Living in Plymouth – 10 Reasons to Move to the Devonshire Coast

Are you moving home and thinking about living in Plymouth?

Devon has always had a certain pull on people. Something about the combination of rugged coastline, warm community spirit, and a pace of life that actually lets you breathe.

But in 2026, this part of the world is not just a dreamy retirement destination or a holiday postcard. It is a genuinely thriving place to live, work, raise a family, and put down proper roots.

At its heart sits Plymouth, a city that wears its maritime heritage proudly while looking firmly towards the future.

Whether you are chasing more space, a better quality of life, or simply a fresh start somewhere that makes the most of what Britain’s natural landscape has to offer, the Devonshire Coast deserves your full attention.

Here are ten compelling reasons why relocating to the Devonshire coast could be the best move you ever make.

Quick Overview: Why Move to the Devonshire Coast?

Thinking about relocating? Here’s a snapshot of what makes the Devonshire Coast such a compelling choice.

• Stunning coastline scenery with beaches, cliffs, estuaries, and panoramic views
• Affordable property prices offering real value compared to UK averages.
• Strong economic growth driven by investment, jobs, and innovation sectors.
• Rich maritime history blended with modern culture, arts, and attractions.
• Outdoor lifestyle with coastal paths, Dartmoor, and water sports opportunities.
• Improving education options from primary schools to leading university programmes.
• Thriving food scene featuring fresh seafood, local produce, and dining.
• Excellent transport links, including rail, road, ferry, and a nearby airport.
• Welcoming community spirit with events, festivals, and a strong local identity.
• Coastal living supports wellbeing, offering space, fresh air, and balance.

From lifestyle to affordability, the Devonshire Coast delivers far more than just a change of scenery.

1. A Coastline That Genuinely Takes Your Breath Away

Wake up to the sweeping estuary views of the River Tamar and the golden coves of the Southwest Coast Path.

Few places in England can match the sheer variety of what’s on the doorstep here. Living on the Devonshire Coast means waking up to scenery that other people book holidays to see.

From the dramatic cliffs and golden coves of the Southwest Coast Path to the sweeping estuary views around the River Tamar, the natural landscape here is genuinely world-class.

Plymouth’s Plymouth Hoe is one of England’s finest public spaces, offering panoramic views across Plymouth Sound and beyond.

Then there are the beaches: Wembury, Bovisand, and Cawsand, all within easy reach, each with its own character.

For those who love the outdoors, this is less a place to visit and more a place to live inside every single day.

2. A Property Market That Actually Makes Sense

Enjoy the coastal lifestyle without the premium price tag, with Plymouth offering exceptional value compared to UK averages.

One of the most persuasive arguments for relocating to Plymouth and the wider Devon coast is what your money genuinely buys you here. This area offers coastal living without the eye-watering price tag you might expect.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the average house price in Plymouth was around £218,000 in early 2026, considerably below the UK average of £268,000.

First-time buyers paid an average of £195,000, making it one of the more accessible coastal cities in the country.

Across Devon as a whole, the average is around £319,000, still offering far more space and value than comparable coastal locations in the Southeast.

Whether you are after a period terrace, a modern new build, or a detached family home with a garden big enough to actually use, the options here are wide, and the value is real.

Browse current listings at Rightmove Plymouth.

3. A City with Real Economic Momentum

Plymouth is driving genuine economic growth through major investments in marine technology, the naval base, and green industries.

Plymouth’s economy currently supports over 116,000 jobs and generates nearly £7 billion in economic output annually.

But what is really turning heads in 2026 is the investment pipeline. A £4.4 billion programme of work at HMNB Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe, is forecast to create around 25,000 new jobs across the Devon and Plymouth area over the next decade.

The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport are also driving inward investment in marine technology, advanced manufacturing, and net-zero industries.

Add to that a thriving cluster of digital businesses, the University of Plymouth’s innovation ecosystem, and a growing creative sector, and you have an economy in genuine forward motion.

