Cornwall’s hidden gem, Penryn, has been named one of Britain’s top places to live, outshining several more predictable rivals. The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide singled out Penryn as an exceptional pick within the South West region. The publication described Penryn as being “a little rougher round the edges than neighbouring Falmouth”, though the judges were looking for “thriving locations with a strong sense of community” rather than famous hotspots with staggering property prices.
Penryn’s vibrant “energy, creativity and community” were highlighted as key factors behind its selection. The locale is described as perfect for those seeking “endless adventures”, thanks to its abundance of community organisations, reports CornwallLive. The judges were full of praise for Penryn, noting: “What it lacks in arty-crafty knick-knack stores and beachside saunas, it more than makes up for in energy, creativity and community.
“Every old workshop, boathouse or ope – as the back alleys are known here – seems to be home to a local craftsperson or entrepreneur up to something forward-looking and fascinating, whether it’s a pottery studio, an art gallery, a yoga studio, or the Cornish Poetry Library.
“There is the potential for endless adventures in the surrounding waters and countryside, and all kinds of community groups are doing good works or organising sports and activities.”
At the time of writing, Rightmove displays studio flats in Penryn beginning at merely £115,000, while families requiring more spacious properties can discover three-bedroom houses starting from £275,000.
This year’s Best Places to Live survey showcases 72 exceptional locations across the UK.
The assessment team physically explored each destination, examining numerous aspects including educational establishments, transport connections, internet and mobile coverage, cultural amenities, green areas, and the vibrancy of town centres.
Whilst the Chew Valley in Somerset secured first position as the top location in the South West, Saffron Walden in Essex won the crown as Britain’s premier place to reside.
Additional South West areas receiving acclaim include: Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire; Hotwells and Cliftonwood in Bristol; Malmesbury in Wiltshire; Ashburton in Devon; and Dorset’s Sherborne and Southborne.
Helen Davies, the Best Places to Live editor, remarked: “What makes our guide unique is that we actually visit all the places we choose and talk to locals to find out what life is really like there.
“That means we can see what people really love about the places they live. That could be anything from exceptional schools and fast trains to beautiful houses and countryside.”
She further stated: “The health of the high street is important, but more than anything else, what we are looking for are towns, villages and cities with strong communities who work hard to make the best of where they live, and play hard too.
“We also consider affordability. High house prices are no barrier to inclusion — as long as they provide value for money.
“Different people will be looking for different qualities when they are choosing a place to live. One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
