Moving to Plymouth — Your Complete Guide Everything you need to know about living in Plymouth — from the best neighbourhoods and schools to council services and parking
Thinking about moving to Plymouth? Whether you're relocating for work, university, retirement, or just a change of scenery, Plymouth is a fantastic city to call home. With a stunning waterfront, affordable housing, excellent transport links, and a growing economy, it's no surprise that thousands of people move to Plymouth every year. This comprehensive guide covers everything from the best areas to live and local schools to council tax, parking, and what makes Plymouth such a special place to settle down.
Is Plymouth a Nice Place to Live? Plymouth is widely considered one of the best places to live in the South West of England. The city combines the convenience of urban living with unrivalled access to the coast, Dartmoor National Park, and the beautiful South Hams countryside. Plymouth offers significantly more affordable housing than many comparable UK cities, with average house prices well below the national average. The city has undergone major regeneration in recent years — the new Barcode development on the waterfront, the Drake Circus Leisure complex, and ongoing investment in the city centre have transformed the landscape. Plymouth also has a thriving cultural scene with the Theatre Royal (the largest and best-attended regional producing theatre in the UK), regular festivals, and a growing independent food and drink scene. The Barbican and Sutton Harbour area is packed with independent restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. For outdoor lovers, Plymouth Hoe offers iconic views across the Sound, and you're within minutes of world-class sailing, surfing, and walking. Safety-wise, Plymouth has lower crime rates than many cities of a similar size, and the strong community feel across its neighbourhoods makes it a welcoming place for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
Best Areas to Live in Plymouth Plymouth has a wide variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own character. The Hoe and Barbican is the most sought-after central area, with stunning sea views, period properties, and a vibrant social scene — though parking can be a challenge. Mannamead and Hartley are popular with families, offering larger Victorian and Edwardian homes, excellent schools, and a village-like atmosphere. Plymstock (including Elburton, Hooe, and Turnchapel) is a family-friendly suburb on the eastern side of the city with good schools, green spaces, and easy access to Dartmoor. Derriford and Crownhill are convenient for the hospital and northern business parks, with a mix of modern housing and good transport links. Mutley and Peverell are popular with young professionals and university staff, offering affordable Victorian terraces close to the city centre. For a more rural feel within easy reach of Plymouth, Plympton, Roborough, and the South Hams villages of Yealmpton and Brixton offer countryside living without a long commute.
Plymouth Council Services for New Residents Plymouth City Council provides a wide range of services to residents. When you move to Plymouth, you'll need to register for council tax — this can be done online at plymouth.gov.uk or by calling 01752 668000. Council tax bands in Plymouth are generally lower than the national average, making it affordable compared to many parts of the South East and Midlands. For 2025/26, Band D council tax in Plymouth is around £2,100 including police and fire precepts. The council also manages waste collection (weekly recycling, fortnightly general waste), provides a bulky item collection service (useful when moving house), and handles parking permits for controlled zones across the city. Electoral registration can be done at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Plymouth's libraries, leisure centres, and parks are all council-run and offer excellent facilities — the Life Centre on Central Park is one of the best leisure facilities in the region.
Parking in Plymouth — Permits, Zones & Tips Parking is an important consideration when moving to Plymouth. Many residential areas in the city centre, Mutley, Stoke, Stonehouse, and parts of the Barbican are covered by Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), which means you'll need a residents' parking permit. Permits are available from Plymouth City Council at around £40-60 per year (depending on the zone), and you can apply online. In suburban areas like Plymstock, Plympton, Derriford, and Crownhill, most properties have driveways or free street parking. The city centre has several multi-storey car parks including Drake Circus (managed by NCP) and the Theatre Royal car park. There is also park and ride services from George Park & Ride (near the A38/A386 junction) and Coypool Park & Ride — both offering cheap all-day parking with regular bus services into the city centre. On moving day, you may need to arrange a temporary parking suspension if you're in a CPZ — our team can advise on this.
