Boscombe IS NOT considered the most upmarket area in the Bournemouth area however the area has improved significantly over the past 5 years. Previously, the presence of drug dealers and high crime rates, along with mainly small and pokey houses have deemed most of the area as unsophisticated. However, with the regeneration plans and new housing developments these problems are getting sorted and with the impending launch of the Reef things can only get better New development of the area around Boscombe was approved under the Boscombe Spa Development Plan in July, 2006. This project will turn the seafront into a spa village complete with an artificial reef that will create 4ft (1.2m) waves.
The area immediately around Boscombe Pier has seen much new development with a string of luxury flats and houses 
having being built over the past 5 years. It is possible to surf next to the historic pier, and in 2005 plans were announced to build an artificial surf reef close to the pier. On the 30th October 2005, the pier was closed as it was deemed unsafe. Demolition of the old pier commenced in April 2007 and the local council has promised to reopen a refurbished pier in October 2007.
Property prices in the area have increased and with the Boscombe Spa Development Plan going ahead this looks set to continue. There have been quite a few improvements to the area though especially by the coast, where architects have built ultra-modern houses and flats which are becoming popular around many parts of Bournemouth and especially Poole (mainly in the wealthier suburban areas).
In May 2007, for the first time, a property in Boscombe went for sale for £1million. The property was a flat with views of the coast, and was the main headline for the Bournemouth Daily Echo at the time.
Boscombe is also home to AFC Bournemouth who play at Dean Court. Many fans still refer to AFC Bournemouth as Boscombe, a reference to the days of Boscombe St John's. AFC Bournemouth became a more fashionable name during the 1970's but the purists still recognise the legitimate and rightful name as Boscombe St John's. A rallying cry of "Boscombe back of the net" can still be heard on match days.
Boscombe has a thriving street market in the High Street (Christchurch Road pedestrianized zone) on Thursdays and Saturdays. The market has an excellent variety of stalls covering fruit & veg, clothing, mobile phones (accessories & unlocking - one stall even does on the spot repairs!), fresh meat and seafood (the crabs often have names painted on them!). The market is complemented with a good range of high street names and also some independent ones.
Conclusions:
Although Boscombe still has it's problems, the shopping isn't bad although if you want anything other than 'High Street' or 'Primani' then this is not the place for you. With the launch of the Boscombe Reef tourism will rocket in and around the holiday season which will no doubt help raise the profile of the town but it has a way to go to encourage shoppers with cash to burn especially as the reef is a one-mile walk along the promenade to Bournemouth Town Centre.
UB Recomendations:
Best bar: Urban Beach
Best bar on a budget: Neptune Harvester
Best place to stay: Urban Beach
Best place to eat: Urban Reef
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