Why Move to Devon | Devon offers a way of life that blends natural beauty, rich heritage, and modern convenience. Located in the heart of Southwest England, the county is renowned for its rolling countryside, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant local communities. From the moors to the sea, Devon provides one of the most rewarding living environments in the country, attracting families, professionals, and retirees alike. Residents enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, a strong sense of community, and a balanced pace of life that supports both work and leisure.
A landscape full of character
Covering more than 6,700 square kilometres, Devon is one of England’s largest counties. Its landscape is defined by two stunning coastlines, the wild beauty of Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, as well as numerous picturesque towns and villages. The county’s scenery includes sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, fertile farmland, and quiet river valleys. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, cycling, surfing, sailing, and exploring coastal paths such as the South West Coast Path. This mix of countryside and coast encourages an active and healthy lifestyle for people of all ages.
Historic market towns such as Totnes, Tavistock, and Honiton, along with popular coastal destinations like Dartmouth, Sidmouth, and Salcombe, each bring their own distinct character. Exeter serves as Devon’s commercial and cultural centre, offering excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options while retaining its historic charm. Across the county, local markets, artisan shops, and community events highlight the area’s independent spirit and connection to its heritage.
Practical and well-connected
Despite its rural appeal, Devon is well-connected to the rest of the UK. The M5 motorway provides direct access to Bristol, the Midlands, and beyond, while the A38 and A30 link the county’s towns and coastal areas. Rail services from Exeter and Plymouth offer regular connections to London, Birmingham, and other major cities. For international travel, Exeter Airport offers flights to destinations in the UK and Europe.
Education is a key strength across the county, with a wide choice of high-performing primary and secondary schools, as well as respected colleges and universities such as the University of Exeter and Plymouth University. Healthcare provision is strong, supported by modern hospitals in Exeter, Torbay, and Plymouth, as well as community medical centres throughout the region. Devon’s amenities include a wide selection of shops, restaurants, leisure centres, and cultural venues, ensuring residents enjoy a high quality of life close to home.
A growing and sustainable economy
Devon’s economy combines traditional industries with innovation and sustainable growth. Agriculture, tourism, and food production remain central, while sectors such as renewable energy, digital technology, and advanced manufacturing are expanding. The county has seen continued investment in transport, housing, and business infrastructure, helping to create employment opportunities and support local enterprise.
Small businesses and independent traders play a major role in Devon’s economic landscape, contributing to its distinctive identity and sense of resilience. Local councils and development initiatives continue to encourage environmentally responsible growth, ensuring that Devon remains a place where natural beauty, community, and opportunity coexist in balance.
Why Move to Devon | What to Expect
Why Consider Moving to Devon
Devon is one of England’s most desirable counties, known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and exceptional quality of life. Located in the southwest, it offers a rare blend of coastal beauty, rolling countryside, and vibrant towns that appeal to families, professionals, and retirees alike. With a mix of seaside charm and rural tranquillity, Devon provides an ideal balance between work, leisure, and lifestyle.
Lifestyle and Outdoor Living
Life in Devon is shaped by its outstanding natural scenery. The county is home to two national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, both offering dramatic moorland views, walking trails, and outdoor adventure. Along its north and south coasts, residents enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, from the surfing waves of Croyde Bay to the sheltered coves of South Devon. Sailing, paddleboarding, and coastal walks are part of everyday life for many.
Devon’s countryside supports a thriving local food scene. Farmers’ markets, seafood restaurants, and artisan producers showcase the best of local ingredients. Areas such as Totnes, Tavistock, and Ashburton are renowned for their independent shops and eco-friendly living, while Exeter and Plymouth offer a mix of modern dining and cultural events. Festivals celebrating food, music, and the arts take place throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of local pride and community.
Local Amenities and Connectivity
Devon’s main centres, including Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, and Barnstaple, offer excellent amenities with a balance of heritage and modern convenience. Exeter is a key hub for education and business, with the University of Exeter and a strong digital and financial sector. Plymouth serves as a maritime city with a growing waterfront economy, focusing on regeneration and innovation.
Transport links are improving across the county. The M5 connects Devon to Bristol and the Midlands, while train services from Exeter St Davids and Plymouth provide direct routes to London, Bristol, and Cornwall. Regional bus networks and local airports at Exeter and Newquay enhance connectivity for both business and leisure travel.
Schools in Devon are well-regarded, offering a mix of state, independent, and grammar options. Healthcare provision includes several hospitals, such as the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, supported by local GP practices and community health services.
Housing and Community Life
Devon’s property market offers a variety of options and value. Buyers can find everything from thatched cottages and seaside apartments to barn conversions and new developments. Coastal locations such as Salcombe and Dartmouth attract premium interest, while inland areas like Crediton and Okehampton provide more affordable options without losing charm or accessibility.
