Moving to… Plymouth
Known as Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth offers waterside living with plenty of history, culture and buzz. It’s the largest port city on England’s south coast and has just about everything, including a highly regarded university, a busy centre and 40% green space. Here, we’re covering everything in the city, from property and rental prices to the cost of living and local entertainment. This is your moving to Plymouth guide.
A brief history of Plymouth
Plymouth found its footing throughout the Industrial Revolution when it grew as an important commercial shipping port, handling imports, passengers from the Americas and exports in the form of tin, copper, lime, china clay and arsenic. In 1928, it was awarded its city status.
Where is Plymouth
Plymouth is a port city in South West England, located on the south coast of Devon. It’s around 36 miles southwest of Exeter and just under 200 miles from London. The city borders Cornwall to the west and southwest.
Moving to Plymouth
The city centre is the place to be if you’re after new-build homes, while Plymouth Hoe is the location for period properties from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Another popular area is Plympton, a suburb with easy access to the city centre and Devon’s wild moors.
Buying in Plymouth
The average sold price in Plymouth is £229,943, which is lower than the UK national average of £329,547. Expect to pay an average of £398,066 for a detached home, £203,972 for a terraced house and £140,997 for an apartment.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Plymouth, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Plymouth
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £650 per month in Plymouth, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £915 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,050 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Plymouth, you can expect to pay slightly lower prices than the UK national average for everyday living. A meal for one person is around £10, while a cappuccino and a pint of milk cost about £2.70 and 85p respectively.
Utility bills are higher than the national average (UK average £155) in Plymouth, at around £175 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal. Expect to pay around £26 per month for broadband.
Living in Plymouth
Open spaces
With 40% of Plymouth made up of green space, there are plenty of outdoor areas to explore. Indeed, it’s the greenest city in the UK. And if you feel like exploring further afield, there are excellent beaches in and around the city, as well as Devon’s rugged coastline and wild moors.
Transport links
Plymouth is well connected, with direct trains to London Paddington arriving in around three hours. Other destinations include Bristol and Exeter. There’s also a ferry service to Cawsand and Cremyll in Cornwall and Mount Batten.
Shopping
Wander the cobbled streets in the city and stop by independent boutiques or head to shopping centre. It features more than 70 well-known brands and is the go-to spot for your retail needs.
Eateries
There’s a wide range of choices when it comes to Plymouth eateries, with some spots serving European dishes and seafood. You can find some laid-back restaurants in Plymouth where you can enjoy meat or fish dishes, and some delicious desserts.
Nightlife
When it comes to nightlife on the south coast, Cornwall and Plymouth are the places to party. You’ll find here some popular venues, some even with five bars spread across two nightclubs. While you can also enjoy some karaoke nights in Plymouth, foam parties and DJ sets from top talent.
Art & culture
Discover the city’s maritime heritage at Sutton Harbour, where you’ll find the Mayflower Steps. This is where the Pilgrim Fathers are believed to have left England, searching for a new life in America in 1620. There’s also a National Aquarium, the largest of its kind in the country.
Things to do
Plymouth is home to more than 200 listed buildings, so you can easily spend a day or two spotting them all. During the summer, spend some time at Tinside Lido. It features a 1935 Art Deco style and is considered one of the best outdoor pools in Europe.
What’s not to like?
Postwar architecture can leave a lot to be desired, while rural lovers might prefer settling for a Devon village.
Who lives there?
Plymouth has a population of more than 264,000 and a median age of 40.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 38mbps in Plymouth, which is significantly slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Plymouth averages around 88 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving Plymouth
Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Plymouth. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first!
Last Updated: November 1st, 2024
