What It’s Like to Live in Plymouth: A Comprehensive Guide for Prospective Home Buyers
Geography and Housing
Plymouth, located on the south coast of Devon, is a city that combines rich maritime history with easy access to natural beauty. It’s bordered by the Rivers Plym and Tamar, offering stunning waterfront views and a gateway to the South West Coast Path and Dartmoor National Park. Plymouth is also within driving distance of attractive towns and villages like Totnes, Brixham and Saltash, making it an ideal base for exploration.
The housing market reflects Plymouth’s diversity. The Barbican and Sutton Harbour feature waterfront apartments perfect for professionals, while Stoke and Mannamead offer period homes with spacious layouts. Families often choose Plympton or Plymstock for their suburban feel, excellent schools and parks. Saltash, just across the Tamar Bridge in Cornwall, provides a strong community feel and slightly more affordable housing options, although its rapid growth has led to traffic concerns.
New developments like Sherford are also increasing options for modern, energy-efficient homes. No matter where you choose, a professional survey is essential to ensure your investment is well-informed.
Unique Attributes of Plymouth
Plymouth’s maritime history is celebrated throughout the city. The Mayflower Steps mark the Pilgrims’ departure in 1620 and the Barbican’s cobbled streets and historic buildings remain a hub of activity. Plymouth Hoe offers spectacular views of the Sound and hosts community events like outdoor cinemas, food festivals and the annual British Firework Championships.
Plymouth has a thriving food scene, enriched by the presence of celebrity chefs. The Barbican Kitchen, run by Chris and James Tanner, offers contemporary dishes in an historic setting within the Plymouth Gin Distillery. Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill, located in the Crowne Plaza on The Hoe, serves expertly curated English and French classics, bringing a touch of luxury to the city’s culinary offerings. These establishments, along with many independent eateries, make Plymouth a fantastic place for food lovers to explore.
Neighbourhoods and Amenities
Plymouth offers a mix of neighbourhoods to suit a variety of lifestyles:
- Mannamead and Hartley: Known for their tree-lined streets and Victorian homes, these areas are sought after by families and professionals for their excellent schools and proximity to the city centre.
- Plympton: A suburban favourite, Plympton offers semi-detached and detached homes with gardens, good schools and parks. Its family-friendly environment and accessibility to shops and services make it popular with buyers.
- Plymstock: Similar to Plympton, Plymstock combines suburban convenience with green spaces and proximity to beaches like Bovisand and Wembury.
- Sutton Harbour and the Barbican: These areas are ideal for those seeking modern, waterfront living. The Barbican also offers a lively social scene with its pubs, restaurants and cultural events.
- Saltash: A growing town across the Tamar Bridge, Saltash is known for its strong community feel and convenient access to both Plymouth and Cornwall. It’s an excellent choice for families and those looking for a quieter lifestyle.
Plymouth also has a strong range of amenities, including Drake Circus shopping centre, the National Marine Aquarium and a variety of gyms and cinemas. The China Fleet Club in Saltash is a popular spot for fitness, leisure and meeting people.
Architectural Traits and Building Materials
Plymouth’s architecture reflects its history. Georgian townhouses and Victorian terraces are common in areas like Stoke and Mannamead, while post-war developments dominate North Prospect and Devonport. Modern developments like Sherford focus on energy efficiency and family-friendly layouts.
Older properties may require updates to meet modern insulation or heating standards, while newer builds tend to be more efficient but can come with higher price tags. Buyers are encouraged to commission a professional survey to identify any issues before purchasing.
Flooding Risk and Radon Levels
As a coastal city, flooding risks in Plymouth are worth considering, particularly for properties near the waterfront in Sutton Harbour or riverside areas in Saltash. Consulting flood risk maps from the Environment Agency is recommended.
Radon levels in Devon are generally moderate. Testing can confirm whether further action is needed.
Transportation and Connectivity
Plymouth is well-connected for both local and regional travel:
- Roads: The A38 Devon Expressway links Plymouth to the M5, providing access to Plymouth, Bristol and beyond.
- Rail: Direct trains from Plymouth Station connect to London Paddington and Penzance.
- Sea: Plymouth has ferry services to Roscoff and Santander, making it a gateway to Europe.
- Air: Although Plymouth no longer has its own airport, Exeter Airport is within an hour’s drive and offers domestic and international flights.
Education and Family Life
Plymouth has excellent schools, such as Devonport High School, Plymouth High School for Girls and Plymouth College, making it a strong choice for families. The University of Plymouth is renowned for its marine and environmental science programmes, attracting students from across the country.
Families benefit from parks like Central Park and activities such as the National Marine Aquarium. Beaches like Bovisand and Wembury are a short drive away, offering opportunities for relaxation and water sports.
Opportunity and Employment
Plymouth’s economy is driven by industries like defence, healthcare and education. Major employers include Babcock International at Devonport Dockyard, Derriford Hospital and the University of Plymouth.
Retail and hospitality also provide strong opportunities, with areas like Drake Circus and Royal William Yard attracting shoppers and diners. While corporate roles are limited compared to larger cities, Plymouth offers a thriving local economy and plenty of opportunities in its key sectors.
Safety and Crime
Plymouth is generally considered a safe city, with crime rates lower than many similar-sized areas. However, as with any urban centre, certain neighbourhoods, particularly those near nightlife areas like the Barbican, may experience higher incidents. Buyers are encouraged to research local crime statistics for specific areas of interest.
House Hunting in Plymouth: Discovering the Best Places to Live
- Mannamead: Known for its elegant period homes and tree-lined streets, Mannamead is a desirable neighbourhood for families and professionals. Properties here often feature spacious interiors with period details such as high ceilings and bay windows. The area is home to excellent schools like Plymouth College and its proximity to the city centre makes it convenient for commuting. Quiet yet well-connected, Mannamead also has a selection of local shops and cafes, adding to its appeal.
- Plympton: A large suburb to the east of Plymouth, Plympton offers a mix of historic homes and modern housing estates. Families are drawn to the area for its outstanding schools, such as Hele’s School and its abundance of green spaces, including Plymbridge Woods. The Ridgeway, a local shopping area, provides everything from supermarkets to independent boutiques. Plympton’s community feel and excellent transport links to the city centre make it a popular choice for those seeking suburban life with easy access to urban amenities.
- Sutton Harbour: For those seeking a more modern, urban lifestyle, Sutton Harbour offers luxury waterfront apartments with stunning views of the marina. This area is perfect for professionals and downsizers who value convenience, as it is located near some of Plymouth’s best dining, shopping and cultural attractions. The Barbican Theatre and National Marine Aquarium are within walking distance and the area’s lively social scene ensures there’s always something to do.
- Saltash: Just across the River Tamar in Cornwall, Saltash offers a quieter pace of life while still being close to Plymouth. Known as the “Gateway to Cornwall,” it has a strong sense of community and good local amenities, including schools like Saltash Community School. Saltash has character properties and new-build developments, catering to a range of budgets. The Tamar Bridge ensures excellent connectivity and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby countryside and access to the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Plymouth combines coastal beauty, a rich maritime history and diverse neighbourhoods to offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a period home in Mannamead, a suburban retreat in Plympton or a modern waterfront apartment in Sutton Harbour, Plymouth has options to suit all lifestyles. To ensure your investment is secure, consider a professional home survey to uncover any hidden issues before purchasing.