Schools and Education in Plymouth Plymouth has a strong selection of schools across all age groups. Popular primary schools include Compton Church of England, Montpelier Primary, Woodford Primary, Goosewell Primary, and Widewell Primary — all rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. For secondary education, Plymouth has several well-regarded schools including Devonport High School for Boys and Devonport High School for Girls (both selective grammars), Plymstock School, Eggbuckland Community College, Notre Dame RC School, and Plymouth College (independent). The city is also home to the University of Plymouth — one of the largest universities in the South West — and City College Plymouth for further education. Marjon University (Plymouth Marjon) is also based in the Derriford area, specialising in education, sport, and health. School admissions are managed by Plymouth City Council, and you can apply online via the council's admissions page.
Transport Links — Getting Around Plymouth Plymouth has excellent transport connections despite its south-western location. By road, the A38 Devon Expressway connects Plymouth to Exeter (45 minutes) and the M5 motorway network. The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry link Plymouth to Cornwall. By rail, Plymouth station offers direct services to London Paddington (around 3 hours), Bristol (2 hours), Exeter (1 hour), and Cornwall. CrossCountry services connect to Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, and the North. Local bus services are operated by Citybus and Stagecoach, covering the city and surrounding areas including Tavistock, Ivybridge, and the South Hams. Plymouth also has a ferry terminal at Millbay with regular services to Roscoff (Brittany Ferries) and Santander. There are plans for improved cycle infrastructure across the city, and existing routes along the waterfront and through Central Park make cycling a viable option for commuting.
Healthcare and NHS Services Plymouth is well served by healthcare facilities. Derriford Hospital (University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust) is the largest hospital in the South West peninsula, offering full A&E, maternity, and specialist services. The city also has a range of NHS dental practices and GP surgeries — when you move to Plymouth, you'll need to register with a local GP practice. This can be done by visiting the surgery in person or online. Livewell Southwest provides community health services, mental health support, and social care across the city. The city also has several private healthcare options, including Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital. For urgent but non-emergency care, there's the NHS 111 service and the urgent treatment centre at Derriford.
Shopping, Food & Things to Do Plymouth has a thriving high street and independent scene. Drake Circus Shopping Centre is the main retail hub, anchored by major brands and connected to the Drake Circus Leisure complex with a 12-screen Cineworld, restaurants, and bowling. The city centre has a growing number of independent shops, especially around the Barbican, Ebrington Street, and the Pannier Market. For food lovers, Plymouth offers everything from Michelin-quality dining at The Greedy Goose and Cosmic Kitchen to harbourside fish and chips at the Barbican. The Real Food Market at the Royal William Yard runs regularly, and the Yard itself has become one of the South West's best waterfront destinations with bars, restaurants, and galleries. Plymouth also has a busy events calendar — including the British Fireworks Championships, Ocean City Sounds, MTV Crashes Plymouth, Armed Forces Day, and the Christmas Market. Outdoor activities include kayaking and paddleboarding from the Hoe, sailing from Mount Batten, walking the South West Coast Path, and wild swimming at Tinside Lido or Devil's Point.
Property Prices and the Plymouth Housing Market One of Plymouth's biggest attractions for new residents is its affordability. The average house price in Plymouth in 2025 is around £230,000 — significantly below the national average of £290,000. Detached properties average around £350,000, semi-detached homes around £250,000, terraced houses around £200,000, and flats around £140,000. The most expensive areas are The Hoe, Hartley, Mannamead, and parts of Plymstock, while Keyham, Devonport, and Efford offer some of the most affordable housing in the city. The rental market is competitive, particularly for student lets around Mutley and the university area. Plymouth's housing market has seen steady growth, driven by regeneration, the growing naval dockyard, and improved transport links. For buyers moving from London, the South East, or Bristol, Plymouth offers significantly more space for the money.
Employment and the Local Economy Plymouth has a diverse and growing economy. The largest employer is HMNB Devonport — the UK's largest naval base and dockyard — which employs thousands of military and civilian staff. Babcock International, which manages the dockyard, is one of the region's largest private employers. The University of Plymouth and University Hospitals Plymouth are also major employers. The city has a growing tech sector centred around the Oceansgate Marine Enterprise Zone and the Smart Sound Plymouth initiative (the UK's first marine testing ground for autonomous vessels). Other key sectors include advanced manufacturing, marine science, health and social care, retail, and tourism. Plymouth's economy is supported by good broadband infrastructure (including ultrafast fibre in many areas) and lower commercial property costs compared to Exeter and Bristol, making it attractive for startups and growing businesses.
