Somerset County is situated in the southwestern part of England. To the north of Somerset lies Gloucestershire and to the east lies Wiltshire. The famous Bristol Channel lies to the northwest of Somerset. Taunton, the county town is located in its west-central part.
The Mendip Hills and the Quantock Hills are known for their mesmerizing natural beauty. Exmoor National Park stretches along western Somerset. It has a long history starting from prehistoric times.
| Benefits of Living in Somerset | Drawbacks of Living in Somerset |
| It has breath-taking natural beauty | It offers fewer property options to choose from |
| Property Prices are lower | It has a restricted scope of employment |
| It offers urban living | It offers lower rates of remuneration |
| It offers rural living | The place is crowded during the summer holidays |
| It has excellent transport connectivity | The pace of life is slower here |
| Schools are available | |
| It has a rich history and many landmark places | |
| Restaurants and pubs are available |
Advantages of living in Somerset
It has breath-taking natural beauty
Somerset is a picturesque county in southwest England. With the Exmoor National Park, the Mendips and the Quantock hills Somerset is the place to be to enjoy nature at its best. The county also has a beautiful coastline and beaches.
Property Prices are lower
Somerset is sparsely populated and is an ideal place for those seeking a quiet, rural home. Property prices are approximately 40% lower in Somerset compared to London. However, towns like Bath are more expensive than other parts of Somerset.
It offers urban living
Small towns such as Bath, Wells, Crewkerne, and Wellington are market towns. They are known for their historic architecture like Georgian-style cottages which are available for sale or for rent.
It offers rural living
Scenic, beautiful villages like Cheddar provide the perfect countryside experience. With friendly local communities, a pollution-free environment,s and a slow pace of life it is an ideal place to raise a family.
It has excellent transport connectivity
There is excellent rail connectivity with London, Paddington, and other bigger cities. One could also travel by road or by air. Both domestic and overseas flights are operated from Bristol airport.
Schools are available
There are schools for children of all age groups and four colleges for higher education. There are some private schools available too.
It has a rich history and many landmark places
Somerset is known for its rich history. Ruins of Roman architecture include the Pagans Hill Temple and the town of Bath. Many Arthurian legends are also centered in Somerset. Among the notable landmarks is the Cheddar Gorge, which is the deepest gorge in Britain, the Gough Caves, etc.
Bath, which was home to Jane Austen from 1801 to 1806, has the Jane Austen Museum and the Royal Crescent among other things.
Restaurants and pubs are available
There are many restaurants and pubs to choose from. Famous eateries like the Pony Trap have organic and locally sourced food on their menu. The Notley Arms Inn in Monksilver is a well-known hangout to meet with peers and family. The city of Bath has some of the best bars in the county.
The Glastonbury Festival is an art festival, generally held in the last week of June. It has a variety of events including Music, theatre, cabaret, dance performances, etc. A fun fact is that the venue, Worthy Farm is closer to Pilton than it is to Glastonbury.
Disadvantages of Living in Somerset
It offers fewer property options to choose from
Since the population density in Somerset is low, the number of properties available to choose from for purchase or rent is few. People who are very particular about the kind of property they want might find it difficult to find the perfect house.
It has a restricted scope of employment
There are fewer job openings in this part of the country as it is mostly rural, scenic countryside. People with high ambitions might find it frustrating or boring after a while. However bigger cities do have industries like manufacturing; so one may find job opportunities in that sector.
It offers lower rates of remuneration
Since the economy of the southwestern part of the country is mostly made of agriculture and some manufacturing industries in the larger towns, the salaries are lower compared to the other parts of England.
The place is crowded during summer holidays
Somerset is known for its historical sites, amazing natural beauty as well as its serene coastline and seaside resorts. Hence, it is a popular summer destination for domestic as well as international tourists.
However, this can take a toll on the residents due to congestion of roads, difficulty to find parking spaces, etc. The residents who are otherwise not disturbed might find it difficult to adjust to the sudden crowds.
The pace of life is slower here
The pace of life is slower compared to other urban areas in the country. Some people may get tired of this sleepy, relaxed way of life. One should keep in mind the kind of life one wants to lead before moving to Somerset.
If someone wants to lead a secluded, idyllic life in the lap of nature; if one wants to lose track of time while counting the stars or watching the waves crash on the shore then Somerset is the place to go. If however, the fast-paced life of a busy metro city is what one needs then it is better to reconsider the decision to live here.
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