6 reasons to live on the Devonshire coastline

Amy Fenton
Authored by Amy Fenton
Posted: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 15:53

Are you making plans to relocate? England’s coastline has become an ever-popular choice thanks to the flexibility of remote working and coastal towns coming out on top as the happiest places to live.

The country of Devon in the south is famed for its spectacular coastline which, as well as making for a great holiday destination, is a fantastic place to be based full-time. Check out the top six reasons to live on the Devonshire coastline.

Picturesque setting

The main reason to live in Devonshire is, of course, the coast. This stretch of coastline is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Jurassic Coast thanks to its outstanding collection of fossils.

You can walk all 95 miles of the Jurassic Coast should you so choose, along the South West Coast Path National Trails. The hunt for fossils and staggering rock formations will never lose their charm.

Inland from the coast, you will find the equally beautiful scenery of Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks and quintessential England farmland.

Better mental health

A coastal location does not just mean picturesque ocean views. Those lucky enough to live by the sea believe themselves to have a better quality of life.

The sea air helps you to sleep better and a recent study from the University of Exeter revealed proximity to the ocean as contributing to reduced anxiety and depression, too.

Outdoor activities

It is not only your mental wellbeing that could benefit from living by the sea. The Devonshire coastline also offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities to help keep you in peak physical health.

Walking is hugely rewarding here, and the network of coastal paths can also be explored by bike. Perhaps most exciting is the possibility for sea-based water-sports including sailing, paddle-boarding, and sea kayaking.

City and countryside

The residential areas along Devon’s coastline are as diverse as the county itself. Pretty villages surrounded by farmland lead seamlessly into historic market towns and on to thriving cities brimming with culture.

Those looking to relocate have a vast choice when it comes to type of property as well, from a modern new build home in Plymouth to a charming cottage in a remote rural location.

Laidback lifestyle

Especially if you are looking to retire here, you will be delighted to know that Devon has a pleasingly laidback lifestyle. The daily pace is leisurely, and outside of the popular summer tourist hotspots you will be without crowds.

Those who work remotely can take advantage of this chilled-out way of living by logging on from one of the many trendy coffee shops that have recently popped up along the coastline.

Great cuisine

Devon is also a great hotspot for foodies. Fresh fish and other seafood goes without saying, either served with chips from a shop by the sand or as mammoth platters in the high-end restaurants. Crab sandwiches are also a much-beloved local delicacy.

Culinary traditions associated with neighbouring county Cornwall are also rife here, such as the humble meat pasty and the authentic English staple the cream tea.