Settling In Series - An Island of Adventure

For any parent considering a relocation, one of the most important factors will be making sure their potential new home is also right for their children – that they will be happy in their new environment and settle in with ease.

Guernsey has long been known as a fantastic place to raise a family. It’s a place to escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature and spend more time with those that matter most.

In this article, Locate Guernsey’s Relationship Manager, Lily Prus, shares five reasons why Guernsey is the perfect destination for families.  

1. Complete peace of mind - Guernsey has a warm and welcoming community, making it easy to settle-in and make new friends. The island’s low crime rates also means that parents know they are raising their children in a safe and friendly environment.

2. A focus on quality - The island has an excellent educational offering, with both private and public schooling available. Guernsey follows the same curriculum as the UK so children can quickly find their feet in their new school. Guernsey also has a high-quality healthcare system - GP appointments can be made easily, A&E wait times are short and excellent specialist care is available on island.

3. Plenty of choice - Moving doesn’t mean children have to give up their existing activity or hobby, as with over 100 clubs across the island, there really is something for everyone! Joining an activity or sport group can be a fantastic way for children to feel more at home, settle into a routine and make friends with similar interests.

4. More time in the day - With a typical commute of 15 minutes, spending a day in the office doesn’t need to impact family time. Islanders have rich and fulfilling lives without having to spend hours in traffic or on trains – they work hard but still leave plenty of time to spend with the family and enjoy all that the island offers.  

5. An outdoor playground - The island’s natural beauty offers an idyllic destination to call home, but it also offers endless adventure! Children's imaginations can run free as they spend their days exploring – building sandcastles or rock pooling on beach days, visiting neighbouring islands, and ambling on cliff paths to discover historic forts.

Could Guernsey be the ideal location for you and your family? Relocation to Guernsey can be very straightforward, due to the island's two-tier property market. Whilst the Local Market is reserved for those with a familial connection to the island or those holding Employment Permits, the Open Market provides a straightforward route to residency. Holders of UK/BNO passports or with Right of Abode in the UK can simply come to Guernsey and buy or rent an Open Market home. This allows them to live in Guernsey indefinitely if they wish to, and they can work or set up a business, or simply live off savings and investments.  Visa routes are also available.