Plymouth is a port city located on the south coast of Devon, England. With a population of over 250,000, it is one of the larger cities in the southwest of England. Plymouth has a rich naval history and was heavily bombed during World War II. Today, the city is known for its waterfront, maritime heritage, and its modern shopping and nightlife scene. But is Plymouth actually a nice place to live? Here is an in-depth look at what it’s like to live in Plymouth, UK.
Cost of Living
One of the biggest factors when considering where to live is the cost of living. Plymouth has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major UK cities. According to Numbeo, Plymouth’s overall cost of living index is 48.15, compared to 75.79 in London. Housing costs in Plymouth are also quite affordable. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around £500. Purchasing property is also cheaper than the national average, with the average house price in Plymouth at £205,000 compared to £256,000 across the UK.
The cost of groceries, transportation, and utilities in Plymouth are all lower than the national average. A monthly public transport pass costs around £50, and a basic utilities bill for a 85m2 apartment costs about £130. The city also has ample free parking and low council tax rates. Overall, the affordable cost of living makes Plymouth an attractive option, especially for first-time homebuyers or those looking to save money.
Job Market
Plymouth has a diverse economy, with major industries including marine, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services. Major employers in the city include the Royal Navy, Princess Yachts, and the University of Plymouth. As of 2022, the unemployment rate in Plymouth was approximately 4.5%, lower than the national average of 5.1%.
There are ample job opportunities in various fields like engineering, healthcare, education, and skilled trades. Plymouth also attracts many startups in the tech and digital sectors. However, average salaries tend to be lower than in other major cities. The average full-time annual salary in Plymouth is £27,000, while the national average is £31,000. Overall, Plymouth offers decent job prospects and opportunities for career growth across various industries.
Education
Plymouth has a strong education system with high-performing primary and secondary schools. Popular schools in the area include Plymouth High School for Girls, Devonport High School for Boys, and Eggbuckland Community College. On average, 57% of students in Plymouth achieve 5 GCSEs grade 4 or above, on par with the national average.
The city is home to one of the largest universities in the UK, the University of Plymouth, which has over 23,000 students. The university ranks highly for teaching quality, student satisfaction, and graduate employment prospects. There are also two further education colleges located in the city, City College Plymouth and Plymouth College of Art. Overall, Plymouth offers good education options at primary, secondary, and university levels.
Quality of Life
Plymouth offers a great overall quality of life for residents. The city has lovely parks and green spaces, including the expansive Plymouth Hoe overlooking the sea. Plymouth is surrounded by beautiful coastline and moorland areas like Dartmoor National Park, ideal for outdoor recreation. Crime rates in Plymouth are low, with 62 crimes per 1,000 people compared to the national average of 89 per 1,000.
Plymouth has a thriving cultural scene, with museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues scattered across the city. Foodies are spoiled for choice, with an array of restaurants, cafes, and pubs serving everything from fresh seafood to exotic world cuisines. There are also plenty of shops and malls in the city center for retail therapy. The National Health Service hospital in Plymouth provides quality healthcare services.
Residents enjoy a good work-life balance, with the oceanfront location lending itself to an active, outdoor lifestyle. The moderate climate brings mild winters and sunny summers. With scenic coastal paths, watersports, and beaches right on its doorstep, Plymouth offers ample opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors.
Transport and Infrastructure
Plymouth has good transport links via road, rail, sea, and air. The city has convenient connections to other parts of Devon and southwest England via the A38 road and M5 motorway. Plymouth railway station provides direct trains to London, Bristol, and other major cities. There are also ferry services to France and Northern Spain from the port.
Plymouth Citybus operates an extensive bus network connecting various neighborhoods in Plymouth. The city center is compact and walkable, making it easy to get around on foot or bike. Plymouth Airport offers domestic flights around the UK. Overall, it’s easy for residents to get around Plymouth and connect to other parts of the country.
Shopping and Nightlife
Plymouth has a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The city’s main shopping area is centered around Drake Circus mall, which houses big high street brands and department stores. Independent boutiques and local artisan shops can be found in the Barbican and Royal William Yard areas. Plymouth Market offers fresh local produce, street food stalls, and crafts.
For dining out, the Barbican harbor area is full of restaurants and cafes offering cuisines from across the globe. The nightlife scene is lively, especially on weekends, with late night bars and nightclubs along Union Street. There are also theaters, music venues, bowling alleys, escape rooms, and other entertainment options for evenings out.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
One of Plymouth’s biggest draws is its proximity to stunning coastline, beaches, and moorland. Within the city, residents can enjoy Plymouth Hoe’s sprawling parkland overlooking Plymouth Sound and the harbor. There are several beautiful beaches near Plymouth like Wembury, Bovisand, and Cawsand Beach. Just a 40 minute drive from the city is Dartmoor National Park’s wild and rugged beauty.
Plymouth offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation like swimming, paddleboarding, sailing and other watersports in its harbors and along the coastline. Hiking, cycling, camping, and rock climbing can be enjoyed on Dartmoor. The South West Coast Path runs along dramatic cliffs and secluded coves near Plymouth. There are also many sports facilities and golf courses within the city.
Conclusion
Overall, Plymouth offers an excellent quality of life thanks to its coastal location, affordability, job opportunities, education, entertainment, and natural scenery nearby. While average salaries are lower than the national average, the reduced cost of living helps balance it out. Plymouth’s mix of historic charm and modern city amenities make it an appealing choice for professionals, families, and students alike. With a thriving waterfront community and easy access to beautiful nature areas, Plymouth has fantastic lifestyle benefits hard to beat.