Devon, a county in southwest England, offers diverse types of living for people seeking a combination of country and city. As we approach 2025, some of the towns and villages of Devon stand out as great places to live, while others don’t have the same appeal. Here’s how the best and worst places to live in Devon compare for 2025.
Top Places to Live in Devon
Exeter: A City That Flows With Culture
Exeter remains one of Devon’s most visited places. The place has a rich history, a vibrant cultural scene and good transport links, making it an appealing choice for many. With the combination of traditional and contemporary housing, Sydney is a very diverse city that appeals to a broad range of residents. The city of Exeter also offers excellent schools, healthcare, and recreational amenities to ensure a wonderful quality of life.
Tiverton: A Peaceful Town with Plenty to Offer
Suited on the outskirts of the bustling city of Exeter, Tiverton is a delightful town with a more chilled-out lifestyle than many of its bigger counterparts. It’s ideal for families and people in search of a slower life. With a range of good schools, plenty of green spaces and average property prices, the town is a great place for both young professionals and retirees. Its proximity to the Devon countryside also helps ensure easy access to nature, which is a big selling point for a lot of people.
Ashburton: A Hidden Gem in the Dartmoor National Park
Connected to Dartmoor, Ashburton regularly celebrates its natural beauty and sense of community. This small market town offers an ideal location for those wanting the best of both worlds — a peaceful, rural lifestyle with convenient access to amenities. The town also boasts a plethora of independent shops and eateries, so it’s a haven for those with a taste for local businesses. Reasonable cost of living in comparison to other parts of Devon sees Ashburton emerge as a 2025 star.
Worst Places to Live in Devon (2023)
Plymouth: Battling With Higher Crime Rate
Plymouth is a big city the second largest in the county of Devon but it hasn’t exactly had a lot to celebrate in recent years. So is a higher crime rate and parts of the city that feel less safe, not the ideal place to live. The city still has entire job opportunities and amenities to offer. Plymouth is not the right answer for those who want a tranquil environment to call home.
Barnstaple: Narrow Scope for Expansion
Barnstaple itself is a very historic town, though it suffers from limited growth and less opportunity than the rest of Devon. Many residents believe the town is not as vibrant and developed in the way that other areas can be. Property prices are relatively cheap, but the town’s lack of career opportunities and limited entertainment avenues may be a turn-off for younger individuals and families.
Torquay: Pressure of Incoming Tourists
Torquay is popular with tourists, it’s pretty coastal scenery but can make everyday living hard for its residents. The large number of tourists also causes an increase in the number of other tourists and overcrowding, especially during busy beach seasons, which greatly affects quality of life. Economic seasons have turned against the town in recent years, as lots of seasonal work, little permanent jobs available to residents.
