Penzance and its immediately surrounding area contains a total of around 15,000 dwellings, an average of just one property for every two and half acres. Despite this low density dwellings can be found in a range of environments including town centres, villages, hamlets, coastal locations or isolated moors.

The principal settlements are Penzance, Newlyn and the villages of Paul, Heamoor and Madron. Penzance itself offers a rich variety of architectural styles and house types spanning 400 years, whilst Newlyn has grown up around the fishing industry, augmented by a famous artistic community. Paul and Madron have retained a traditional character while Heamoor, to the north east of the town, contains significant areas of new development.

Within a radius of 5-10 miles, the surroundings range from the rugged and spectacular north coast and open moors to the more sheltered fringes of Mount's Bay. Also encompassed are the former mining areas of St Just and Pendeen, the thriving villages of Goldsithney, Ludgvan, Gulval, St Erth and Perranuthnoe, the rural parishes of St Buryan, Zennor, Sennen (with its unsurpassable surfing beaches), numerous other small villages and hamlets, and the town of Marazion where St Michael's Mount rises majestically from the sea. Properties in the picturesque village of Mousehole, the tree-lined valley of Lamorna and the village of Porthcurno, with its sandy beach and internationally famous open air Minack Theatre, are always in demand.

There are many unimplemented planning permissions within the area - in and out of Penzance itself - providing ample opportunity for those wishing to construct their own homes. West Cornwall, although remote from the major conurbations, is surprisingly cosmopolitan. This is partly due to the annual influx of tourists, many of whom eventually settle, partly to the strong artistic traditions and also to its long industrial and seafaring history. People moving to the area are usually delighted by the friendliness of their reception. The area prides itself on extending a welcome to 'one and all', and new residents will find themselves easily assimilated into the cultural and communal activities of the area and able to enjoy a way of life which is both stimulating and more relaxing that than found in most parts of the British Isles.