Moving to Plymouth — Why Choose Two Man Removals? If you're planning a move to Plymouth — or relocating within the city — Two Man Removals is the trusted local choice. With over 600 five-star reviews across all platforms (220+ on Google), we're Plymouth's highest-rated removals company. We offer professional house removals, man and van services, packing, house clearance, and storage support across Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall. Our team knows every road, every tricky access point, and every parking challenge in the city — which means a smoother, faster move for you. We provide free surveys with fixed-price quotes, comprehensive insurance, and a genuine commitment to getting your belongings safely from door to door. Whether you're moving to the Hoe, Plymstock, Derriford, or anywhere in between, we'll make your move to Plymouth as stress-free as possible. Call us on 01752 936 046 or get an instant quote through our website.
Frequently Asked Questions Is Plymouth a nice place to live? Plymouth is widely considered one of the best places to live in the South West. It offers stunning waterfront views, affordable housing (average prices well below the national average), excellent schools, a growing economy, and unrivalled access to both the coast and Dartmoor National Park. The city has undergone significant regeneration, with new leisure, retail, and waterfront developments transforming the landscape. With lower crime rates than many comparable cities and a strong community feel, Plymouth is a welcoming place for families, professionals, and retirees.
What are the nicest areas of Plymouth? The most popular areas to live in Plymouth include The Hoe and Barbican (sea views and vibrant social scene), Mannamead and Hartley (large family homes and excellent schools), Plymstock and Elburton (family-friendly suburbs with green spaces), Mutley and Peverell (affordable Victorian terraces close to the city centre), and Plympton (more rural with a village feel). The best area for you depends on your priorities — proximity to schools, work, the waterfront, or countryside.
How safe is Plymouth to live in? Plymouth has lower overall crime rates than many UK cities of a similar size. Like any city, some areas experience more reported crime than others, but generally Plymouth is considered safe. The suburban areas of Plymstock, Plympton, Derriford, and the South Hams fringe are particularly quiet. Devon and Cornwall Police covers the area, and community policing is active across the city's neighbourhoods.
How much is council tax in Plymouth? Council tax in Plymouth is generally lower than the national average. For 2025/26, Band D council tax is approximately £2,100 including the police and fire precepts. Bands range from around £1,400 (Band A) to over £3,600 (Band H). You can check your property's council tax band and pay online at plymouth.gov.uk.
What are the best schools in Plymouth? Plymouth has excellent schools at all levels. Popular primary schools include Compton CofE, Montpelier, Woodford, and Goosewell. Devonport High School for Boys and Devonport High School for Girls are highly regarded selective grammar schools. Other well-rated secondaries include Plymstock School, Notre Dame RC School, and Eggbuckland Community College. Plymouth College is the city's leading independent school.
Is Plymouth expensive to live in? No — Plymouth is one of the most affordable cities in the South West. Average house prices are around £230,000, well below the national average. Council tax is lower than many parts of the UK. The cost of living — including groceries, dining out, and leisure — is generally lower than Bristol, Exeter, and considerably cheaper than London and the South East.
How do I get a parking permit in Plymouth? If you live in a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in Plymouth, you can apply for a residents' parking permit through Plymouth City Council's website. Permits cost around £40-60 per year depending on the zone. You'll need proof of address and vehicle registration. Many suburban areas don't require permits as they have driveways or unrestricted street parking.
What is Plymouth known for? Plymouth is famous as the departure point for the Pilgrim Fathers' voyage to America in 1620, its historic naval dockyard (the largest in Western Europe), Plymouth Hoe and Smeaton's Tower, the National Marine Aquarium, the Barbican's cobbled streets, the Royal William Yard, and the Theatre Royal. It's also known for its proximity to Dartmoor and the stunning South Devon coastline.
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