Community life is a defining feature of Devon. Residents often describe a strong sense of belonging, supported by local groups, sports clubs, and village events. Many towns host weekly markets and social gatherings that make it easy for newcomers to feel at home.
Quality of Life and Everyday Living
Devon consistently ranks among the best places to live in the UK for quality of life. Its mix of natural beauty, safety, and access to modern amenities appeals to those seeking a slower pace without sacrificing opportunity. Clean air, open spaces, and a mild climate contribute to a healthy lifestyle, while thriving towns provide work prospects in education, healthcare, tourism, and the creative industries.
For anyone looking to settle in a county that blends coastal living with countryside charm, Devon delivers a lifestyle that is both relaxed and rewarding. It is a place where tradition meets modernity, communities are welcoming, and every day feels a little closer to nature.
Why Move to Devon | Housing in Devon: Exploring Your Options
Moving to Devon
If you are thinking about relocating to Devon, you will find one of England’s most desirable and diverse counties. Located in the southwest of the country, Devon is known for its stunning coastline, rolling countryside, and charming towns that combine traditional character with modern living. The area offers a perfect balance of lifestyle and opportunity, attracting families, professionals, and retirees who value both community and quality of life.
Devon is home to two coastlines, with the dramatic cliffs and surf beaches of the north and the softer shores of the south. Inland, the county features the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, offering miles of open landscape, walking routes, and a range of outdoor activities. Exeter, the county’s cathedral city, is a thriving commercial and cultural hub with excellent transport links, a range of shopping options, and educational facilities. Plymouth, a historic port city, continues to grow as a centre for maritime and engineering industries. Other popular towns such as Totnes, Tiverton, and Barnstaple each offer their own mix of independent shops, schools, and strong local communities.
Housing Market Snapshot
As of August 2025, the average property price in Devon was around £345,000, reflecting an annual increase of approximately 2.4 per cent compared to August 2024. First-time buyers typically spent around £260,000, making Devon more affordable than parts of neighbouring Cornwall but slightly higher than Somerset and Dorset.
Detached homes averaged about £460,000, semi-detached properties around £315,000, terraced houses around £270,000, and flats around £210,000. This range highlights the county’s appeal across different buyer groups, from those seeking starter homes in well-connected towns to those investing in larger rural or coastal properties.
In the rental market, the average monthly rent across Devon in 2025 was approximately £1,050, representing a steady rise from the previous year. Demand remains particularly strong in Exeter and Plymouth, where rental properties near universities, hospitals, and transportation hubs are in high demand. Coastal areas such as Torquay, Exmouth, and Ilfracombe continue to attract tenants seeking seaside living, while market towns like Crediton and Okehampton offer good value for those prioritising space and access to the countryside.
What This Means for Buyers and Renters
For first-time buyers, Devon presents a strong combination of lifestyle and long-term value. New-build developments around Exeter, Newton Abbot, and Barnstaple offer modern, energy-efficient homes. At the same time, rural villages such as Chagford, South Brent, and Holsworthy are home to traditional cottages and period homes full of character.
Those looking to upsize can find detached houses and smallholdings with land and views across Dartmoor or the South Hams countryside. Renters have a wide range of choices, from town-centre apartments ideal for commuters to coastal homes with access to beaches and marinas.
Devon’s property market continues to show resilience, supported by strong local employment, tourism, and a steady influx of people relocating from cities in search of a better quality of life. Whether you are buying or renting, the county offers a variety of options suited to different lifestyles and budgets.
Why Move to Devon | Education in Devon: A Hub of Learning
Devon offers a well-established and inclusive education system that supports learners from early years through to adulthood. Managed by Devon County Council, the local education framework covers school admissions, home-to-school transport, digital learning, and support for pupils with additional learning needs.
The county is home to a wide range of respected primary and secondary schools that serve both rural and urban communities. Families can choose from state, academy, and independent schools, many of which are recognised for their strong academic standards, community engagement, and inclusive ethos. Notable schools include The King’s School in Ottery St Mary, Colyton Grammar School, and Ivybridge Community College. Most schools in Devon provide a broad and balanced curriculum that promotes both academic success and personal development through extracurricular activities, sports, and creative learning.
Early years education and childcare are well supported across Devon. Families have access to registered nurseries, playgroups, and funded early education places for children aged three and four. Wraparound care options are available, offering before and after-school sessions that provide flexibility for working parents and continuity for children.
Support for children and young people with additional learning needs remains a core priority. Devon’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service works closely with families, schools, and partner organisations to ensure every child receives the right support. The local authority provides guidance on education, health, and care plans, as well as access to specialist placements and inclusion-focused resources that promote equality across all learning environments.