For anyone considering a move with career ambitions intact, Plymouth deserves a serious look.

4. History Around Every Corner, Without the Museum Ticket

Lose yourself in the atmospheric cobbled lanes of the Barbican or take in the iconic views from Smeaton’s Tower.

The story of this city is written into its streets, harbours, and skyline.

Plymouth’s relationship with the sea has shaped everything from its architecture to its attitude.

The Barbican and Sutton Harbour district is one of the most atmospheric historic quarters in Britain, its cobbled lanes lined with independent cafes, galleries, and seafood restaurants.

The Mayflower Steps mark the spot from which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America in 1620, while Smeaton’s Tower on the Hoe stands as one of the most iconic lighthouse structures in the world.

Culture sits right alongside all of this, too.

The Box, Plymouth’s award-winning museum and archive, and the Theatre Royal Plymouth ensure that arts and cultural life here is genuinely world-class, not an afterthought.

5. Outdoor Life Is Not a Weekend Hobby Here, It Is Part of the Routine

From kayaking at sunrise in Plymouth Sound to afternoon hikes across dramatic Dartmoor landscapes.

People who move to Devon for the outdoors tend to stay for the outdoors.

From kayaking at sunrise to hiking Dartmoor in the afternoon, your options are extraordinary.

The Southwest Coast Path, Britain’s longest national trail at 630 miles, passes right through the area. Dartmoor National Park, one of England’s most dramatic upland landscapes, is less than 30 minutes from Plymouth city centre.

For water sports enthusiasts, Plymouth Sound offers superb conditions for sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and wild swimming year-round.

The city has invested significantly in its parks, nature reserves, and green spaces, and community conservation projects actively involve residents in protecting the local environment.

This is a place where getting outside every day is not aspirational; It is simply what people do.

6. Education That Families Can Feel Genuinely Good About

Discover strong primary options and leading research programs at the highly-ranked University of Plymouth.

Plymouth’s school landscape has improved considerably in recent years. From nursery to postgraduate study, the options in and around Plymouth are impressive.

The Plymouth City Council school’s finder covers a strong range of primary and secondary options, and the city has seen notable improvements in attainment rates across all key stages.

For older students, the University of Plymouth is a leading research institution, ranked second in the UK for student start-up support and home to internationally recognised programmes in marine science, healthcare, and engineering.

Plymouth College of Art adds a vibrant creative strand to the city’s further education offer.

Beyond the classroom, Plymouth’s coastal setting provides an extraordinary backdrop for extracurricular activity, from sailing clubs and marine biology trips to Dartmoor expeditions and competitive sports.

7. Food, Drink, and a Culinary Scene That Keeps Getting Better

Enjoy fresh seafood landed daily at Sutton Harbour and explore the thriving independent dining scene.

The food culture in Plymouth and across Devon has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Devon’s larder is one of the finest in England, and Plymouth knows exactly what to do with it.

Fresh seafood landed daily at Sutton Harbour, some of Britain’s finest dairy produce from surrounding farms, and a growing craft drinks scene make this a genuinely exciting place to eat and drink.

The Barbican is home to some excellent independent restaurants, and the Plymouth Farmers Market gives residents direct access to local growers and producers.

Plymouth Gin, distilled on the Barbican since 1793, is one of the world’s most historically significant spirits and a source of genuine local pride.

Whether you are a devoted foodie or simply someone who appreciates a good meal without travelling to London, the culinary offer here will pleasantly surprise you.

Use OpenTable to explore the best-rated restaurants in the area.

8. Getting Around Is Easier Than You Might Think

Benefit from direct rail links to London Paddington in just over three hours, plus easy access to the A38 and continental ferries.

A common concern about moving to the Southwest is feeling cut off, but Plymouth is better connected than its coastal location might suggest.

Direct rail services run to London Paddington in just over three hours via Great Western Railway, with regular connections to Bristol, Exeter, and beyond.

