What is it like living in Truro? 

Truro, the solitary city in Cornwall, is located in the scenic South West of England. Despite its small size, Truro boasts outstanding educational institutions, good restaurants, and quality property options. This city, positioned in the heart of Cornwall, slightly inland from the coast, remains well-connected to a variety of beautiful Cornish destinations. Truro's postal codes encompass a significant portion of central Cornwall, ensuring accessibility across the entire county.

Truro offers a realtively peaceful urban lifestyle with transport links to the rest of Cornwall. If you're in search of a small city that retains the charm of old Cornwall, then Truro should undoubtedly be at the top of your list.

The History of Truro

Truro's historical roots extend as far back as the 13th century when Richard Lucy, Chief Justice under Henry II, erected a castle in this Cornish town. In its earlier days, Truro remained a rather diminutive settlement, even by the standards of its time, with a population numbering just a few hundred. Nevertheless, Truro thrived as a bustling town centered around tin mining.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Truro experienced significant prosperity. Pioneering mining techniques and fetching higher tin prices attracted affluent mine owners. This affluence is evident in the elegant Georgian and Victorian townhouses that still grace Lemon Street in modern-day Truro.

Today, much like in the 13th century, Truro is a vibrant city with a bustling calendar of events, including popular attractions like the Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro Cathedral, and the Hall for Cornwall.

Things to do in Truro

Entertainment, Shops, Restaurants - Despite being one of the smallest cities in the UK, Truro offers an array of activities. Although it's set slightly inland from the coastline, the city exudes a lively and historic atmosphere, complete with retail shopping, cultural events, and architecturally striking buildings.

For those seeking entertainment and dining options in Truro, you'll discover a mix of independent and chain restaurants and shops catering to various tastes and preferences. Lemon Street Market is a local favorite, along with Truro's Farmers Market.

Annual events like the Cornwall Music Festival, St. Piran's Day, and the Truro Food Festival provide opportunities to engage with the local community and immerse yourself in Cornish culture. Places such as the Hall for Cornwall, Trelissick Garden, and Boscawen Park, with its tennis courts and children's play areas, offer great family-friendly outings within the city.

Working in Truro

As the capital of Cornwall, Truro boasts a wide range of job opportunities, primarily in office and retail sectors. Many entrepreneurs also choose to operate their businesses from shared office spaces in Truro. With its proximity to the University of Falmouth and the RCHT Treliske Hospital, Truro also enjoys strong connections to the creative and tech sectors, presenting various career opportunities.

The Best Place to Live in Truro for Professionals

For professionals seeking the hustle and bustle of city life, Truro offers an array of city center properties, from townhouses to modern apartments, making it a central hub for working individuals.

Family Life in Truro

Truro is an excellent city for families, known for its charm and vibrancy while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. It's a popular choice among new parents, offering great schools, restaurants, shops, and easy access to Treliske Hospital, just a short drive away.

Schools in Truro

Truro boasts a strong selection of both independent and state primary and secondary schools, many of which receive "Outstanding" ratings from Ofsted. Local primary schools like Bosvigo School, Kea Community Primary School, and Shortlanesend School excel in their Ofsted reports. Options for secondary education include Penair School and Richard Lander School, both within a 5-mile radius of the city. Additionally, higher education courses are available at several local secondary school sixth forms, such as Truro School and Truro High School, while Truro and Penwith College serves as the primary campus offering a range of courses for students aged 16-18 and adults alike.

Property in Truro

Truro boasts a diverse array of property options, encompassing everything from Victorian terrace houses to elegant Edwardian homes, and from apartments to bungalows. Compared to nearby waterside towns like Falmouth and the village of St Mawes, Truro offers fairly priced properties, presenting an excellent opportunity to acquire a home at a more affordable level.

House Prices in Truro

According to Rightmove, properties in Truro had an overall average price of £339,982 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Truro during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £306,808. Detached properties sold for an average of £456,218, with semi-detached properties fetching £349,965.

Overall, sold prices in Truro over the last year were 2% up on the previous year and 8% up on the 2020 peak of £313,776.