The Best Places to Live and Visit in South Devon

Few places in the UK bring together countryside, coastline and community as effortlessly as South Devon.

From sailing towns around sheltered estuaries to vibrant market communities and peaceful riverside villages, this corner of the South West offers a quality of life that continues to attract families, professionals, retirees and second-home owners alike. Much of the region falls within the South Devon National Landscape, where rolling farmland meets dramatic coastline, hidden coves and some of the country’s most spectacular sea views.

Whether you’re searching for a waterside retreat, a family home, or a complete change of pace, South Devon offers a remarkable variety of places to visit or put down roots.

Totnes – Creative, Independent and Full of Character

Perched above the River Dart, Totnes has long attracted those seeking something a little different. One of England’s oldest boroughs, the town combines centuries of history with an unmistakably independent spirit, shaped by its creative outlook and distinctive character.

Its bustling high street is lined with independent shops, artisan bakeries, galleries and cafés, while the weekly markets continue a trading tradition stretching back hundreds of years. Beyond the town centre, riverside walks lead through beautiful countryside towards Dartington, while the surrounding landscape offers endless opportunities to explore.

Totnes has a reputation for creativity, sustainability and community, making it one of South Devon’s most distinctive and desirable places to live.

Salcombe – The Quintessential Coastal Lifestyle

Few places capture the imagination quite like Salcombe.

Life here revolves around the water. Sailing boats drift across the estuary, paddleboarders glide through calm morning waters, and waterfront cafés overlook one of Britain’s most beautiful coastal settings. While Salcombe is renowned as a holiday destination, its enduring appeal lies in its exceptional quality of life.

The town’s colourful streets, independent boutiques and celebrated restaurants create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the year, while nearby beaches and coastal walks provide a constant reminder of why so many people choose to make their home here.

For those seeking a true waterside lifestyle, Salcombe remains one of the South West’s most coveted addresses.

Kingsbridge – The Heart of the South Hams

At the head of a beautiful estuary, Kingsbridge has all the ingredients of a thriving market town while remaining firmly connected to the surrounding countryside and coast.
Its historic centre is filled with independent businesses, cafés, and regular markets, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere year-round. Yet within minutes, residents can find themselves walking coastal paths, exploring sandy beaches, or enjoying some of the South Hams’ most spectacular scenery.

Practical, vibrant and perfectly positioned, Kingsbridge continues to be one of the area’s most sought-after places to live.

Torquay – The English Riviera

With its palm-lined waterfront, elegant marina and mild climate, Torquay offers a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Devon.

The town’s reputation as the heart of the English Riviera is well deserved. Colourful harbourside restaurants, coastal walks and sweeping sea views combine with a thriving cultural scene and excellent amenities. While visitors are drawn to its holiday atmosphere, residents enjoy a year-round lifestyle centred around the coast.

For those seeking the energy of a larger seaside town without sacrificing access to nature, Torquay presents a compelling proposition.

Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo – Estuary Living at its Finest

Tucked away on opposite sides of the Yealm Estuary, Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo feel wonderfully removed from the pace of modern life.

Here, boats bob gently on the water, wooded creeks wind inland, and life follows the rhythm of the tides. Despite their peaceful setting, both villages enjoy a strong sense of community, excellent local amenities, and convenient access to Plymouth.

The surrounding countryside and coastline offer endless opportunities for walking, sailing, and other outdoor pursuits, while the villages themselves offer a charm increasingly difficult to find.

For many, this is South Devon at its most idyllic.

Plymouth – Britain’s Ocean City

For buyers seeking coastal living with the convenience and opportunities of a city, Plymouth offers a unique proposition.

Its maritime heritage remains woven into the fabric of everyday life, from the historic Barbican and Royal William Yard to its bustling waterfront and marinas. Alongside its rich history, Plymouth continues to evolve, with a growing food scene, cultural attractions, universities and thriving business community.

With Dartmoor to the north and the South Devon coast to the east, residents enjoy the rare combination of city amenities and exceptional access to the outdoors.

Dartmouth – A Timeless Waterside Town

Few places in Devon are as instantly recognisable as Dartmouth.

Colourful houses tumble down towards the River Dart, fishing boats share the harbour with elegant yachts, and centuries of maritime history are woven into everyday life. The town’s narrow streets reveal independent shops, acclaimed restaurants and historic buildings at every turn, creating an atmosphere that feels both vibrant and timeless.

Life here centres around the water, whether that’s sailing on the estuary, paddleboarding along the river, or simply enjoying the ever-changing harbour views from the waterfront.
It’s little wonder Dartmouth remains one of South Devon’s most desirable places to call home.

Modbury – Georgian Grace Between Moor and Coast

Resting on a hilltop between Plymouth and Kingsbridge, Modbury is one of the South Hams' most elegant small towns, its steep streets lined with Georgian and Victorian shopfronts.

Independent galleries, antique dealers and tea rooms give the town its character, while its position between Dartmoor and Bigbury Bay places moorland and coast within easy reach. It's also the first town in Europe to ban single-use plastic bags, back in 2007



Why come to South Devon?

What sets South Devon apart is not simply its scenery, but the lifestyle it offers.

Here, coastal walks replace commutes, local markets remain part of everyday life, and communities retain a strong sense of identity. Whether you’re drawn to the creative energy of Totnes, the sailing culture of Salcombe, the tranquillity of the Yealm Estuary or the historic charm of Dartmouth, each place reflects the same appeal in its own way.

For those seeking a home that offers both natural beauty and a genuine quality of life, South Devon remains one of the most compelling places to live in the UK, take a look at what we have on offer in the South Hams here.