Charlestown sits within the Weymouth and Portland area of Dorset, surrounded by a mix of coastal neighbourhoods that each bring something slightly different to the table. Crime rates across the area are consistently low and falling, air quality is good throughout, and the mild coastal climate with drier summers is a recurring draw. Families are well catered for, with Good and Outstanding-rated primary schools cropping up in nearly every neighbourhood, though secondary options are more concentrated in spots like Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport, so it's worth checking what's within reach depending on exactly where you settle. Property prices vary widely depending on which side of Charlestown you look at. Portland and Westham offer the most affordable entry points, with flats from around £129,000 to £160,000, while Chesil Bank sits at the other end of the scale, with detached homes averaging £680,000 for that quieter, rural seaside setting. Rodwell & Wyke and Upwey & Broadwey also command higher prices, reflecting their settled, desirable feel, while Chickerell and Radipole offer more middle-ground value. Transport is the main thing to weigh up. Radipole and Upwey & Broadwey both benefit from their own railway stations, making car-free commuting realistic, and Rodwell & Wyke adds ferry links into the mix. Elsewhere, though, including Portland, Westham, Chickerell and Chesil Bank, you'll need a car, as bus and rail links are thin or non-existent locally. The A354 is the key road connecting much of the area into Weymouth and Dorchester. Day-to-day amenities, including supermarkets, GPs, dentists and pharmacies, are generally easy to reach either within each neighbourhood or just a short hop into Weymouth, and healthcare provision is particularly strong around Portland and Westham, with a hospital serving both.