5 best places to live in Cornwall

Cornwall is one of the UK’s best-loved counties – and for good reason. It’s home to some of the finest beaches in the country and has wonderful attractions, from Tintagel Castle to the Eden Project.

What are the best towns in Cornwall?

Cornwall offers the perfect mix of relaxed beach living, vibrant communities and towns with rich and exciting histories. If you’re planning on making the move but don’t know where to look, let us take the stress out of your search.

The beach at Newquay Bay with waves in the foreground and houses on a hill.

Newquay offers some of the best days out in Cornwall

It’s no secret that Newquay is a gem in Cornwall’s crown. Known as the surfing capital of England, it has twelve sandy beaches. These beaches are great for sea lovers and energetic kids who want a fun change of pace.

Living in a popular holiday spot like Newquay is exciting. The town caters to family-friendly days out in Cornwall. It has easy access to beaches, adventure parks and lively nightlife. Newquay Harbour is a must-visit hotspot, and there's also an aquarium that overlooks Newquay Bay.

There are inviting communities like Trevithick Manor Park too, which is only 8 minutes away from the seafront. Supermarkets and a farm shop are within walking distance and plenty of green open air spaces are right on the doorstep to provide a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of town life.

Swans and ducks on the boat lake in Helston, Cornwall.

Helston is famous for its annual Flora Day festival

If you’re looking for the best places to live in Cornwall, Helston is a top contender. This historic market town is the perfect place for families to grow, as there’s a strong community spirit.

The lovely beach of Porthleven is less than 10 minutes away, while ramblers can take their pick of scenic walks in rolling hills. For those looking for a day out in a vibrant town at the weekend, Falmouth is just 12 miles away – but plenty of fun happens in Helston, too.

Helston is home to one of the best activities in Cornwall. Every year, the town hosts a festival for Flora Day to mark the end of winter. Settling in the area has never been so easy thanks to carefully considered developments like Trehenlis Gardens.

The sun setting over a bridge on a frosty day in Liskeard, Cornwall.

Liskeard is a charming market town nestled by Bodmin Moor

When it comes to community spirit, Liskeard in South-East Cornwall is unbeatable. Just 20 minutes from the busy city of Plymouth, Liskeard is a small and lively town, proud of its weekly market and friendly atmosphere. The advantages of living in Liskeard go beyond these features, too.

Both the countryside and Cornwall’s idyllic coastline are close by, including a 33-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path. For those who prefer retail therapy to hiking, Liskeard town centre has some wonderful independent shops and cafes.

The community you live in often makes a house a home. Trevethan Meadows was created with this in mind. It’s perfectly placed between Martin’s Park, a beautiful 2.6-acre green space and Liskeard Leisure Centre, which has a swimming pool and much more.

Shoppers walking in Falmouth town centre decorated with bunting.

Falmouth is a vibrant coastal town with stunning beaches

Falmouth is a town that makes the most of its incredible coastal position in the south of Cornwall. The community comes alive in summer when water sports lovers enjoy its pristine beaches. However, you can have fun all year round.

Falmouth’s busy town centre has the perfect mix of popular chain brands alongside independent boutiques for treasure seekers. There is also a thriving arts scene and multiple galleries for art lovers. On the seafront, the National Maritime Museum attracts residents and tourists alike thanks to its great collection.

The attractions and beaches might be enough to sway some people, but what about everyday life? Communities like Eve Parc provide an ideal base for settling into life in the area, while also maintaining easy access to further afield thanks to the three local train stations nearby.

Padstow is a famous foodie's favourite place

Situated on the north coast of Cornwall, Padstow is a must-visit for anyone looking to understand why Cornwall is so popular. Padstow is home to impressive sandy beaches, but it stands out for its history. The  working harbour gives visitors a taste of what life in Cornwall is really like, with fisherman bringing in their daily catch.

Chef Rick Stein has helped put Padstow on the map, bringing a boost to the local economy. Besides the thriving food scene, Padstow is ideally located for exploring. Truro and St Austell are around a 40-minute drive away for day trips, but there's plenty going on in Padstow, too.

Lovely pubs, cafes and bars line the harbour, creating a perfect setting for a cosy evening or a lively night out. Kids can enjoy crabbing on the beautiful beach in the better weather or run off energy at Wheal Jubilee Park.

Enjoy the best of Cornwall’s lifestyle

Cornwall has everything you need to enjoy a great quality of life. Regardless of the county you decide to live in, you’re never far away from a Blue Flag beach or gorgeous rolling hills.

Searching for new homes for sale in Cornwall can seem overwhelming, but we hope this breakdown can help you take the first steps toward an easier, happier lifestyle.  

Looking to buy a new home in Cornwall but don't know where to start? Let us walk you through it.

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