Local area guide

Living in Penzance

Thinking about moving to Penzance? Discover why it's a great place to live, fun things to do here, what the local schools and transport connections are like - and of course the most important thing of all: how much houses cost to buy.

Your guide to moving to Penzance

Why Penzance is a good place to live

As a bustling, quirky harbour town, Penzance offers a blend of seaside charm and a lively arts culture. Celebrated for its stunning coastline and distinctive architecture, it's an appealing spot for those looking to dip their toes into seaside living. The town, recognised famously by The Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the U.K., holds prestige as an attractive place for moving to Penzance. Furthermore, it is an idealistic location for those desiring a natural setting. Here, you will find yourself in the heart of a cultural and creative renaissance, revelling in the Cornish language, cuisine, music, and the arts. Moving to Penzance ensures access to all these unique charms whilst also offering relatively affordable cost of living.

What's Penzance famous for?

Penzance is famous for its vibrant arts and culture scene, notably being home to the Newlyn School of artists. Pop culture has embraced Penzance too; the town name is forever immortalised in the title of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera, 'The Pirates of Penzance'. This southwest corner of Cornwall is celebrated for its iconic landmarks, such as the Jubilee Pool, an Art Deco marvel and one of the oldest surviving lidos in the U.K.

Things to do in Penzance

Penzance is jam-packed with options for exploring and appreciating the local area. If you're a fan of outdoor activities and historical architecture, take a stroll along the seafront promenade or tour the iconic Chapel Street. If arts and history are more your interest, the Penlee House Gallery & Museum offers a deep dive into local heritage. Visit the Jubilee Pool for an incredible outdoor swimming experience or unwind at the sub-tropical Morrab Gardens. The annual Golowan Festival warmly invites everyone to its colourful celebrations. Finally, you can immerse yourself in local traditions at the Montol Festival, reviving Cornish customs in a vibrant community arts event.

We have used a bespoke generative AI model to help us research and create our area guides. All of our content is reviewed, and edited where needed, by our trusted team of Zoopla content editors.

Average asking prices in Penzance today

We update our average asking prices every day using data from millions of properties for sale.

Terraced

Avg. asking price

£285,000

239 properties for sale

Detached

Avg. asking price

£560,000

247 properties for sale

Semi-detached

Avg. asking price

£305,000

80 properties for sale

Flats

Avg. asking price

£225,000

87 properties for sale

Properties currently for sale in Penzance

Whether you're looking to buy a family home or a beautiful apartment, we've got you covered.

Transport in Penzance

Find the nearest train stations and other transport links in Penzance.

Local connections

Penzance
National Rail
0.2 miles / 0.3 km
Penzance Ferry Terminal
Ferry Port
0.3 miles / 0.5 km
St Erth
National Rail
5.4 miles / 8.7 km
Lelant Saltings
National Rail
5.9 miles / 9.5 km
Carbis Bay
National Rail
6.2 miles / 10.0 km
Lelant
National Rail
6.2 miles / 10.0 km

Schools in Penzance

Discover local primary schools, secondary schools and sixth form colleges in Penzance.

Education in Penzance

St Mary's CofE Primary School, Penzance
Ages: 3 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2023)
Humphry Davy School
Ages: 11 - 16 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2023)
St Mary's Catholic School, Penzance
Ages: 3 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2018)
Pensans Community Primary School
Ages: 2 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2018)
Alverton Primary School
Ages: 2 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2018)
Nancealverne School
Ages: 2 - 19 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2019)

Local pubs in Penzance

In partnership with
useyourlocal
  • Globe & Ale House

    Penzance, Cornwall, TR18

    A drinks only pub with a friendly atmosphere and great beer. Live sports on multiple screens enjoying both Sky Sports and BT sports. DJ and disco every Saturday nights and hosts Silent Disco nights occasionally.

  • Longboat Inn

    Penzance, Cornwall, TR18

    The Longboat Inn is ideally situated opposite the Railway Station and at the entrance to the market town of Penzance