Thinking of Moving to Truro? A Homebuyer’s Guide
Truro, the heart of Cornwall, offers a mix of city living and countryside appeal. This guide gives you the key facts about Truro if you’re thinking of moving there. We’ll look at what makes Truro a great place to live, including its interesting buildings, history, different neighbourhoods and easy ways to get around.
Where is Truro and What are the Houses Like?
Truro sits where two rivers, the Kenwyn and Allen, meet to form the Truro River. This means many homes have lovely views of the water or are close to green spaces. The city centre is easy to get around on foot and the areas around it have a mix of town and country living.
You’ll find all sorts of houses in Truro. Older, grand townhouses from the Victorian and Georgian eras are common in the city centre and places like Lemon Street. Newer houses and detached homes are found in areas like Threemilestone and Gloweth. There are homes for all types of people and budgets, whether you’re a first-time buyer, a family or someone looking to retire.
When choosing a house in Truro, remember that it’s built on hills. Houses higher up may have amazing views but could be tricky to reach or have limited parking. Houses near the river might be at risk of flooding, which we’ll talk more about later.
Insider Tip: If you love houses with history, look at the Tregolls and St Clement areas. They have older houses, like cottages and grand Georgian homes. These areas have a lot of character and are still close to the city centre.
What Makes Truro Special?
Truro has a long history. It was once an important town for the tin trade and you can see this in the old buildings and street names. Truro Cathedral, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, is a key landmark and shows how important Truro was in the past.
Truro also has a lively cultural scene. The Hall for Cornwall puts on shows all year round, including plays, music, comedy and dance. The Royal Cornwall Museum has interesting exhibits about Cornwall’s history and culture. You’ll also find independent shops and art galleries that give the city its unique feel.
One of the best things about Truro is that it’s close to both the coast and the countryside. The beautiful Roseland Peninsula, with its pretty villages and coastal walks, is a short drive away. Inland, you can explore the rolling hills and woods of Cornwall.
Different Areas and Local Facilities
Truro has many different neighbourhoods, each with its own character. Threemilestone and Gloweth are popular with families because they have good schools, parks and a range of different houses. If you prefer a busier city life, the city centre and areas like New Bridge Street are close to shops, restaurants and cultural attractions.
Insider Tip: For a good mix of community and convenience, consider Kenwyn. It has a strong community feel with local shops, cafes and a popular pub. It’s also conveniently located near the Royal Cornwall Hospital and has good transport links to the city centre.
Truro has all the facilities you need. The city centre has a mix of independent shops and well-known brands and there are supermarkets and essential services throughout the city. For leisure, there are plenty of parks and green spaces, including Boscawen Park, Victoria Gardens and the Truro River Walk.
Building Styles and What Houses are Made of
Truro’s buildings reflect its history. In the city centre, you’ll find Georgian and Victorian townhouses made from local granite and slate. These often have sash windows, high ceilings and decorative details. Newer houses on the edge of the city show a mix of modern styles and building materials.
It’s important to understand the types of houses and what they’re made of in Truro. Older houses might need special care and repairs, while newer houses might have different issues with energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. Always get a thorough survey from a qualified professional before buying a house in Truro.
Flooding and Radon Gas
Because Truro is where two rivers meet, there’s a risk of flooding in some parts. The Environment Agency has maps showing which areas are most likely to flood. If you’re buying a house in one of these areas, it’s important to check these maps and think about getting flood insurance.
Radon is a natural radioactive gas found in the ground. Cornwall has higher levels of radon than other parts of the country. Although the risk to your health is usually low, it’s a good idea to have radon levels checked in any house you’re thinking of buying, especially older houses with solid floors and not much ventilation.
Getting Around Truro and Beyond
Truro has good transport links. The A30 road provides easy access to other parts of Cornwall and further afield, while the train station has direct services to London Paddington and other major cities. There are also regular buses to nearby towns and villages.
Insider Tip: While Truro has good public transport, having a car can be useful for exploring the surrounding areas and getting to places further out. However, parking in the city centre can be tricky and expensive. Think about getting a property with its own parking space or using the Park and Ride service to avoid this.
