Plymouth and Saltash are two beautiful towns in Devon that offer families a great quality of life. With their coastal location, historic charm, and excellent schools, these towns are perfect for those looking to settle down.
Plymouth City Centre
Plymouth city centre has experienced a revival in recent years, making it an appealing option for families. The area is walkable with plenty of amenities and attractions right on your doorstep. Highlights include the Barbican harbour area with its quaint cobbled streets, restaurants and bars. The city centre also provides easy access to schools, shops, Plymouth University and the Life Centre leisure complex.
Popular suburbs near the city centre include Mutley and Greenbank. Mutley offers a mix of Victorian terraces, shops and pubs. Greenbank has larger period homes near parks and Plymouth College. Both provide an urban lifestyle with great connectivity.
Plympton
Located east of Plymouth, Plympton is a family-friendly suburban area with excellent schools. Plympton St Mary has outstanding primary schools such as Yealmpstone Farm Primary and a direct bus route to the city centre. To the south, Chaddlewood is close to Chaddlewood Primary School and features newer homes, parks and a retail park.
Plympton offers a quieter lifestyle with the countryside on your doorstep. Ridgeway is great for walking and cycling. Plympton House and grounds provide green space right in the heart of the community. Plympton is ideal for families who want space to grow without sacrificing convenience.
Derriford
Derriford is a fast-growing neighbourhood north of Plymouth city centre. It contains one of the largest business parks in the South West, as well as the area’s main hospital. Facilities like Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium and Life Centre leisure complex are also found in Derriford.
Popular housing areas include Seaton Neighbourhood to the west and Tailyour Neighbourhood to the north. These areas have new homes, parks and easy access to shops and services. They also have schools rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted such as Goosewell Primary and Marlborough Primary Academy.
Derriford puts you close to major employers and routes out of Plymouth. The A38 and A386 make for an easy commute. Derriford suits professionals who want modern homes without living directly in the city centre.
Saltash
Just over the Tamar Bridge from Plymouth, Saltash maintains its own distinct identity as a historic Cornish market town. For families seeking a quieter alternative to Plymouth, Saltash has a lot to offer.
Fore Street provides shops, cafés and services with a country town feel. Waterside properties enjoy views over the Tamar River. Saltash has excellent transport links – the train station has direct connections to Plymouth, Cornwall and London Paddington.
Popular family neighbourhoods include Latchbrook, Foundry and Pillmere. These areas have good schools, parks, and community spirit. Saltash Community School is a thriving secondary school. For younger children, Bishop Cornish CofE VA Primary and St Stephen’s Community Primary School both received ‘Good’ Ofsted ratings.
The surrounding Cornish countryside provides a beautiful setting for family life. Nearby attractions include the National Trust’s Cotehele estate, Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park, and unspoiled fishing villages like Kingsand and Cawsand within easy reach.
Conclusion
Plymouth and Saltash offer a wide range of neighbourhoods to suit families of all sizes. With their excellent schools, vibrant communities, and stunning natural surroundings, these towns are perfect for raising a family.
If you’re looking to settle down and raise a family in Plymouth or Saltash, get in touch with Pilkington Estates. Our local experts have in-depth knowledge of the best schools, amenities, transport links and lifestyle opportunities in different neighbourhoods. We can match you to your ideal family home and community. Contact us today to start your property search!
Here are some additional considerations for families when choosing a neighbourhood in Plymouth or Saltash:
- School catchment areas: Make sure to check the school catchment areas for the neighbourhoods you are considering. This will ensure that your children will be able to attend the schools of your choice.
- Amenities: Consider the amenities that are important to you and your family, such as parks, shops, restaurants, and public transportation.
- Transport links: If you rely on public transportation, make sure to choose a neighbourhood that is well-served by buses and trains.
- Community spirit: Some neighbourhoods have a stronger sense of community than others. If this is important to you, choose a neighbourhood with
