Living in Plymouth

Plymouth’s sense of community is strong, fostered by local pride and a varied events calendar. Annual highlights include the British Firework Championships, Plymouth Seafood Festival, and cultural parades on the Hoe. Many neighbourhoods have active community centres, sports clubs, and societies reflecting the city’s diversity and maritime history.

Green spaces are abundant, with Central Park, Devonport Park, and the Hoe’s panoramic promenade providing outdoor respite. The South West Coast Path passes through Plymouth, inviting walkers and cyclists to explore both urban and natural landscapes. Markets, such as the Royal William Yard Good Food Market, further enrich the local calendar and bring people together from across Devon and Cornwall.

Safety and crime rates in Plymouth vary according to neighbourhood and time of day, but most residents consider the city generally safe, especially in suburban and rural fringes like Plymstock and Elburton. Central areas and the waterfront (in particular the Barbican and Union Street) may experience higher rates of petty crime or anti-social behaviour, particularly during busy nightlife periods. Plymouth City Council and Devon & Cornwall Police have invested in visible policing, neighbourhood watch schemes, and the "Safe Bus" initiative to reassure the community during evenings.

Recent years have seen citywide regeneration projects, improved street lighting, and community engagement programs to address safety concerns. As with any city, it is advisable to remain vigilant at night, but the majority of Plymouth’s neighbourhoods are viewed as secure and welcoming.

Parking in Plymouth is a key topic for residents and visitors alike. The city centre offers multiple public car parks as well as on-street metered bays, while many suburban areas provide free on-street parking, though some residential roads require permits—especially near the University and in the Greenbank area. Demand for parking can rise significantly during university term times and events at Plymouth Pavilions or Home Park Stadium.

The A38 is the primary road in and out of Plymouth, making it simple to drive to other parts of Devon and Cornwall. Major road routes:

• Exeter – approx. 50 minutes via A38 (45 miles)
• Bodmin – approx. 1 hour via A38 (37 miles)
• Truro – approx. 1.25 hours via A38 and A390 (60 miles)
• Torquay – approx. 1 hour via A38/A380 (32 miles)

City centre congestion can occur during peak hours, but most outlying districts are easy to access, and road layouts are well signposted and maintained. Park and Ride facilities on the outskirts, including at Milehouse and Coypool, help ease access during busy periods.

Plymouth boasts a lively dining and nightlife scene, deeply influenced by its waterfront setting and maritime heritage. The Barbican and Royal William Yard are at the heart of the city’s food culture, offering everything from fresh seafood bistros (such as the acclaimed Rockfish) to independent coffee shops and international cuisines. Quirky takeaways, cheerful pubs, and modern cafés line the cobbled streets of the Barbican, making it a favourite social hotspot.

The pub scene is diverse, from historic inns like The Minerva and The Dolphin to contemporary cocktail bars and craft beer houses. Nightlife includes student-focused bars around North Hill, live music venues such as The Junction and The Depo, and larger clubs in the city centre. Theatre Royal Plymouth is a major cultural attraction, and the city supports a mix of relaxed waterfront bars and busy nightlife destinations, appealing to varying tastes and age groups.

School Quality: Many families choose Plymouth for its high-performing primaries and grammar schools, offering both state and independent options across the city.

Parks and Green Space: Plymouth is rich in parks, playgrounds, and waterfront recreation, including Central Park’s adventure facilities, family-friendly sections of the Hoe, and access to Dartmoor National Park a short drive away.

Childcare: Nursery and pre-school provision is extensive throughout Plymouth, with many rated "Good" or "Outstanding" by Ofsted and conveniently located for working parents.

Safety: The majority of family neighbourhoods are perceived as safe, with community policing and strong school networks supporting local well-being.

Family Activities: Attractions such as the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth Pavilions (ice rink and concerts), and family festivals ensure an active family lifestyle year-round.

Plymouth is welcoming to pets, particularly dog owners, who benefit from the city’s extensive green spaces and access to coastal walking. The Hoe, Central Park, and Plymbridge Woods are popular with locals for dog walking, as are city beaches to the east and west. Dartmoor National Park provides further opportunities for hiking with dogs.

Local veterinary clinics, pet supply shops, and several pet-friendly cafés ensure the needs of animal owners are met. Renting or owning with pets is common, especially in areas with larger gardens or direct green space access. Community events, such as dog shows and charity walks, reinforce Plymouth’s reputation as a pet-friendly city.

Plymouth is well-connected by a range of public transport options, making travel within the city and beyond straightforward for residents and commuters. Plymouth Railway Station provides regular direct services on the Great Western Main Line to Exeter, Bristol, and London Paddington, as well as CrossCountry services to the Midlands, the North, and Scotland. For local journeys, the city is served by an extensive bus network operated predominately by Plymouth Citybus and Stagecoach South West, covering every neighbourhood and key destinations.

The A38 Devon Expressway runs just north of the city centre, granting swift car access east to Exeter (around 50 minutes) and west to the Cornish border. National Express and Megabus intercity coaches operate from the city’s coach station, offering further connectivity. The nearest airports are Exeter Airport (approx. 50 miles) and Newquay Cornwall Airport (47 miles). Ferry services link Plymouth to Roscoff in France and Santander in Spain, extending continental accessibility.

Commute Times From Plymouth:

• Exeter: approx. 50 mins by car or train
• Bristol: approx. 2 hours by car/train
• Truro: approx. 1 hour by car/train
• London: 3–3.5 hours by direct train

Primary Schools in Plymouth
Plymouth offers a wide selection of primary schools across its neighbourhoods. Hyde Park Junior School, situated in Mutley, is highly regarded by parents and was last rated "Good" by Ofsted in October 2022. Compton Church of England Primary sits in a popular residential area and also boasts a "Good" Ofsted rating from 2019. High View School and Mary Dean's Church of England Primary are both notable for their positive learning environments and solid reputations.

Secondary Schools in Plymouth
The city’s most well-known secondary school is Devonport High School for Boys, rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted in 2011 and consistently achieving strong academic outcomes. Devonport High School for Girls also has an "Outstanding" rating (2019) and attracts families from across the region. Coombe Dean School Academy ("Good", 2019) and Plymstock School ("Good", 2017) are further secondary options associated with good standards and broad curriculums.

Independent & Special Schools, Colleges
Plymouth College is a prominent independent school, offering education from age 3 up to 18, and celebrated for its sporting and academic excellence. Plymouth High School for Girls (grammar) also commands a local reputation for high achievement. Further education is available at City College Plymouth, a large FE provider catering for vocational, technical, and apprenticeship-based courses.

Universities in Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is the city’s major higher education institution, renowned nationally for research in marine science, engineering, and health sciences. Arts University Plymouth (formerly Plymouth College of Art) offers creative arts qualifications, further enriching the city’s educational landscape.