Why Devon is a fantastic place to live
Nestled in the heart of South West England, Devon offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, vibrant communities, and a rich cultural heritage. For those looking to get on the property market, the prospect of owning a share of your home in this idyllic county becomes even more attainable through shared ownership. Here are ten compelling reasons to consider making Devon your home and how shared ownership can pave the way to your property dreams.
Devon is more than just a beautiful place to visit—it’s an incredible place to call home. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning coastlines, vibrant towns, or laid-back rural charm, Devon offers an unbeatable lifestyle. Here’s a deeper dive into what makes living in Devon so special, from outdoor adventures and cultural attractions to fantastic local food and a welcoming community.
A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts
Devon boasts two stunning coastlines along its northern and southern borders, featuring sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and mysterious moors. It's also the only county in England with two National Parks—Dartmoor and Exmoor—offering endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.
If you love the great outdoors, Devon is a dream come true, the county is perfect for:
- Hiking & Walking – Explore breathtaking trails like the South West Coast Path or trek across the wild, open moors of Dartmoor.
- Surfing & Watersports – North Devon is a designated World Surfing Reserve, with fantastic waves at Croyde, Saunton Sands, and Woolacombe.
- Cycling – Enjoy family-friendly routes like the Tarka Trail or challenge yourself with moorland climbs.
Stunning beaches & coastlines
One of the biggest draws of living in Devon is its incredible coastline—stretching over 120 miles and offering everything from golden sandy beaches to dramatic cliffs and secluded coves. Whether you’re a keen surfer, a coastal walker, or someone who just loves relaxing by the sea, Devon’s shores offer something for everyone.
- Woolacombe Beach – Award-winning family-friendly beach with rolling waves.
- Blackpool Sands – A stunning, unspoiled cove near Dartmouth.
- Bantham Beach – A surfer’s paradise with a laid-back vibe.
- Hope Cove – A hidden gem with charming seaside cottages and calm waters.
Vibrant towns & cities
Whether you prefer the buzz of city life, the charm of a historic market town, or the laid-back atmosphere of a coastal community, Devon has something for everyone. Each town offers a unique blend of history, culture, modern amenities, and strong local communities, making Devon a fantastic place to settle down, work, or raise a family, with a perfect balance of history, amenities and a strong sense of community. Here’s a closer look at some of the most exciting towns and cities in the county:
- Exeter – A thriving university city with a rich history, buzzing nightlife, and great shopping.
- Plymouth – A historic maritime city with a beautiful waterfront, cultural attractions, and excellent restaurants.
- Totnes – A quirky, independent town known for its alternative culture and artsy vibe.
- Barnstaple – The hub of North Devon, with markets, shops, and easy access to Exmoor.
Each town has its own charm, offering a mix of cultural events, boutique shops, and fantastic local businesses.
A foodie’s haven
One of the many joys of living in Devon is its incredible food scene. With a rich farming heritage, an abundance of fresh seafood, and a commitment to local produce, Devon is a true paradise for food lovers.
From fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy country pubs serving up hearty, locally sourced meals, here’s why Devon is a top destination for foodies:
- Devon Cream Tea – Clotted cream and jam on a warm scone (always cream first in Devon!).
- Fresh Seafood – Try delicious Exmouth mussels, Brixham crab, and Lyme Bay scallops.
- Farmers’ Markets – Places like Totnes, Tavistock, and Exeter have fantastic local food markets.
- Cider & Ale – Devon is home to fantastic cider producers like Sandford Orchards and traditional ale breweries.
The county also has Michelin-starred restaurants, cosy pubs, and beachfront cafés serving up incredible local dishes.
Strong community spirit
One of the most rewarding aspects of living in Devon is the strong sense of community that you’ll find in every corner of the county. Whether you settle in a lively city like Exeter, a charming market town like Totnes, Dartmouth or a picturesque coastal village like Plymouth or Great Torrington, you’ll quickly notice the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people.
Life in Devon isn’t just about beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures—it’s about belonging to a community that values connection, local traditions, and a slower way of life.
