If you’ve been searching for a place where sea breezes replace city smog, where mornings might begin with a walk along the shoreline, and where community spirit still matters, then Torbay, Devon, may be exactly where you belong. At Gargan & Hart, we believe in helping people discover not just a house, but a home in the places they love. Here’s why Torbay and especially Torquay and Babbacombe should be on your radar.
Is Torbay a Good Place to Live?
Yes, for the right person, Torbay can be ideal. Here’s what tends to draw people in:
Quality of life: The area strikes a balance between tranquillity and accessibility. You’ll find good schools, local shops, healthcare facilities, and yet fewer of the stresses and crowds of big cities.
Natural environment: As a seaside town in England on the English Riviera, Torbay boasts a mild maritime climate, dramatic coastal scenery, and stunning sunrises over the water.
Strong sense of place: From small villages to coastal suburbs, the community fabric is real. People walk, cycle, chat in cafés, enjoy festivals, and support local businesses.
Connectivity: Torbay is more connected than many assume; Exeter, the M5, rail links, and airports make travel to the rest of Devon (or further afield) quite manageable.
Variety of housing: Whether your dream is a cliff-top vista, a terraced seaside home, or a garden cottage in a coastal suburb, you’ll find options.
If your aspiration is a life closer to nature, softer on the pace, yet still with modern convenience, living in Torbay checks many boxes.
Why Live in Torquay?
When people imagine Torbay, Torquay often comes first to mind. It’s the town that blends coastal charm with urban comfort.
Beaches in Torquay: You’re spoiled for choice; Torre Abbey Sands, Meadfoot, Oddicombe, and smaller hidden coves. These form daily walkways, swimming spots, and scenic retreats.
Town life and coastal life: Between the harbour, promenades, independent shops, eateries, and cultural venues (theatres, galleries, festivals), Torquay balances seaside with substance.
Accessibility: Want to pop into town, run errands, meet friends? Many neighbourhoods in Torquay are walkable or bikeable.
Investment appeal: Areas in Torquay are often among the first to benefit from attention, infrastructure, and desirability, making them solid for long-term value.
Babbacombe: Quiet, Scenic, and Elevated
Just slightly above the bay, Babbacombe in Torquay offers a different flavour of coastal life, more solace, more atmosphere. The cliffs, pathways, and gardens here often feel more secluded, more dramatic in their outlook. Downhill walks lead to Oddicombe Beach or Babbacombe Sands, with the option of lifts or cliff paths for your return. It retains a village feel, with local cafés, terraces, and a slower rhythm, while still being close to Torquay’s amenities. If your ideal is coastal living without the bustle, this pocket is consistently among the best places to live in Torquay for that reason.
Homes for Sale in Torbay, Devon: What to Expect
When you search for homes for sale in Torbay, Devon or houses near the sea for sale, here’s what the market often looks like, and what to look out for:
|
Type of Property |
Typical Features & Considerations |
|
Seafront / cliff-edge homes |
Panoramic views, direct coastal access, premium pricing, higher maintenance (salt, storms). |
|
Seaside-adjacent terraces / villas |
Often just behind the coast road, less direct exposure but offers balance. |
|
Harbour or marina flats / apartments |
Great for low-maintenance, with walks, cafés, and community life on your doorstep. |
|
New builds & contemporary homes |
Lighter, more efficient, sometimes modular, may not have full seafront views but can offer good modern living. |
|
Cottages & character homes |
Inland from the sea, often more affordable, with potential to add sea views or garden improvements. |
We often see strong demand for houses near the sea, so when a property with partial sea views or direct access emerges, it tends to move quickly. That’s where having a local partner like Gargan & Hart gives you an edge; we know where to watch, what to ask, and how to position your offer.
Best Places to Live in Torquay & Surrounds
While “best” depends heavily on your priorities, here are several localities that consistently appeal:
Babbacombe / Oddicombe: For tranquillity and views
Wellswood / Upton: Slight elevation, character homes, quiet yet near town
Meadfoot / Livermead: Coastal suburbs slightly removed from the central bustle
Chelston / Cockington Vale: Leafy, family-oriented, with quick access to town
Torre / Preston: Good value, close to beaches and amenities
If you tell us your priorities (views, budget, commute, school access, etc.), we can help you narrow them further.
Lifestyle Perks and Practical Notes
Mornings might begin with a walk along the coast, watching light dance on the waves. You’ll often find a calmer mental tempo: sea air helps, fresh soundscapes help, and fewer “urban distractions.” The social life shifts outdoors; cafés on promenades, beach picnics, coastal walks, and spontaneous gatherings.
Practical Notes:
Flood & insurance risks: Always check flood zones and premium costs for coastal properties.
Maintenance: Salt, wind, and sea spray accelerate wear, expect higher costs for windows, roofing, external woodwork, and metalwork.
Access & parking: Some cliffside or terrace homes have steep drives, restricted parking, or challenging vehicular access.
Planning & conservation: Many coastal zones fall into protected or conservation areas, and you may face restrictions on development or external alterations.
View orientation: Even a small angle change can massively affect how much sea you see. Sometimes a partial sea view is more sustainable and still satisfying.
We always advise buyers to visit at different times of day (sunrise, midday, dusk) to assess light, exposure, and mood, things a listing photo can’t fully convey.
Find a Home in Torquay
Torbay is a good place to live, particularly for people who prize natural beauty, calmer pace, sea access, and a sense of belonging. In Torquay and Babbacombe, you’ll find neighbourhoods that deliver coastal living without sacrificing amenity. From homes for sale in Torbay, Devon, to houses near the sea for sale, the choices are real, varied, and moving.
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