School admissions in Devon are managed through a coordinated process set by Devon County Council. Clear information is provided on catchment areas, admission criteria, and appeals, ensuring parents and carers understand how to secure a place for their child.
Further and adult education opportunities are offered through Exeter College, Petroc, and South Devon College. These institutions provide a wide range of vocational training, apprenticeships, and higher education programmes aligned with local employment needs in sectors such as health, technology, tourism, and construction. Devon also promotes lifelong learning through community-based courses and digital skills programmes designed to help residents upskill and progress in their careers.
Families who choose to live in Devon benefit from accessible education, supportive communities, and a strong local commitment to helping every learner reach their potential in a safe and forward-thinking environment.
Why Move to Devon | Employment Opportunities
Devon in south-west England is celebrated for its dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside and vibrant mix of traditional rural living and modern opportunity. The county stretches from the Bristol Channel in the north to the English Channel in the south, with key centres including Exeter and Plymouth.
Varied environment with rural and urban balance
Devon offers a unique living environment where rural charm meets established town and city living. With areas of market towns, agricultural land, coastal resorts and urban centres, residents enjoy access to diverse settings from countryside living to modern amenities.
A diverse and growing economy
The economic base in Devon has become increasingly diverse and resilient. According to recent assessments, the county’s economy is valued at over £25 billion and is forecast to grow by around 15 per cent by 2030.
Key sectors include agriculture, tourism, professional services, technology and public services. Agriculture remains significant, with farms supporting dairy, livestock, and crop production, while food-related supply chains continue to play a crucial role.
Tourism is also a vital component of Devon’s economy. The county’s coastline, national parks such as Dartmoor and Exmoor, heritage sites and seaside resorts attract visitors all year round, supporting jobs in hospitality, leisure and retail.
The service sector continues to expand, with public administration, education, and healthcare being major employers. Growth in professional and technology-driven services also adds further employment opportunities. Employment data shows a strong labour market: for example, the unemployment rate is reported at around 1.2 per cent, considerably below the national average.
Building connectivity and infrastructure
Devon’s business support and infrastructure initiatives are underway to support sustainable growth. The local authorities work closely on economic development, inward investment and infrastructure improvements. Regeneration, housing development and connectivity enhancements across towns and rural areas are helping to strengthen the county’s appeal to professionals, families and entrepreneurs alike.
Sustainability and environmental focus
Sustainability is increasingly at the heart of Devon’s future growth strategy. Innovations in renewable energy, environmental management and biodiversity are active in the region. The county’s natural assets offer both lifestyle and business opportunities, particularly for the rural, hospitality, agricultural, and green-tech sectors.
Why Devon stands out
With its strong rural heritage, expanding business base and commitment to sustainable development, Devon offers a high quality of life for a wide range of residents. For professionals, families and entrepreneurs, the county presents an attractive mix of natural beauty, growth potential and community vitality. The blend of economic growth, natural setting and lifestyle options continues to make Devon a compelling place to live, work and invest.
Mortgage Brokers in Devon: Securing a Home
The property market in Devon continues to show steady and sustainable growth, making it one of the South West’s most appealing regions for homebuyers and investors. Working with a mortgage broker based in Devon provides tailored advice that reflects local property trends, lender criteria, and the specific needs of buyers across the county.
Local brokers in Devon have a detailed understanding of the county’s diverse housing landscape. From historic cottages in Dartmouth and Totnes to coastal homes in Exmouth and modern developments in Exeter, Devon offers an impressive range of property styles and price points. As of mid-2025, the average property price in Devon is approximately £340,000, reflecting an annual rise of around 2.5 per cent. Detached homes typically average about £480,000, while semi-detached properties sit near £325,000. Terraced houses generally sell for around £275,000, and flats or smaller homes are usually priced close to £200,000, providing good opportunities for first-time buyers seeking value.
Choosing a Devon-based mortgage broker ensures your financial advice is grounded in local expertise. These professionals understand how regional factors such as proximity to the coast, access to commuter routes into Exeter and Plymouth, school catchment areas, and ongoing housing developments influence affordability and long-term value. Their familiarity with lender requirements also enables them to assist clients with more complex situations, such as self-employed applicants or those purchasing rural and listed properties.
Whether you are buying your first home in Plymouth, investing in a buy-to-let in Exeter, or remortgaging a property in one of Devon’s many market towns or villages, a local broker can provide efficient, personalised guidance. Their regional insight helps identify competitive rates and suitable mortgage options that match your goals and the realities of the Devon property market.
By partnering with a trusted mortgage expert in Devon, you gain more than professional advice. You gain a local partner who understands the pace of the market, keeps you informed at every step, and helps you secure the best possible outcome for your property plans in Devon.