The A38 provides swift road access towards the M5 and the rest of the motorway network.

Brittany Ferries operates direct ferry crossings from Millbay to Roscoff in France and Santander in Spain, making continental travel genuinely accessible.

Exeter Airport, around 40 minutes away, serves a range of domestic and European routes.

Within the city itself, the bus network is reliable, and Plymouth is actively expanding its cycling infrastructure year on year, with new routes added through the city’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

9. A Community That Actually Pulls Together

One of the things that consistently surprises people who move to Plymouth is how quickly it feels like home in fact, settling into life in Plymouth tends to happen faster than people expect.

The city has a strong civic identity, a genuine sense of community pride, and a culture of neighbourliness that can be harder to find in larger urban centres.

The events calendar is packed throughout the year, from the British Fireworks Championship over Plymouth Sound each August to regular food festivals, maritime events, and arts programming through Plymouth Culture.

The city’s volunteering and community networks are well established, and Plymouth City Council actively supports resident-led initiatives through its community engagement programmes.

For families with children, retirees, young professionals, and everyone in between, the social fabric here is one of Plymouth’s greatest strengths.

10. The Southwest Lifestyle Is Good for Your Wellbeing

Trade the stress of the city for the space, fresh air, and undeniable mental health benefits of coastal living.

There is growing evidence that coastal living has real benefits for mental and physical health.

Research from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health consistently finds that living near the coast is associated with better mental health outcomes, higher levels of physical activity, and an improved overall sense of wellbeing.

In a world where work-life balance has become one of the most talked-about priorities of the 2020s, the Devonshire Coast offers something that money can increasingly buy in most cities: space, air, and a natural environment that actively restores you.

Plymouth’s relatively low cost of living means that lifestyle does not come at the expense of financial security either.

Residents here tend to spend less on housing, commuting, and daily life than their counterparts in the Southeast, leaving more room for the things that actually matter.

Ready to Make the Move? White & Company Are Here to Help

Moving to Devon is an exciting decision, and getting it right starts with choosing the right removal company.

White & Company, trusted local removals experts since 1871, is one of the UK’s largest privately owned removals and storage companies.

With a Plymouth depot and 19 branches across the country, our experienced teams handle everything from careful packing and secure loading through to storage solutions and international shipping.

As longstanding members of the British Association of Removers (BAR), White & Company operate to the highest professional standards in the industry.

A free video survey means you can get your no-obligation quote without taking time off work.

To start planning your move to the Devonshire Coast, CLICK HERE.

Your Devon adventure starts here!

Living in Plymouth Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I start planning my house move?

Ideally, you should start planning at least 6–8 weeks before your moving date. This gives you enough time to book a reputable removals company, gather packing materials, notify utility providers, and organise important paperwork. Leaving it too late often means higher costs, limited availability, and unnecessary stress.

2. How do I choose the right removals company?

Look for a company that is a member of recognised organisations like the British Association of Removers. Check reviews, ask for a detailed written quote, and confirm what’s included (packing, insurance, storage, etc.). A trustworthy company will also carry out a home survey before giving a final price. Refer to our How to Choose a Removals Company blog for more advice.

3. What should I pack myself vs leave to professionals?

You can usually pack non-fragile items like clothes, books, and linens yourself. However, it’s best to leave fragile, valuable, or bulky items (like antiques, artwork, or large furniture) to professional packers. They use specialist materials and techniques to reduce the risk of damage during transit.

4. What do I need to update when I change address?

You’ll need to notify a range of organisations, including your bank, employer, GP, insurer, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency for your driving licence. Don’t forget to redirect your mail through Royal Mail to avoid missing important documents.

5. How can I make moving day less stressful?

Preparation is everything for a stress-free house moves. Pack an essentials box with items like chargers, toiletries, kettle, and important documents. Label all boxes clearly by room, keep valuables with you, and make sure parking/access is arranged for the removals team. Having a clear plan for the day keeps things running smoothly and avoids last-minute panic.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.