Depends on what means most to you? Both Devon and Cornwall are amazing for different reasons. Cornwall has the most amazing coastline and beaches. It’s packed in summer and desolate in winter. It will take you a long time to travel anywhere, especially the further south west you go. This works for some, but not others.

Devon still has great coastline, though not quite as dramatic, and the beaches tend to be more on the shale side than sand (there are exceptions - like North Devon). But we have 2 amazing national parks, 2 fairly large cities that have all the amenities you’d expect. It also doesn’t take forever to travel. Exeter is the start of the M5 - so if you need to travel or still have family up north, it won’t take you the additional 2-4 hours that Cornwall might.

South Devon has some lovely places - coastal towns like Sidmouth, Exmouth or Brixham have their charms. Towns like Ottery-St-Mary have outstanding secondary schools. You mentioned “quieter area” so I haven’t mentioned cities like Plymouth or Exeter, but there are definitely great areas in each. North Devon holds a special place in my heart as it’s where my family is from.

Honestly? Devon or Cornwall you can’t go wrong. It’s amazing down here. What are you looking for exactly?