Bermuda is made up of nine parishes, which span the island from East to West. While the entire island is surrounded by gorgeous scenery, each parish has its own unique quirks, advantages and disadvantages. So as a new comer to our beautiful island you may be asking yourself which parish should I live in? We’re here to help you answer that question with a parish break down, heading from the East end to the West end, and covering everywhere in between.

St George’s – St. George’s covers the island most eastern end which includes the areas of St. David’s Island and Tucker’s Town. Recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Site, the Town of St. George is the oldest continuously occupied town of English origin in the new world. With cute cottages, cobblestone lined streets, and an abundance of pubs and restaurants, living in St. George is an experience like no other. St. George’s is about a 30 minute commute from the City of Hamilton, so hitting the snooze button on weekdays won’t be an option! Residents can commute by bus, scooter, car and commuter ferry which can be cancelled due to inclement weather. St George’s is also located on the eastern side of the Causeway Bridge, which closes when wind speeds exceed 50 knots. Tucker’s Town is considered one of the most affluent areas in Bermuda, offering residents access to unparalleled private beaches and golf clubs. St. David’s Island (which is also the location of the airport) includes access to the spectacular Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve and the historic St. David’s lighthouse.

Hamilton Parish – Hamilton Parish (not to be confused with the City of Hamilton), is surrounded by water. This parish borders the North Shore, Harrington Sound, and South Shore, making it one of the best places to live if a scenic view is what you’re after. Hamilton Parish is bustling with businesses including a pub, pizza restaurant, and grocery store. Hamilton Parish is roughly 20 minutes from town, but provides you with several different routes into town (Middle Rd, North Shore, South Shore).

Smiths – Like Hamilton Parish, Smith’s is busting with things to do. Smith’s Parish covers Flatt’s Village, part of Harrington Sound and Spittal Pond Nature Reserve. As sheltered bodies of water, both Harrington Sound and Flatt’s Inlet are ideal for boat mooring and water sports. With roughly a 10 to 15 minute commute to the City of Hamilton, and 15 minutes from St. George’s, Smiths is ideal for those who want to be centrally located, but still remain outside of the city.

Devonshire – Located only 5 to 10 minutes from the city of Hamilton, Devonshire is a great option for people who want to walk to and from work. It also encompasses the National Sports Centre, the Arboretum and the Botanical Gardens, all great outdoor spaces.

Paget – Paget is the most central parish, and therefore one of the most expensive parishes in which to rent. However, it is well worth the expense! With a coastline of pink beaches, Paget offers the opportunity to live waterfront or beachside. Additionally, Paget also borders Hamilton harbor, with opportunities to rent along Harbour Road, with views of the Great Sound and City of Hamilton skyline. It is also minutes from town making your commute hassle free.

Pembroke – If a minimal commute is what you’re looking for Pembroke is the Parish for you. Home to the City of Hamilton, Pembroke is packed with shops, groceries, businesses, etc. Whatever you may be looking for is only minutes from your door. As Pembroke extends into the Great Sound, it is bordered by water along Pitts Bay Road and the Spanish Point area. However, this does not guarantee water views. As Pembroke is a relatively flat parish, with residential congestion, many homes are not in a position to see the ocean.

Warwick – The South Shore of Warwick Parish is bordered by gorgeous beaches including Warwick Long Bay, Chaplin Bay and Jobson’s Cove. Roughly 10 to 20 minutes to Hamilton, Warwick residents can enjoy the best of both worlds, world class beaches and proximity to town. Harbour Road along the North Shore is a popular commuter area with excellent access to the City of Hamilton via the Pink Ferry line.

Southampton – The largest parish on the island, Southampton is full of residential opportunities with a touch of rural lifestyle as the Parish is dotted with farmland and roadside stands selling seasonal fruit and vegetables. Home to the famous Horseshoe Bay, Church Bay, Jews Bay, Evans Bay and Riddles Bay, Southampton is surrounded by gorgeous bodies of water. Located roughly 20 to 30 minutes from Hamilton, Southampton residents can travel via bus, commuter ferry, car, or scooter.

Sandys – At the Western end of the Island, Sandys Parish is a collection of islands strung together by bridges. Sandys is a hub of activity, with sports clubs, restaurants, hotels, bars, the Dockyard, historical forts and more. Home to the cruise ship docks, Sandys has ample opportunities for water sports, and sightseeing activities, and is also home to the Somerset Cricket Club, which host the Somerset versus St. George Bermuda Cup Match every other year. Located 30 to 40 minutes from Hamilton, Sandys residents have numerous ferry stops, to make commuting easy. Alternatively one can drive or take the bus, but will need to battle traffic both in and out of the city.