Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Devon / Cornwall

Hi there, very infrequent poster here. Might seem a strange question but seriously thinking of relocating to Devon or Cornwall and would be interested to hear any plus's or minuses from any of you who live or have lived in those areas. Bearing in mind we have a mutual interest in our cars and most of us seem to be of a similar vintage age wise and from the general vibe of the forum, probably in outlook in general, I would value the advice. I have largely lived in the Milton Keynes area for most of my life but the area immediately and beyond is now becoming severely over developed, traffic is becoming a nightmare, all of the social problems associated with big cities are now on the rise and its no longer the semi rural idyl that it was 20 plus years ago. I want rural, space, quiet, decent roads to enjoy my cars / motorbikes and I cycle a lot. Not looking to live immediately by the coast and have an upper 6 figure budget and have seen some nice properties available. Am I deluding myself about Devon & Cornwall or is it as nice as it appears on my infrequent visits ? Any particular areas to avoid, etc, etc. Any comments much appreciated.

Do it! I tried to in 2013, we stayed in Plymouth for 8 months in my sister in laws holiday home and bought a house, which fell through, long story, then we bought a house in saltash, which fell through. Swmbo missed the kids and we ended up three miles from where we'd sold. I still regret that we didn't manage to pull it off. One day maybe!
It's a beautiful area, the people are really friendly, but obviously during the summer months the touristy places are very busy, but we used to and still do enjoy the out of season when traffic is much easier and places are a lot quieter, we felt Plymouth offered the access to coast country and city life which was (is?) right for us but there are some fantastic properties available in the sticks.
Added bonus two mog centres!
We particularly like Noss Mayo, Newton Ferrers and the area around Bigbury on sea. Good hunting, and I hope you find your perfect place.

Great area and I moved to Newton Ferrers in 2006 but divorced now ex in 2008... and now live near a village between the Yealm and Plymouth. Lovely area with pleasant villages that are not retirement villages. Narrow lanes not good for cyclists in summer but good cycling to be had regardless. Nice villages up the Tamar both in Devon and Cornwall. Places like Tavistock inland are good. I row with the Salcombe gig club and in spite of its reputation has a thriving community but all people see is the main tourist bit by the harbour. Nice villages around Salcombe as well. More for your money over in Cornwall and again the villages within easy reach of Plymouth are lovely. I would suggest you do two visits as long as you can make them see where you feel comfortable. Perhaps one in Tavistock - moors and villages, Plymouth - coastal east and west. It is good down here with plenty to do and if you feel inclined The Princes Trust is always looking for mentors for the young people and is very rewarding

Pete

I agree with every thing above. Tavistock is one of the nicest towns I know but please stop telling people about it. Huge number of lovely villages throughout the area but be a bit careful a few are becoming dormitory villages. The whole area is invaded in August but dont moan about it as the income supports an awful lot of the residents, just go on holiday yourself.
I dont like cities anywhere so my comments would be badly biased. The plus is you dont have to go far to get out of them.
Negatives. Its more than a 2 mile drive to find supermarkets like you have.
Its wetter than MK
Strongly suggest renting and would do at least one in summer and another in winter. If Dartmoor is an attraction its beautiful but 2 coats colder in winter.
Good Luck

If Dartmoor is an attraction I'd recommend a look around the Exmoor region, too. Not quite so far to drive to reach other regions (except further SW ).

Spot on Graham, its right on my doorstep and i take the mog up there on a regular basis.

Having lived in Devon all my life, I know the pros & cons pretty well. Summer & winter is very different in terms of road traffic. Most of the coastal honey pot towns get regular gridlocks at peak times. Most backwater villages are delightful and populated by true Devonians; they have a community spirit and compared to the Cornish are less territorial. Exeter to Bristol is 1hr.15min drive; Penzance about 2hrs.15min. Dartmoor has a strong weather influence. Places on the close western side may have as much as 90inches of rain. Those east of the moor 1/3rd of that. Keep this in mind if you prefer to drive with the hood down.

Kept the boat in Falmouth for 5 years. Really nice town rapidly becoming a bit yuppiefied like Salcombe but still down to earth because of the docks. Obviously good access to the sea ( thats where to go when the roads are congested) and fishing, but also inland. The only negative is that west cornwall like west wales is a damn long way from anywhere.

Suggest you hire a holiday cottage for a month in whatever location you decide on.

As a left field suggestion have you considered mid wales. Unlike Cornwall or Devon it doesnt gridlock with tourists in summer, housing is much cheaper, and in many ways the scenery / rural life is similar to Devon and Cornwall. You might expect that since they are on opposite sides of a river delta.

May I put my biassed view!
I moved to Cornwall with my job as a young man aged 26 and lived on the west coast for 17 years.
In the summer Cornwall is packed with visitors and difficult to get around.
In the winter Cornwall is cold and wet and in my opinion an unpleasant place to live particularly on the west coast.
I was a young man when I moved there and my body got used to the weather but if you move there as an older person your body finds it difficult to acclimatise.
The people who make money out of the older person are solicitors and undertakers so beware.
Cornwall was once described to me as an ugly picture in a beautiful frame!
Finally house prices are outrageous.
Now Devon is another matter, I lived in Tavistock for 7 years after moving from Cornwall.
Tavistock is a nice place to live, nice shops, friendly people and very close to Dartmoor,
avoid Plymouth a very unpleasant place to live.
I now live in Somerset near the county town Taunton and have lived here after Devon.
Out of the three counties I like Somerset the best.
The weather is drier and milder and Exmoor is very pleasant for a Sunday picnic.
In the main the holiday makers avoid it in their rush to Devon and Cornwall.
It's nicer place to drive you morgan as well.
Hope my biassed opinion helps!
Eddie.

Wherever you fancy do some research based on falling ill and what care is available as you get older as well as what transport is realistic.

Should you move to the other part of the country will it be difficult/inconvenient for family if that is important.