Hartley is one of the most sought-after suburbs of Plymouth, beautifully located on high ground with views whichever way you look.
To the south is the sea, looking north you’ll see Dartmoor National Park and to the west you can catch glimpses of Cornwall.
Boarded by Mannamead and Compton, the suburbs complement each other with their property types, amenities and facilities.
Much of the development of modern Hartley, particularly the Venn estate, occurred just before the Second World War. However, Hartley and the surrounding areas are well recognised by their Victorian villas.
Hartley’s sizeable and spacious properties, good school links and easy transport options make it a desirable living area for young families.
Here’s everything you need to know about living in Hartley.
What are the properties like in Hartley?
The property market in Hartley is a relatively competitive one, with a healthy mix of bungalows, 3-4 bedroom family detached and semi-detached homes and a few flats too.
It may come as a surprise, but according to Rightmove sold prices in Hartley over the last year were down by 9% on the previous year.
With properties in Hartley having an overall average price of £323,530 in the last year, these prices are more similar to the peak of cost in 2018 which stood at £325,442.
Rightmove also reports that the majority of sales in the Hartley area were semi-detached properties, selling for an average of £387,179.
Flats went for an average of £181,339, with terraced houses fetching £241,667.
What parks, play areas and facilities does Hartley have?
In the centre of Hartley sits Hartley Park and Reservoir, boasting an open green space with views across Dartmoor to the east.
The park also contains tennis courts, basketball courts, croquet pitches and a play park with swings and a slide.
Looking to join a sports club? Hartley has a few to offer, including Hill Lane Tennis Club (with their own junior club too), Mannamead Lawn Tennis Club and Plymouth Croquet Club.
Thorn Park is also only a short distance away, with its own play park and basketball court.
What shops and services are there in Hartley?
The biggest shop in the Hartley area is Morrisons Supermarket right at the top of Outland Road, which also has its own café.
The area also has a small convenience store attached to the BP petrol station on Mannamead Road. On the intersection where Mannamead Road meets Lockington Avenue you’ll find Plymouth Chiropractic Clinic.
There is also a small corner shop on Hender’s Corner a little further down Mannamead Road, alongside a Boots Pharmacy and Mannamead Hair Care & Beauty.
Just along Eggbuckland Road is Hartley’s closest GP surgery; The Mannamead Surgery. On the other side of Mannamead Road is Hartley Dental Clinic.
Fun Fact: former Plymouth Workhouse on the junction of Tor Lane and Tavistock Road was demolished and replaced with a gated retirement community. The area also hosts Consort House Nursing Home and Hartley Park Care Home.
Places of worship in the area include Emmanuel Church, Trinity URC Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Are there any pubs, takeaways or restaurants in Hartley?
The main pub in Hartley is the Golden Hind at Manadon Roundabout. It’s also not far to get to the Rising Sun at Compton or to Mutley Plain, which has a few popular public houses.
Mutley Plain also has various shops, takeaways and small eateries (and our Lang Town & Country office!). It’s also easy to get to crownhill village from Hartley, which has the Tamar Pub and Chinese, Indian, Pizza and Fish & Chips takeaways.
If you fancy a pasty or a sweet treat, Friary Mill Bakery is also located nearby in Compton, or take a visit to Morrisons Café for a bite to eat.
Which schools are in the Hartley catchment area?
Hartley is in the catchment area for a wide variety of the city’s best schools.
For the little ones, we have King’s School and Nursery, taking Children from ages 0-11. There’s also Pixieland Nursery, Compton Primary School, Widey Primary School, Eggbuckland Vale Primary School and Manadon Vale Primary School not too far away.
For older children, Plymouth College private school is easily accessible just off Mutley Plain, plus all the grammar schools are easy to get to from Hartley.
St. Boniface’s Catholic College for Boys is also nearby, and Eggbuckland Community College is another option.
What are the transport links like in Hartley?
In the car, Hartley is perfect for transport links. Hartley is bisected by Tavistock Road, which leads north towards Derriford and Tavistock or South along Outland Road.
Another main road, Mannamead Road, gives easy access to Mutley, the City Centre and the Waterfront.
There is also quick access in both directions of the A38 Devon Expressway, North to Exeter or South into Cornwall.
There’s a great bus network running through Hartley, in both directions towards Crownhill and Derriford or towards the City Centre. It also doesn’t take too long to get to Plymouth Train Station via bus or car.