Within the city, cycling and walking are encouraged, with many cycle paths and walkways. The Park and Ride scheme is a good way to get to the city centre without adding to traffic jams.
Schools and Family Life
Truro has lots of schools for families. Primary schools like Bosvigo School and Archbishop Benson Church of England Primary School are well thought of, while secondary schools like Truro School and Penair School provide excellent education. Truro and Penwith College offers further education and vocational courses.
Insider Tip: Truro has a strong community spirit with lots of local events and activities throughout the year. Check out the Truro Farmers Market for fresh produce and local crafts or enjoy the annual City of Lights festival, a magical lantern parade through the city streets.
For families with young children, there are many parks, playgrounds and family-friendly activities in and around Truro. The Royal Cornwall Museum has educational programmes and events and the Hall for Cornwall puts on entertainment for all ages.
Crime in Truro
While Truro is generally a safe place to live, it’s good to know about the local crime rates. In 2023, Truro had a crime rate of 45 crimes per 1,000 people, which is higher than the average for Cornwall (36 per 1,000 people). This is because Truro is a city and like many cities, it has a higher crime rate than smaller towns.
The most common crimes in Truro are violence and sexual offences, followed by antisocial behaviour and shoplifting. It’s important to take sensible precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe, just as you would in any other city.
You can find detailed crime information for specific areas of Truro on the police.uk website. This website lets you search for crime data by postcode, so you can see what crime is like in the area you’re interested in.
Which are the Best Areas to Live in Truro?
The best place to live in Truro depends on what you’re looking for. Families who want a sense of community and good schools often choose Threemilestone and Gloweth. If you prefer being closer to shops and facilities, you might like the city centre or areas like New Bridge Street. For a quieter life with views of the water, Malpas could be a good option.
When choosing an area in Truro, think about how close it is to schools, shops, transport links and green spaces.
How Does Truro Compare to Other Towns?
Compared to nearby towns like Falmouth and St Austell, Truro has a wider range of shops, restaurants and cultural places to visit. Because it’s in the centre of Cornwall and has good transport links, it’s a great base for exploring the county. House prices in Truro might be a bit higher than in some nearby areas, but the city’s character, community and convenient location make it a popular place to live.
This guide has given you a good overview of Truro if you’re thinking of buying a home there. By considering the things we’ve talked about, you can decide if Truro is the right place for you. Don’t forget to get a thorough survey from a qualified professional before you buy any property.
Where to Live in Truro: A Guide for Homebuyers
Here’s the lowdown on some of Truro’s most popular spots:
Perfect for Families:
- Threemilestone: If you’re after a friendly community with great schools, Threemilestone is a top choice. It’s got spacious houses, parks for the kids to run around in and good schools like Threemilestone School and Archbishop Benson Primary. Plus, Richard Lander School is nearby for when they get older.
- Gloweth: Gloweth is another winner for families. You’ll find a mix of houses, both modern and older and Gloweth Primary School is highly regarded. It’s handy for the Royal Cornwall Hospital and Truro College too, which is a big plus for families with teenagers.
City Life at its Best:
- Truro City Centre: Love being in the thick of it? Truro city centre is buzzing with shops, restaurants and things to do. You’ve got the Hall for Cornwall theatre, the Royal Cornwall Museum and beautiful old buildings on Lemon Street. Expect to find mostly apartments and townhouses here.
- New Bridge Street: Fancy being close to the action but not right in the centre? New Bridge Street is a good shout. It’s got a more relaxed feel with independent shops and cafes and it’s still an easy walk to everything.
Peace and Quiet:
- Malpas: If you dream of waking up to water views, Malpas is the place to be. It’s right on the Truro River and has a really chilled-out atmosphere. Perfect for leisurely walks along the river or in Boscawen Park. You’ll find everything from cute cottages to modern apartments here.
Just Outside Town:
- Kenwyn: Kenwyn is just outside the city centre and offers the best of both worlds – a village feel with easy access to Truro. It’s got a great community spirit, a traditional pub and the historic Kenwyn Church. Expect a mix of older cottages and larger family homes.
- Highertown: This is a popular spot for young professionals and families, thanks to its modern houses and being close to Truro College. It’s also easy to get onto the A390 from here.
