Retiring to Devon: Discovering your perfect pace of life
With its blend of countryside calm, seaside beauty, and community warmth, it’s no surprise that retiring to Devon is high on many people’s wish lists.
There’s something about Devon that draws people in and keeps them there. Whether you’re returning or relocating to the UK or seeking a gentler pace in later life, Devon offers lifestyle, landscape, and liveability in equal measure.
Why retiring to Devon holds such appeal
Devon’s lifestyle is as varied as its landscape. Dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside, moorland retreats, and estuary villages all contribute to a region where your retirement can be as active, or as peaceful, as you like.
What truly sets Devon apart is its balance between rural beauty and practical living.
Many of the most popular locations for those retiring to Devon are within easy reach of shops, major hospitals, train stations, and airports, making them ideal if you’re seeking both tranquillity and convenience.
Access to healthcare and local amenities
Retiring to Devon’s countryside doesn’t have to mean sacrificing convenience. Many areas in Devon offer easy access to hospitals and GP services, with NHS Trusts in Exeter, Plymouth, and Torbay, plus community healthcare across the region.
For many retirees, proximity to good healthcare is a key concern, and rightly so. At Garrington Property Finders, we frequently support clients in identifying towns and villages that offer easy access to local shops, transport links, hospitals, and pharmacies, and step-free facilities.
Whether you prefer a market town or a smaller village, we’ll help you find the right balance.
To whet your appetite, here is a snapshot of some popular retirement hotspots in Devon which offer easy access to healthcare and amenities …
Towns near Exeter
Budleigh Salterton
Elegant and relaxed, Budleigh Salterton is a popular choice for those considering retiring to Devon. This traditional seaside town is full of Regency charm, with a wide pebble beach and beautifully maintained seafront gardens.
Property-wise, expect handsome period villas, many with sea views, desirable bungalows, and retirement apartments all within walking distance of local shops and cafés.
The town has a calm, low-key atmosphere, ideal for those looking to retire somewhere peaceful but well-connected. It’s just a short drive to Exeter and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, as well as Exeter Airport and local rail services from Exmouth.
Sidmouth
Nestled along the Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth offers a picturesque and genteel setting, backed by dramatic red cliffs and filled with pretty gardens and civic pride.
There are a range of lovely properties, including detached Edwardian homes, converted period apartments, and attractive low-rise retirement complexes, many with level access to town.
The esplanade is perfect for morning strolls, and the town centre hosts an active calendar of cultural events, including the renowned Sidmouth Folk Festival.
Towns and villages near Plymouth
Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo
Set on either side of a peaceful estuary inlet in the South Hams, these twin villages are postcard-perfect. They’re especially well-suited to retirees who value scenery and serenity.
Life here revolves around the water with opportunities for sailing, kayaking, or simply watching the tides from a riverside pub.
Here you will find a blend of character stone cottages, waterfront homes with private moorings, and secluded hillside properties with far-reaching estuary views.
Ivybridge
Positioned at the southern gateway to Dartmoor, Ivybridge offers a more urban alternative to the creekside villages, while still being close to nature.
Property types range from traditional terraces to 20th-century houses and low-maintenance bungalows, with newer developments adding accessible, energy-efficient options.
Ivybridge town has a strong sense of identity, a busy arts and community scene, and good shopping.
It’s also popular with retirees who still want easy access to both Dartmoor and Plymouth’s amenities.
Towns and villages near Torbay
Shaldon
Just across the Teign estuary from Teignmouth, Shaldon is a vibrant (but quiet) coastal village with a strong local identity, surrounded by beaches and with stunning sea views.
Colourful, character cottages, small seafront houses, and modern homes with views across the water abound, many with flat access to the centre of the village.
Shaldon’s narrow streets offer everything from local shops and lovely pubs to artisan bakeries and independent boutiques.
Bishopsteignton
A few miles inland, Bishopsteignton village offers a quiet, elevated setting overlooking the River Teign. The village features detached houses and cottages, often with large gardens and countryside views, and some thoughtfully designed newer homes.
There is a warm community feel and a good mix of amenities in Bishopsteignton, including a pub, vineyard, and village store.
Totnes
Totnes is one of Devon’s most distinctive towns. It is bohemian, independent, and full of energy. This medieval market town has a wide property mix, often appealing to those looking for somewhere creative and walkable.
You can expect to find townhouses, converted historic buildings, quirky cottages, and some newer developments that prioritise sustainability.
Its high street is home to eco-shops, cafes, and galleries, and there’s always something going on. Totnes also acts as a hub for several nearby retirement-friendly villages.
Staverton
Just outside Totnes, Staverton sits on the edge of Dartmoor and alongside the River Dart. It’s popular with walkers and nature-lovers and has a close-knit village scene.
Property types include large, detached bungalows, beautiful, converted barns, and stunning period homes.
Broadhempston
This popular village has a thriving local pub and shop and is known for its community cohesion.
The homes here range from thatched cottages to smart, individually designed houses, including some Listed properties.
Dartington
Best known for the historic Dartington Hall estate, the village has a rich arts heritage and green outlook.
Expect community events, creative residents, and lovely walks on your doorstep.
Properties here are a mix of modern green new-builds (that blend in with the village aesthetic) and detached and semi-detached older properties, often with large gardens.
Stoke Gabriel
Perched above a peaceful section of the River Dart, this pretty village is great for retirees who love a rural, riverside feel. There are local moorings, a vibrant community, and popular places to dine, including the River Shack and Emma’s, as well as two village pubs
Many of the homes here are attractive detached properties, with stunning views, combined with a mix of pretty cottages and a sprinkling of new builds.
Ashprington
Another popular gem near the River Dart is Ashprington. This charming and peaceful village has traditional stone cottages, stunning period properties, and scenic paths leading to the river.
It feels wonderfully tucked away, yet is only minutes from Totnes.
Choosing a community-led town or village
One of the most common concerns we hear from retiring clients is: “Will I find a strong local community?” The good news is, Devon is full of them.
At Garrington Property Finders, we spend time understanding what kind of community feel you’re looking for, and we can help identify areas where that sense of belonging is strongest.
Whether that means being near a busy local pub, a thriving WI group, a walking club, a book club, a gardening society, or a creative collective, we’ll guide you towards areas that suit your social interests.
We also offer assistance with exploring what’s on in each area, often joining our clients for a day out in a village to chat with locals or try a community event, so you can get a real sense of the lifestyle on offer.
Making the move back from abroad
Many people considering retiring to Devon are doing so after living overseas, often in the US or Europe. For those returning to the UK, there are often practical questions about finances, tax implications, and currency transfers.
While we don’t give tax advice directly, we work with a trusted network of professional advisers who can help with:
- UK tax residency and domicile rules
- Transferring pensions and investments
- Currency exchange and transfer services
- Understanding property ownership rights and obligations.
Returning or relocating to the UK can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly when it comes to navigating red tape, but we’ll help make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Retiring to Devon? See how Garrington Property Finders can help
We work with many clients planning retirement moves, helping them find homes that offer not just comfort and style, but the right mix of community, convenience, and long-term liveability.
Whether you need flat terrain, easy access to shops and health services, or help navigating the return from abroad, our experienced team can provide tailored advice and support from start to finish.
If you would like to find out more about our services and how we can help with your property search, please contact us for a no-obligation conversation about your plans for retiring to Devon.
