Four things nobody tells you about moving to Devon (and one they will!)
TL;DR:
It’s easy to fall in love with Devon – and even easier to transform this into a serious relocation. From coastal towns to market hubs, Devon offers a desirable lifestyle centred around nature and community. Whether you’re raising a family or retiring, making the move is absolutely worth it!
It happens to everyone…
Somewhere between your third cream tea of the day and a scenic afternoon stroll along the coast, a familiar thought creeps in: what if this could be everyday life? Before you’ve even made it back to the car, you’re already browsing lists of the best places to live in Devon.
It happens to us all! With its sprawling landscapes, and a strong, unified community, Devon excels at transforming casual holidaymakers into aspiring residents. And the good news? With our new developments, making that move is a lot more achievable than you might imagine.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the four things nobody tells you about living in Devon (and the one thing they absolutely will!), so you’ll be all set to actually make the move. Let’s take a look!
1. Nature becomes your backyard
Devon feels like paradise for nature lovers – big, blue skies, sandy beaches, rocky terrain, and sprawling fields that just seem to roll on forever! Even after moving, it never gets old – and you’ll get to enjoy it everyday!
School runs and work commutes become winding, leafy lanes instead of ring roads, while weekends transform into surf lessons and forest school instead of yet another indoor soft play. Kids grow up believing rock pools and woodland are completely normal playgrounds!
With Wain Homes developments like Maple Cross, you’re just a short drive from the Jurassic Coast. From weekend expeditions across Dartmoor or Exmoor to spontaneous beach trips that don’t need months of planning – it’s all there waiting right on your doorstep!
2. You learn to love the weather year-round
For most people, Devon conjures up images of flip-flops and sunglasses – and it’s true. Summer will be everything you hoped for, packed with beach days and long evenings round a campfire! But, here’s the thing: living here also means enjoying the bits that don’t make the instagram post!
Autumn brings with it warmer seas and stunning sunsets – with far fewer people around! – while in winter, the countryside belongs to the dog walkers and hardy swimmers.
The bonus is that, unlike visitors, you’ve got a cosy home to retreat back to when the Atlantic weather is doing its worst. With a range of modern homes available across the best places to live in Devon, such as Molbrook in South Molton or Otters Reach in Yelland, you’ll have a safe haven from which to enjoy storm-watching and stunning sunsets alike!
3. Slower doesn’t mean quieter
A big misconception about moving to Devon is that you’re trading in the hustle and bustle for peace and quiet. In reality, there’s still plenty taking place, especially as you get closer to hubs like Exeter and Plymouth!
From quirky independent shops and local markets to great pubs and food festivals, you’ll have the perfect balance of relaxed natural escapes and big city excitement.
For families, that means there’s endless entertainment for kids and adults alike, while older residents have the space to enjoy life at a more relaxed pace without completely stepping away from everything. In fact, many retirees find their diaries are more packed than when they were working!
If you’re looking for some inspiration, just head on over to @ourdevonlife_, an exciting Devon-focused profile run by our very own South West marketing coordinator, Ryan!
4. Community isn’t automatic – but it is strong!
The scenery might be spectacular, but what really makes or breaks a move is the people – and in Devon, there’s no need to worry! It’s wonderfully small in the best kind of way, and you soon begin to recognise the same faces in your favourite café, or on your usual dog‑approved walking route.
With plenty of local Facebook groups, village halls, evening clubs, and weekend events, you’ll arrive knowing no one and, a year later, find yourself nodding hello to half the town!
If you’re not local, the best places to live in Devon are the new build developments, like Oakdene, where everybody is new and community events are arranged for you! To hear more, speak to a member of our team for more details.
5. It’s so worth it!
Yes, summer traffic is real, and yes, if you have family across the country, you’ll probably spend more time on the M5 or long‑distance trains than you might be used to. But, as everyone will tell you, the positives are endless.
You live where other people save up to visit, with the beaches and moors ready to go when you want them, and a quieter, more relaxed everyday life on offer when you don’t. It’s absolutely the place to be!
As Ryan and Lewis from @ourdevonlife_ say:
“Moving from the Midlands to Devon was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We were searching for a better way of life and certainly found it here. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, breathtaking countryside and endless coast path walks. There’s something very special about life here with every day feeling like an opportunity to make new memories and explore somewhere special. Once a holiday destination, now a place we are so proud to call home.”
So, ready to make the move?
If it’s time to turn ‘what if’ into ‘what’s next?’, don’t delay! With a range of modern developments to choose from, your dream home in Devon could be waiting just around the corner.
Take a look at our available properties in the best places to live in Devon, UK and contact us today!
Not for you? Not to worry – we have wonderful developments in locations across the South West, North West and West Midlands waiting just for you!
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