Living in St Austell

St Austell is characterised by a strong sense of community, rooted in its market town origins and Cornish heritage. The townsfolk are known for their friendliness and distinct Cornish identity, with many community centres and local societies open to both newcomers and long-standing residents. Regular farmers’ markets are held in the town centre, showcasing local produce and crafts typical of Cornwall.

Outdoor living is central to community life in St Austell—public parks such as Poltair Park, Victoria Gardens, and the many walking trails attract residents year-round, while coastal access encourages sailing, water sports, and beach activities. The Eden Project, located just outside town, is a focal point for eco-events, festivals, and environmental education, attracting both residents and visitors.

Sports clubs, amateur dramatic groups, and local music societies bring people together, ensuring a lively calendar of events. The area is well served by public libraries, leisure centres, and places of worship that anchor St Austell’s local life.

Safety and crime rates in St Austell broadly reflect those of many medium-sized Cornish towns. While incidents of petty theft and anti-social behaviour occur, particularly in busier town centre areas, the overall rate of violent crime remains moderate. There is a visible police presence around key parts of the town, and community safety groups work alongside local authorities to improve lighting and promote crime prevention schemes.

Neighbourhood Watch initiatives are active in several residential parts of St Austell, giving residents a way to voice concerns and keep updated on community safety. Charlestown and the residential suburbs on the outskirts are often considered among the safer areas. Regeneration programmes around White River Place and the town centre aim to enhance both safety perception and urban environment for residents and visitors alike.

Parking in St Austell is generally manageable, though it can become busy in the centre or near major attractions such as White River Place or the Eden Project. The town offers a mix of council-operated car parks, on-street parking, and residential permit schemes. In newer housing developments, allocated off-street parking is common, but older parts of the town may experience more pressure, particularly during peak hours or tourist season.

Road access is good, with the A390 passing through the town and connecting to the wider Cornish network. The A30, accessible to the north, allows rapid access to key destinations across Cornwall and further into Devon. Congestion is typically moderate, increasing during summer visitor influx or events at major Cornwall venues.

• Truro – approx. 15 miles (25 minutes) via A390
• Newquay – approx. 13 miles (25 minutes) via A3058
• Bodmin – approx. 10 miles (20 minutes) via A391
• Plymouth – approx. 38 miles (1 hour) via A38

St Austell offers an evolving food and social scene, characterised by classic Cornish pubs, contemporary cafes, and a growing range of independent restaurants. Fore Street, the town’s main shopping thoroughfare, and the immediate area provides several popular eating options, as well as takeaways serving Cornish pasties, fish and chips, and world cuisine.

The town is home to the St Austell Brewery, a major name in Cornish beer for over 160 years, with its flagship visitor centre and several of its traditional pubs throughout the town (including The White Hart and The Western Inn). Pubs often offer classic fare using local produce, alongside locally brewed ales and ciders. Upscale options and family-friendly dining can be found in nearby Charlestown, including waterside restaurants and bistros. The nightlife in St Austell is relatively relaxed, with a handful of bars, live music venues, and community events for evening entertainment. For a livelier scene, many head to Newquay or Truro.

School Quality: St Austell benefits from high-performing primary and secondary schools, such as Penrice Academy and Sandy Hill Academy, giving parents a range of good options.
Parks and Green Spaces: Green space is a highlight of life in St Austell, with Victoria Gardens, Poltair Park, and direct access to surrounding beaches and countryside.
Childcare: Nurseries and childminders are available throughout the town, and most primary schools offer wraparound care to support working parents.
Safety: The town generally feels safe, with active neighbourhood watch schemes and a community-focused police presence contributing to family peace of mind.
Family Activities: Indoor and outdoor pursuits abound—from the Eden Project and kid-friendly museums to beaches, cycling trails, and community events—making St Austell an appealing place for families seeking a balanced and active lifestyle.

With immediate access to beaches, countryside trails, and several parks, St Austell is an excellent location for pet owners. Coastal walks in nearby Charlestown and Carlyon Bay are popular, as is the Pentewan Valley Trail, ideal for dog walking, cycling, and horse riding. Many pubs and cafes, especially outside town centre, welcome well-behaved dogs, and there are a number of pet shops and veterinary practices, such as St Austell Veterinary Surgery and Clifton Villa Vets, within the town.

Accommodation is predominantly pet-friendly, especially in family homes and new developments. The community is known for its acceptance of pets, with events and groups often catering to animal lovers, making integration for pet-owning families straightforward and enjoyable.

Public transport in St Austell is well-developed for a town of its size, offering good connectivity both within Cornwall and further afield. St Austell railway station is located on the main Cornish Main Line, providing regular direct services to Plymouth, Truro, and London Paddington. The town is served by frequent local and regional buses, including direct routes to neighbouring towns such as Newquay, Fowey, and Mevagissey.

For road users, the A390 runs through St Austell, linking to the A30—the main trunk road in Cornwall—which enhances connectivity east towards Devon and beyond. Cornwall Airport Newquay, approximately 30 minutes away by car, offers domestic flights and limited international services.

• Truro: 25 minutes by train
• Plymouth: Around 1 hour and 10 minutes by train
• London Paddington: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes by direct train
• Newquay Airport: About 30 minutes by car

Cycle routes and walking trails make local travel sustainable, and the South West Coast Path is accessible for those seeking scenic commutes or leisure routes.

Primary Schools:
St Austell is home to several well-regarded primary schools, including Sandy Hill Academy (Ofsted 'Outstanding', May 2016) which is known for its academic achievements and inclusive approach. Mount Charles School and Carclaze Community Primary School (Ofsted 'Good', November 2022) are also popular options, serving a broad catchment within the town. Charlestown Primary School, situated near the picturesque historic harbour, is particularly favoured by families in the eastern parts of town.

Secondary Schools:
Poltair School is a notable secondary, catering to children aged 11-16 and praised for its supportive environment (Ofsted 'Good', June 2022). Penrice Academy (Ofsted 'Outstanding', July 2014) is highly sought after for consistently strong academic results and a diverse curriculum. Both schools draw students from across St Austell and beyond, with Penrice Academy regularly appearing in local league tables for achievement.

Colleges & Further Education:
Cornwall College St Austell is a large further education campus offering a wide array of academic and vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and adult learning courses. The campus hosts dedicated facilities for creative arts, engineering, business, catering, and more, providing options for post-16 and mature learners from across Cornwall.

Universities:
St Austell does not have its own university, but students regularly commute to nearby Falmouth University or University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus at Penryn, both around 45 minutes by car, for a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.