Chippenham, 23 miles to the north.
Barrow Gurney
Located on the south-western outskirts of Bristol, Barrow Gurney offers a rural way of life while being very close to Bristol city centre. With a wide array of local parks, golf courses and country clubs on your doorstep, browse our Nant Y Castell development in Caldicot, ideal if you’re looking for 3 bedroom new build houses.
Buying a new house is an exciting moment and knowing your priorities and lifestyle can help you decide where to move. Somerset is a beautiful area that includes stunning countryside, spectacular stretches of coastline and vast nature reserves to practice your favourite activities. Give us a call today and one of our Sales Advisers will be in touch soon.
FAQs
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Commute times vary depending on location. Taunton, Bath and Frome all offer rail connections to Bristol, Exeter and London, making them suitable for commuters. Rural villages may require longer car journeys to reach main transport hubs.
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Somerset offers a mix of well-regarded primary and secondary schools, particularly in towns such as Wells, Taunton and Bath. Many families choose these areas due to strong catchments and access to both state and independent schools.
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Broadband quality varies by location. Towns and cities such as Bath and Taunton generally have strong fibre coverage, while more rural villages may experience slower speeds. Full fibre rollout is expanding across the region.
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Yes. Somerset is popular with families due to its safe communities, access to outdoor space, good schools and relaxed lifestyle. Many new build developments are designed with family living in mind, offering access to parks, schools and local amenities.
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