Family and lifestyle greater priority than work for those moving West

A University of Exeter study of reasons for relocating to Cornwall finds personal choices more important than business and employment opportunities

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PEOPLE are more likely move to Cornwall in search of a better lifestyle or to be nearer family than to work or start a business, a major new survey shows.

Researchers from the University of Exeter found that the environment, proximity of loved ones and retirement were motivations for moving. Work or business were not prioritised in the same way.

The study shows how the affordability of housing remains a critical issue for people living in the Duchy, particularly for renters and lower-income households.

The research, by Professor Malcolm Williams and Dr Amina Ghezal, from the Institute of Cornish Studies, was carried out with support from Cornwall Council. Almost 1,000 people living in both recently-built and older housing took part in the survey. The study compared characteristics and attitudes of those living in housing built in the last ten years, with those living in housing built ten years ago or more.