Paignton
Sounds good living on the English Riviera - the nickname for Torbay - an ever-popular seaside holiday area in South Devon. Paignton, Brixham and Torquay have pride of place here and share some award-winning beaches, so it’s an amazing place for your new home. Paignton’s visitor economy is vital to the town and it’s a thriving business and residential community in its own right too.
This whole area is served by the South Devon Expressway, the A380, which links with Exeter and the M5. You can cut across via the historic market town of Totnes to join the A38, Devon’s main cross-country route between Exeter and Plymouth. While Paignton itself is busy and energetic in a family-friendly way, rural South Devon has a totally different pace of life. What a treat to be able to dip in and out of both from your new home. Whether it’s exploring the River Dart, walking the coastal path to Berry Head or taking the children to the zoo, there’s everything for everyone here.
New Homes in Paignton
Living in Paignton
Living here
It’s true to say that Paignton gets busy in the summer months, but that’s a bonus for the town’s amenities and atmosphere. There’s something special about living in a town that's a much-loved holiday destination. You’ll be well served for local shops and supermarkets, with Exeter and Plymouth offering all the high street brands. There’s a brand-new retail park development, Devonshire Park, on the edge of town, and The Willows Retail Park is another shopping option, on the outskirts of Torquay.
Getting around
The A380 and A385 are the key routes into the town, linking Paignton with Totnes, Torquay and Newton Abbot, before joining the A38. Paignton is halfway between Exeter and Plymouth, Devon’s two cities. It’s on the Great Western Rail Line and trains to London take 3 hours. It’s a good option for commuting to Exeter, taking just under an hour, or to Plymouth, taking about an hour and fifteen minutes. There’s a convenient regional airport at Exeter for domestic and European flights.
Going to school
There are several Ofsted 'outstanding' and 'good' primary schools in Paignton. Secondary age children have Paignton Academy, South Devon High School and Torbay School, among other options. South Devon College of Further Education has 9 campuses in the area. It’s got an excellent reputation.
Enjoying yourself
Being close to the sea ticks probably ticks all the boxes for families, especially in the summer when you can enjoy all the seasonal activities. You’ll also have the town’s most famous attraction on your doorstep, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park. Torquay is fun to visit for its promenade and marina, and Brixham for it’s historic fishing harbour and steep winding streets. Inland, historic Totnes is a different sort of experience. It’s a colourful, free-spirited town, and from there you can take a boat trip to Dartmouth and a steam train back to Paignton!