Why Devon is the Perfect Place to Call Home
Devon is one of the largest counties in England, located in the southwest and bordered by Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset. Covering roughly 6,700 km², it offers a remarkable mix of coastline, rolling farmland, and picturesque towns and villages. According to the 2021 census, the population of Devon was around 820,000, with Exeter serving as the county town and administrative centre.
Landscape and lifestyle
Devon is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring two coastlines that meet the Bristol Channel and the English Channel. The county includes the dramatic cliffs and beaches of the North Devon Coast, as well as the gentler coves and harbours of the South Hams. Inland, the landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor provide moorland, forest, and rivers that attract walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. The mild climate and quality of life make Devon one of the most desirable places to live in the UK, offering a slower pace and strong community spirit while remaining well-connected to major cities.
Towns and communities
Devon’s towns and cities each have their own character and appeal. Exeter blends its Roman heritage with a vibrant cultural scene and a strong business community. Plymouth is a historic naval city with ongoing regeneration across its waterfront and city centre. Market towns such as Tavistock, Totnes, and Crediton are valued for their independent shops and sense of local pride. Coastal towns, including Torquay, Ilfracombe, and Sidmouth, attract both tourists and new residents seeking the charm of seaside living. Across the county, villages maintain a close-knit community feel and continue to celebrate local traditions.
Education and services
Devon offers a wide range of educational opportunities, from well-regarded state and independent schools to further and higher education institutions such as Exeter College and the University of Exeter. Healthcare services are provided through the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and local community hospitals. The county also continues to invest in digital connectivity and transportation infrastructure to support both rural and urban populations.
Transport and connectivity
Devon benefits from strong transport links that connect its rural areas to regional and national destinations. The M5 motorway reaches Exeter, linking the county to Bristol, Birmingham, and the Midlands. Rail services connect Exeter, Plymouth, and other major towns to London Paddington and beyond. Local bus and park-and-ride services support commuting and leisure travel, while cycling routes and coastal paths enhance accessibility for sustainable transport.
Economy and employment
Devon’s economy is diverse, driven by tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and the service sector. The county’s fertile land supports farming and food production, while its coastal areas contribute to marine industries and fisheries. Tourism remains a key driver of employment, boosted by year-round visitors drawn to Devon’s coast, countryside, and historic towns. The growing digital and creative sectors in Exeter and the surrounding areas add to the county’s modern economic profile. At the same time, flexible working patterns have encouraged more professionals to relocate from cities.
Homes and neighbourhoods
Devon offers a wide variety of housing, from period cottages and barn conversions to new developments in expanding towns. Property prices vary across the county, with coastal areas and the South Hams commanding higher values, while inland towns offer better affordability. Demand remains strong from families, retirees, and remote workers seeking quality of life, natural beauty, and access to reliable transport links.
Devon continues to attract people looking for a balance between rural tranquillity and modern convenience. With its distinctive character, thriving local economy, and exceptional natural landscapes, the county remains one of the most appealing places to live, work, and visit in the United Kingdom.
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FAQ: Why Move to Devon
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What makes Devon an attractive place to live? | Devon offers a rare mix of coast, countryside, and community. With two national parks, miles of beaches, and vibrant market towns, it balances rural tranquillity with modern living. The pace is relaxed, yet there are excellent schools, local businesses, and transport links to London, Bristol, and Exeter. |
| Is Devon suitable for families? | Yes. Families are drawn to Devon for its excellent primary and secondary schools, outdoor lifestyle, and safe communities. Popular areas like Exeter, Totnes, and Tavistock combine good education with access to parks, beaches, and cultural activities. |
| Are property prices affordable in Devon? | Devon remains more affordable than many southern counties. While areas such as Exeter and Salcombe are premium markets, there are many towns and villages offering spacious homes and great value compared to cities like London or Oxford. |
| What are the job opportunities like in Devon? | Devon’s economy is diverse, with growing opportunities in digital technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and tourism. Exeter in particular is a regional hub for education, business, and government services. Remote working options also make it easier to live in Devon while working for national employers. |
| How is the lifestyle in Devon different from city living? | Life in Devon feels more balanced. Residents enjoy less traffic, cleaner air, and access to some of the UK’s best walking and surf spots. There’s a strong sense of local community, regular farmers’ markets, and plenty of independent cafés and shops. |
| What are the transport connections like? | Devon is well-connected by road and rail. The M5 links the county to Bristol and the Midlands, while trains from Exeter St Davids reach London Paddington in around two hours. Exeter Airport also provides domestic and European flights. |
| Is Devon good for retirement? | Absolutely. Many retirees move to Devon for its natural beauty, peaceful pace of life, and strong local healthcare network. Coastal areas like Sidmouth and Dartmouth are especially popular for downsizing and enjoying an active retirement. |