Living in Truro

Community spirit in Truro is strong, with a neighbourly atmosphere found throughout its distinct quarters. Residents enjoy a calendar full of local events—such as the celebrated Truro City of Lights lantern parade, regular farmers’ markets on Lemon Quay, and the seasonal Truro Food Festival. The city centre remains a focal point for community gatherings, cultural displays, and music performances.

Access to open spaces is easy, with Victoria Gardens providing a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city and the River Truro offering scenic waterside walks. Community centres and sports clubs play an active role in local life, catering to diverse interests including amateur dramatics, youth activities, and gardening societies.

For those who appreciate the outdoors, Truro gives direct access to the wider Cornish countryside, with numerous walking and cycling routes radiating from the city. The sense of inclusivity and a packed calendar of events foster a welcoming and interconnected local lifestyle.

Truro is generally perceived as a safe place to live by residents and visitors alike. The city maintains lower crime rates compared to many urban centres in the South West, with occasional spikes typical of any busy city centre, particularly during weekends or public events. Local policing is visible, and there is an active neighbourhood watch community supporting community safety.

Efforts to improve safety in Truro include street lighting upgrades, CCTV coverage in key areas, and active engagement between residents, businesses, and the Cornwall Council. Areas around the city centre are well-policed, especially during the evenings, with the riverside and residential quarters known for their quiet, neighbourly atmosphere. Truro benefits from regular police presence, collaborative community schemes, and a generally strong sense of civic pride contributing to its safe reputation.

Parking in Truro can be competitive, especially during peak hours and busy shopping periods due to its popularity as a retail and business hub. The city offers several council-run car parks in and around the centre, plus limited on-street pay-and-display spaces. Resident parking permits are available in designated zones close to central residential streets, helping those who live within walking distance of the city core.

Road access in Truro is facilitated by the A390 and A39, linking to the broader Cornwall road network and providing connections to outlying towns and coastal destinations. Traffic congestion is mostly limited to rush hours or busy holiday periods, with improvements underway to ease bottlenecks on the main approach roads.

Truro is well connected by road to nearby towns and cities:

• Falmouth – approx. 25 minutes via A39 (12 miles)
• St Austell – approx. 30 minutes via A390 (15 miles)
• Penzance – approx. 40 minutes via A30 (26 miles)
• Newquay – approx. 30 minutes via A3075 (12 miles)

Truro stands out as a culinary destination in Cornwall, boasting a mix of independent cafés, boutique bistros, and acclaimed restaurants. From classic Cornish pasties to creative fine dining, the city’s food scene celebrates local produce and innovative menus. Popular eateries include the award-winning Bustopher Jones and The Longstore Truro, as well as traditional tearooms and artisan bakeries.

Pubs in Truro are plentiful and filled with character, such as The Old Ale House, known for its live music, and The Rising Sun with its cosy atmosphere. A lively collection of bars and cocktail lounges can be found tucked into the city centre’s historic streets, providing options for relaxed evenings or social gatherings.

Nightlife in Truro leans towards a friendly and laid-back vibe, with live music venues, occasional club nights, and performances at the Hall for Cornwall theatre. Weekly markets and food festivals add to a dynamic food and drink offering, while late-night options are available at select city-centre venues, making for a varied but approachable social scene.

School Quality

Schools in Truro are highly regarded, with options covering state, independent, and religious education, giving families varied choice for their children’s development. The presence of top-performing primaries and secondaries adds to the city’s appeal for young families.

Parks and Green Space

Truro features well-maintained parks, including Victoria Gardens and Boscawen Park, with play areas, open lawns, and sports facilities for all ages. Riverside walks and access to Cornish beaches and countryside further enhance the family lifestyle.

Childcare

The city is well provided for by nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school clubs, many attached to local schools or specialist providers.

Safety

Safety in Truro is considered above average for urban areas in the region, with active neighbourhood policing and community networks providing peace of mind for families.

Family Activities

There’s a wealth of family-oriented events and venues, from soft play and leisure centres to seasonal festivals, museums, and theatre performances. Proximity to the coast and countryside means weekends can be easily spent exploring nature or visiting nearby attractions.

Truro is an excellent city for pet owners, benefitting from an array of dog-friendly parks and riverside paths such as Victoria Gardens and Boscawen Park. The city’s proximity to rural landscapes and Cornish beaches also allows for varied walking routes suitable for active dogs.

There are several independent pet shops and reputable local vets throughout the city. Many cafés and pubs in the city centre are dog friendly, making it easy for owners to socialise with their pets. Housing landlords are increasingly open to pet ownership, and pet-friendly tenancy agreements are becoming more available in and around Truro.

Community events occasionally include dog shows and pet markets, and pet services—including kennels, trainers, and pet-sitting—are well established within the local area. Truro’s natural environment and inclusive attitude make it a welcoming place for those with pets.

Truro is strategically positioned in mid-Cornwall, providing excellent transport options for both local journeys and longer commutes. The city’s railway station lies on the main Great Western Railway line, offering direct trains to major destinations such as Plymouth, Exeter, and London Paddington. Regular branch line services connect Truro to picturesque coastal towns such as Falmouth and St Ives.

Truro’s comprehensive bus network allows easy travel across Cornwall, with connecting routes running to Newquay, St Austell, Camborne, Redruth, and Penzance. The A30 trunk road is the main vehicular route east-west, connecting Truro to both the rest of Cornwall and the M5 motorway at Exeter.

For air travel, Newquay Cornwall Airport is approximately 30 minutes away by car, with domestic and seasonal international services. Commuting times by public transport include:

• Plymouth – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by train
• Exeter – approx. 2 hours 20 minutes by train
• London – approx. 4 hours 30 minutes by direct train
• Falmouth – approx. 25 minutes by train

This central location and the range of transport links make Truro an effective base for exploring Cornwall and reaching national destinations.

Primary Schools

Truro is well served by several highly-regarded primary schools. Archbishop Benson CofE Primary School, last rated as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in 2012, is known for its inclusive ethos and academic excellence. St Mary's CofE School is another popular option, offering a caring environment and broad curriculum. Bosvigo School, located near the city centre, maintains good Ofsted outcomes and a strong local reputation.

Secondary Schools

Truro School, an independent co-educational institution, is highly respected and offers day and boarding options. Penair School, a comprehensive academy, caters to a diverse student body and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2017. Richard Lander School, situated on the outskirts of the city, is another large secondary academy known for community ties and academic performance.

Colleges and Sixth Forms

Truro College is a standout further education provider in Cornwall, earning national acclaim for A-level and vocational results. The college also offers extensive adult education, apprenticeships, and foundation degrees, attracting students from across the county and beyond. Truro High School for Girls provides an independent pathway from primary up to sixth form level.

Universities

While Truro itself does not host a full university campus, it is home to the Truro campus of the University of Exeter's Medical School, part of the Royal Cornwall Hospital complex. The main university options are available in nearby Falmouth and Penryn, via Falmouth University and the University of Exeter Penryn Campus, both easily accessible from Truro.