Where to Live in Bermuda: A Newcomer's Guide to the Parishes
This guide is general information, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Some links may be affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Bermuda is small, about 21 miles long according to BermudaJobFinder (bermudajobfinder.com). With speed limits of 35 km/h on most roads (gov.bm) and narrow roads, though, where you live has a real effect on your commute and your daily life.
The island is divided into nine parishes: Sandys, Southampton, Warwick, Paget, Pembroke, Devonshire, Smith’s, Hamilton Parish and St George’s (Wikipedia: Parishes of Bermuda). Note that Hamilton Parish is not where the City of Hamilton is. The capital is in Pembroke.
How to choose
Start with three questions:
- Where is your office? Most international business is in the City of Hamilton.
- How will you commute? One car per household, buses, ferries or a scooter. See getting around.
- What’s your budget? Central areas cost more. City-centre one-beds average about $3,868 a month against about $2,662 outside the centre, according to crowd-sourced Numbeo data (numbeo.com).
Central: Pembroke, Paget and Devonshire
Pembroke (including the City of Hamilton)
- For: walking to work, shops, restaurants, the ferry terminal on Front Street (National Geographic).
- Consider: usually the highest rents, more traffic, and smaller homes for the money.
- JBM Realty lists Pembroke among the main areas of demand for working professionals (jbm-realty.com).
Paget
- Just across the harbour from Hamilton. JBM names it as another high-demand area for professionals (jbm-realty.com).
- For: short commute (by road or ferry), a more residential feel.
- Consider: demand keeps prices high.
Devonshire
- Central, east of Pembroke, mainly residential.
- For: a reasonable commute to Hamilton, sometimes more space for the money than Pembroke.
- Consider: check bus routes and the drive at rush hour before you sign.
West: Warwick, Southampton and Sandys
Warwick
- South-shore parish west of Paget. One agency’s September 2026 listings included a three-bedroom Warwick house at $6,200 a month (jbm-realty.com).
- For: families, beaches, and Warwick Academy if you have school-age children (warwick.bm). See schools.
- Consider: a longer road commute than Paget.
Southampton
- Further west along the south shore.
- For: a quieter, more residential feel and beaches.
- Consider: commute time. Check bus and ferry options.
Sandys (the West End)
- Home to the Royal Naval Dockyard, which National Geographic describes as the island’s maritime hub, with shopping and dining (National Geographic). The Dockyard speed limit is 25 km/h (gov.bm).
- JBM highlights ferry links, shops and a quieter west-end lifestyle (jbm-realty.com). One of its September 2026 listings was a two-bed in Sandys at $4,400 a month.
- For: commuting by ferry to Hamilton instead of by road.
- Consider: a long way from the east end and the airport. Cruise ship days can be busy.
East: Smith’s, Hamilton Parish and St George’s
Smith’s
- Small, mostly residential parish between Devonshire and Hamilton Parish.
- For: a quieter setting with central access.
Hamilton Parish
- Not the City of Hamilton. It’s further east, around Harrington Sound.
- For: closer to the airport, more residential.
- Consider: a longer commute into the city.
St George’s
- Includes the historic Town of St George’s, which National Geographic describes as one of the oldest continuously inhabited English settlements in the New World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (National Geographic). L.F. Wade International Airport is at the east end.
- For: history, character, closeness to the airport.
- Consider: the longest commute to Hamilton. The town speed limit is 25 km/h (gov.bm).
Quick comparison
| Parish | Commute to Hamilton | Typical feel | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pembroke | Walk/short | Busy, urban | Car-free singles |
| Paget | Short (road/ferry) | Residential | Professionals, couples |
| Devonshire | Short–medium | Residential | Value seekers |
| Warwick | Medium | South shore, family | Families |
| Southampton | Medium–long | Quiet | Beach lovers |
| Sandys | Long by road, ferry option | West End, Dockyard | Ferry commuters |
| Smith’s | Medium | Quiet | Space and calm |
| Hamilton Parish | Medium–long | Residential | Airport access |
| St George’s | Long | Historic town | History lovers, frequent flyers |
Commute descriptions are general guidance. Test the journey at rush hour before signing a lease.
Tips for choosing
- Visit before committing. See visiting Bermuda before you move.
- Do the commute at 8am on a weekday.
- Check the ferry timetable if you’re looking west.
- Think about the car rule. If you’ll only have one car, a home near a bus route or ferry matters more.
- Ask about humidity and damp in any property, whichever parish it’s in.
Next steps
Once you’ve chosen an area, read renting in Bermuda for how to secure a place, and cost of living to check the budget.
Sources checked 12 October 2026.
FAQ
What are the parishes of Bermuda?
Sandys, Southampton, Warwick, Paget, Pembroke, Devonshire, Smith's, Hamilton Parish and St George's.
Is the City of Hamilton in Hamilton Parish?
No. The capital is in Pembroke. Hamilton Parish is further east, around Harrington Sound.
Which parish is best for commuting to Hamilton?
Pembroke for walking to work, and Paget for a short commute by road or ferry. Devonshire is a short-to-medium commute.
Where do families live in Bermuda?
Warwick is popular for families, with south-shore beaches and Warwick Academy.
How do I choose where to live?
Start with where your office is, how you'll commute given the one-car-per-household rule, and your budget. Test the journey at 8am on a weekday before signing a lease.