Living in St Ives
Looking to move to St Ives? Learn all about what life here is like, from the local schools and transport options to things to do around town and, of course, find out about property prices in the area.
Your guide to moving and living in St Ives
Why St Ives is a great place to live
St Ives, located on the rugged north coast of Cornwall, is widely known for its breathtaking seascapes, golden sandy beaches, and vibrant arts scene. This historic fishing town has evolved into a sought-after location for both its beauty and cultural significance, offering an enviable coastal lifestyle. Its narrow, cobbled streets meander through a tapestry of whitewashed cottages, boutique shops, and independent galleries, giving St Ives a unique charm that has inspired artists and writers for generations.
The town attracts a diverse mix of residents, including families drawn by the exceptional primary schools, retirees seeking a peaceful coastal retreat, and creatives making the most of St Ives’ artistic reputation. The large influx of tourists during the warmer months energises local businesses, while in the quieter winter period, St Ives reverts to a tranquil community, cherished by locals for its relaxed pace and strong sense of identity.
St Ives is famous for landmarks such as the Tate St Ives art gallery, Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and its picturesque working harbour. The town is enveloped by some of Cornwall’s most celebrated beaches, including Porthmeor, Porthminster, and Carbis Bay, making it a prominent destination for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. The combination of maritime heritage and modern creativity makes living in St Ives a distinctive experience, blending old-world Cornish character with contemporary coastal living.
Community & Local Life
St Ives retains a strong sense of community alongside its bustling tourism trade. The town hosts year-round events such as the St Ives September Festival, a celebration of music, art, and literature; local food markets; and workshops linked to the area’s artistic traditions.
Green spaces and coastal paths provide residents with ample opportunities for outdoor leisure, whether walking the South West Coast Path, exploring the local beaches, or visiting the Steeple Woodland Nature Reserve. Community groups and local organisations are active, helping to maintain St Ives’ local identity and preserve its Cornish heritage.
Residents describe the social scene as friendly and welcoming, with neighbourhood events and initiatives fostering cohesion between long-time locals, new arrivals, and regular seasonal visitors.
Safety & Crime Rates in St Ives
St Ives is generally considered a safe destination, enjoying low overall crime rates compared to many urban centres. As a popular tourist area, there may be a slight increase in minor incidents such as antisocial behaviour during peak seasons, but serious crime rates remain low throughout the year.
The town benefits from proactive community policing and the presence of neighbourhood watch schemes, which help maintain a strong feeling of safety among residents and visitors. Regeneration efforts and the focus on tourism have contributed to the improvement of public spaces, resulting in a welcoming atmosphere for families and individuals living in St Ives.
Parking & Road Access
Parking in St Ives can be challenging, particularly during the busy tourist season when demand for spaces peaks. The town offers several public car parks including Trenwith, Park Avenue, and Station Road, as well as limited on-street parking. Residents may obtain parking permits for designated areas, but the narrow streets and historic layout mean availability can be limited, especially close to the harbour and beaches.
Access to St Ives is mainly via the A3074, which connects to the A30 for travel across Cornwall and to the M5 towards the rest of the UK. Road congestion occurs mainly during holidays, so travel times can be longer in summer. Key road journey times from St Ives are:
- Penzance – approx. 18 minutes via A30 (8 miles)
- Hayle – approx. 14 minutes via A3074 (5 miles)
- Bodmin – approx. 1 hour via A30 (48 miles)
- Truro – approx. 50 minutes via A30 (27 miles)
Food, Pubs & Nightlife
St Ives is celebrated for its award-winning restaurants, seafood bars, independent cafés, and traditional Cornish pubs. Freshly caught fish and locally sourced produce feature heavily on menus, with renowned establishments such as the Porthminster Beach Café, The Sloop Inn, and Porthgwidden Beach Café offering distinctive dining experiences with unmatched sea views.
The pub scene ranges from old maritime inns serving Cornish ales to trendy beach bars with alfresco terraces. For nightlife, St Ives favours a relaxed, sociable atmosphere — there are a handful of wine bars, contemporary cocktail lounges, and occasional live music venues, but no big nightclubs. Cultural evenings are a highlight, with the St Ives Theatre hosting events, and the Leach Pottery and Tate St Ives arranging openings, talks, and exhibitions.
There is also a solid selection of takeaways, including classic fish and chips, wood-fired pizza, and global street food, catering to visitors and locals alike.
Is St Ives Family Friendly
School Quality: St Ives offers a selection of well-regarded schools, with a focus on creative and inclusive education. Parents value the family-friendly ethos and supportive school communities.
Parks and Green Space: The town’s beaches, playgrounds, and green spaces, including local parks and the surrounding countryside, provide children with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Childcare: Nurseries and preschools are available in the area, and local groups run family activities and support services.
Safety: Perceived as a safe town with active community policing and a caring local culture, St Ives gives families peace of mind.
Family Activities: From beach days to art workshops, boat trips, and family festivals, St Ives supports a wide range of activities suitable for all ages.
Pet Friendly Living
St Ives is an excellent choice for pet owners, particularly dog lovers, due to its extensive coastline, dog-friendly beaches, and scenic countryside walks. Bamaluz Beach and Lambeth Walk are accessible to dogs year-round, while other beaches operate seasonal restrictions.
The town has several veterinary practices, grooming services, and local shops that cater for pets. Many cafés, pubs, and even art galleries in St Ives welcome dogs, reflecting the area’s laid-back and animal-friendly ethos. Housing for rent or sale is, in many cases, pet friendly, though as with most holiday destinations, restrictions may apply in some seasonal or managed lets.
Transport & Accessibility
St Ives is well-connected to the wider Cornwall region, though its picturesque position on the coast makes access a scenic part of daily life. The branch line rail connection, known as the St Ives Bay Line, links the town to St Erth, where mainline trains can be accessed for travel to larger Cornish towns and beyond.
The local bus network provides regular services to Penzance, Hayle, and other key locations. Regional road links via the A30 and A3074 offer reasonable access to the rest of Cornwall and Devon. Newquay Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 40 miles away, connecting residents and visitors to destinations across the UK.
Typical public transport commute times from St Ives include:
- Penzance – approx. 30 minutes by train or bus
- Truro – approx. 1 hour by train (including change at St Erth)
- Falmouth – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes by car
- London Paddington – approx. 5.5 hours by train (via St Erth)
Schools & Education in St Ives
St Ives provides a range of educational options for families, from well-regarded primary schools to access to nearby secondary schools and further education colleges. The focus on nurturing creativity is reflected in both curricular and extracurricular activities, making it an attractive location for academic and artistic development.
Primary Schools in St Ives
St Ives Infant School is known locally for its supportive environment and broad curriculum, last Ofsted rated as 'Good' in 2022. St Uny CofE Academy in nearby Carbis Bay also delivers a high standard of primary education, ranked 'Good' by Ofsted in 2019. Lelant CE School and Nancledra School provide additional excellent options within the catchment area.
Secondary Schools
St Ives School, the local secondary, offers education for ages 11–16 and has an Ofsted rating of 'Good' from its last inspection in 2017. Humphry Davy School and Penwith College, both in the nearby town of Penzance, are popular choices for further schooling, with strong reputations in both academic and vocational subjects.
Colleges & Further Education
Penwith College, part of the Truro and Penwith College group, is located close by in Penzance and provides a broad selection of A-levels and vocational courses. Its state-of-the-art campus attracts students from all over Cornwall, and it is known for its links to the arts and creative industries.
Universities
While there are no universities directly in St Ives, Falmouth University, renowned for art, design, and media, is within a 45-minute drive, further enhancing St Ives’ reputation as a hub for creative talent.