Three Dartmoor towns once again recognised among top places to live in Devon

Three Dartmoor towns have once again been recognised among the best places to live in Devon, according to lifestyle platform Muddy Stilettos’ newly released Top 260 Best Places to Live 2026 guide.

Tavistock, Buckfastleigh and Moretonhampstead all feature in the 2026 rankings, which highlight 16 standout locations across the county.

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The list celebrates communities that offer strong local life, access to countryside and a balance between heritage and modern living.

As previously reported by The Moorlander, Tavistock, Ashburton and Moretonhampstead were included in the 2025 guide which praised Dartmoor’s “mix of history, community spirit and rural surroundings.”

ABOVE: Buckfastleigh (Credit: Alex O)

Buckfastleigh: “Up and coming, with the charm of a village”

Buckfastleigh received top spot on the list, making it Muddy Stiletto's number one place to live in Devon.

Just down the A38, the town was described as “a hidden gem on the edge of Dartmoor” with architecture and community that “feels like a village.” 

The guide noted its creative spirit linked to nearby Dartington Hall, and called it “better value for money” than neighbouring Ashburton.

With cafés such as The Doe, the open-air pool, and nearby attractions including the South Devon Railway and Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh’s appeal lies in its “strong sense of community” and easy commuter links to Exeter and Plymouth.

ABOVE: Tavistock (Credit: Jamie Townsend)

Tavistock: “A buzzing community and period features aplenty”

Fifth place went to Tavistock, described as having “historic bones and the scent of old farming money in the fresh moor air”.

The town was praised for its vibrant market life, independent shops and strong amenities. 

The site noted that while Tavistock is “old-fashioned but in a good way,” it remains full of life with its Pannier Market, riverside setting and busy high street.

The report also highlighted hopes to reinstate the Tavistock-Plymouth rail line by 2029, calling the town “the Western Gateway to Dartmoor” with “plentiful amenities, including a swimming pool, cinema and supermarkets.”

ABOVE: Moretonhampstead (Credit: Natalia McKenzie)

Moretonhampstead: “Rural but vibrant”

Moretonhampstead placed seventh, and was celebrated for being “small but perfectly formed,” with a self-sufficient, cross-generational population and a lively market-town atmosphere. 

The report described it as “a picture-postcard idyll” offering “space to breathe” and a thriving mix of independent shops, pubs and creative hubs such as Green Hill Arts Centre.

The town’s community-run facilities,  including its heated outdoor pool, library, and monthly makers’ market, were cited as proof of its “healthy, lived-in mix” of locals, artists and families.

The ‘Best Places To Live In Devon 2026’ list in full was as follows:

1. Buckfastleigh
2. Royal William Yard, Plymouth
3. Kenn & Kennford
4. Topsham
5. Tavistock
6. Appledore
7. Moretonhampstead
8. Sidmouth

Muddy Stiletto's founder and editor-in-chief Hero Brown said the annual guide helps people understand what makes each community special.

“When people decide to move, they’re searching for more than just a house, they want a home and a lifestyle that works for them and their family.

“Our 2026 guide gives them the reassurance and local insight they need to make that search easier” she said.

Across the three towns, Muddy Stilettos emphasised Dartmoor’s combination of “wild beauty and strong community spirit” as a major draw for new residents. 

The region’s balance of access to nature, history and modern convenience continues to stand out in the national rankings.