Falmouth’s combination of quirky businesses and working port, together with a vibrant population, has seen it named as the fourth best place to live in Britain.

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The town was ranked fourth in The Sunday Times 101 Best Places to Live in Britain list for 2014, which looks at factors including crime rates, house prices and school performance, along with local knowledge and comment.

However the fourth place still means that Falmouth comes out as the best place to live in the west country.

The Sunday paper commended Falmouth for its sea views, beaches and countryside along with a growing reputation as a cultural hub, boosted by the influx of students to the university and a community with plenty of young creatives.

Steve Kimberley, of Kimberley’s estate agents, said the announcement was “fantastic news”, but asked why the town hadn’t been ranked first, second or third.

He said: “It will bring more interest into the area, there’s always a bit of an upsurge when reports like this come out.

“It makes people feel good and keeps property prices up.

“It’s not just about housing, but about tourism and investment and retail, and about how people feel about themselves.

“Falmouth is a town on the up, it’s started to look nicer, the BID have done a brilliant job, everyone’s coming together to make it work and there are things still to achieve.”

Ludvic Laskowski, of Laskowski’s estate agents, said he didn’t expect a great increase in interest because Falmouth is “already that popular”.

He added: “It’s a year round town, which gives it an advantage over Penzance, which is the only other coastal town of any significance.”

Richard Wilcox, Falmouth’s BID manager, called the accolade an “endorsement of our wonderfully vibrant, eclectic and colourful destination.”

He said: “Falmouth is a real, working town with an active community spirit as exemplified by the recent volunteer clean days and daffodil giveaways during Spring Festival.

“Such positive profile for Falmouth and Cornwall is important also in terms of aiding inward investment, attracting new business and more visits and we will be doing all we can to capitalise on this positive story.”

Richard Gates Falmouth town manager, said: “The positive community spirit, the effective partnership working between such organisations as the Town Council and Falmouth BID really make a difference in the development of Falmouth.

“The independent businesses through to the Universities and larger marine related companies create a diverse mix that all contributes towards an active and innovative business scene. From the Town Team and the many volunteers that give their time to the help bring alive the vibrant events calendar, Falmouth certainly has a very positive future.”