- Regular community events like festivals, live music, and farmers' markets.
- Independent businesses where owners remember your name.
- A slower pace of life that prioritises well-being and a better work-life balance.
Fantastic schools & education
For families considering a move to Devon, education is a key factor—and the county does not disappoint. With a wide selection of high-performing schools, reputable independent institutions, and a world-class university, Devon provides excellent learning opportunities for children of all ages.
Whether you’re looking for top-rated grammar schools, supportive primary schools, or specialist colleges, Devon offers a strong educational foundation in both rural and urban areas. The county’s schools benefit from smaller class sizes, a focus on outdoor learning, and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place for children to thrive academically and socially.
Some of the best-rated schools include:
- Colyton Grammar School (one of the UK’s top-performing schools).
- Exeter School & Mount Kelly (highly regarded independent schools).
- The University of Exeter, a world-class institution.
From outstanding primary schools to higher education, Devon provides quality learning opportunities for all ages.
Rich Cultural Scene
Devon isn’t just about breathtaking landscapes—it’s also a thriving hub for arts, music, and culture. From bustling theatre venues to vibrant music festivals and independent art galleries, there’s always something to inspire and entertain.
The county has a deep creative heritage, attracting artists, musicians, and performers who bring a unique energy to its towns and cities. Whether you enjoy live performances, historic landmarks, or contemporary exhibitions, Devon offers a diverse and dynamic cultural scene that rivals even the UK’s biggest cities.
Throughout the year, you’ll find an exciting calendar of festivals, concerts, and community events, ensuring there’s always something new to experience.
- Theatre & Live Music – Venues like Exeter’s Northcott Theatre and Plymouth’s Theatre Royal host amazing performances.
- Festivals – From Dart Music Festival to the Sidmouth Folk Festival, there’s always something happening.
- Art & Galleries – Towns like St Ives and Totnes are filled with independent galleries and artist studios.
Considering making Devon home?
One of the biggest reasons to move to Devon? It’s an affordable place to buy a home—especially through shared ownership.
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to buy, shared ownership could be the perfect solution. Explore Aster Sales' shared ownership properties in Devon and take the first step toward buying a home today.
Shared ownership schemes in Devon offer a more affordable pathway to the property ladder. This initiative allows you to purchase a share of a property—typically between 10% and 75%—and pay rent on the remaining portion. As your financial situation improves, you can gradually increase your ownership share, making it a flexible and cost-effective solution.
We offer a range of shared ownership properties across Devon, catering to diverse needs and preferences.
Embarking on the shared ownership journey not only provides a foothold in the property market but also allows you to become part of Devon’s vibrant community. With its rich history, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Devon is more than just a destination—it's a place to call home.
Alternatively, take a look at other shared ownership properties we have available in Devon, if you’d like any information on these beautiful new shared ownership homes, you can send us an email or give us a call.
Ready to make an Aster home your home?
If getting on the property ladder with shared ownership in Devon sounds like the perfect option for you - contact our team!
At Aster, our mission is to help you discover a home that's perfect for you - not just any house. With our incredible shared ownership homes, we can offer you the opportunity to find a stunning property in an ideal location that might otherwise have been inaccessible, due to the large deposits required for traditional home purchases.
Call the team on 01380 735 480 to discuss your needs.
Who are Aster?
We are a housing association who supply a wide range of housing options in response to the housing crisis. We specialise in providing shared ownership homes for sale for those unable to get on to the property ladder. With shared ownership, you could buy a share of a property at a fraction of the cost and we aim to make buying your home as easy and stress-free as possible, with our experienced team offering comprehensive advice throughout.
Where can I learn more about shared ownership?
At Aster, we understand that buying a property can be a daunting experience, so our team of experts are always happy to answer any questions or queries you may have about shared ownership or the process involved in purchasing your own home.
Find out how does shared ownership work and what is shared ownership with our guides.
Our website also has an FAQ page full of useful information to help you make an informed decision. Alternatively, you can contact us directly and one of our experienced team members will be more than happy to assist.
