Exeter - advice please

RootedNomad

Hi

Hope some of you folk can help. I am looking to move to the South West (currently Thames Valley), to somewhere within an hour of the North Cornwall coast. There is the possibility of work in Teignmouth, but would prefer to live somewhere city central so was thinking of Exeter. Is it a feasible commute to Teignmouth from there (preferably by public transport) or am I being over optimistic? It is really difficult to gauge these things remotely.....

If Exeter is do-able, can anyone recommend a particular area in and around? Have 4 children to school (2 x primary and 2 x secondary) and will be looking for a large "well lived-in" type of property - possibly an ex student let?

A couple of estate agents have recommended looking for work and property in and around Plymouth, on the basis that there is much more on offer for the children. As a University town, I have assumed that Exeter would cater across the generations - any views/comments on this would be much appreciated. We are heading down to Devon to start looking/house-hunting, but entirely unsure where to start. Thanks.

Savvy_Sue

AFAIK there is a regular train from Exeter down the Teign Estuary, both sides. And it makes a lovely journey, but I've never done it as a commute.

I'd have thought property would be cheaper in Plymouth but I don't know for sure.

MadMac_2

Trains from Exeter are far quicker and you don't have to change, so can usually do it in about half an hour. From Plymouth you are looking at nearly double that with one change, so your commute time would be far higher.

But as Sue has said, Plymouth has cheaper housing on the whole than Exeter, which is quite cosmopolitan for the south west! Both have a very different feel to them and you will instantly know which you prefer!

Best of luck for your search.

hermum

Have you visited the 3 places? I live in Plymouth & there's something for pretty much every age group. Good-bad areas as everywhere. However I wouldn't want to commute to Teignmouth from here. How secure would your employment be there, I knw that's a daft question in the economic climate, is it pretty secure. A lot of local jobs would be tourist based.
Exeter property is a lot more expensive than Plymouth.
You would really need to take at least a few days to spend time in the area & see if it's for you.
Also check to make sure that there's public transport winter times to fit in with the times you need to use them.
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/629.aspx
There are lots of trains, timetable in above link. It might be worth joining the local freecycle group, cafe part & asking the questions you have. For more local knowledge.
Good luck

kizzers

Hope im not too late to help, but!

Exeter to teignmouth is an easy journey, goes from loads of stations in exeter straight there, about 20 miuntes long? Costs £3.50 return I think...

Best parts of Exeter are Pensylvania Road, that kinda area, or around St Davids. But to be honest its all good.

Theres buses right across the city, so nothings that far away.
As for schools, theres 4 main Secondary ones, and all are linked across the city with buses. Primary schools I dont know that much about!

RootedNomad

Many thanks for all comments - appreciated. Having just come back from a great week in Cornwall (OK, the weather was unseasonably fab) I am definitely going to do this. I think on balance Exeter is the place, so am going to formally apply for the job opportunity in Teignmouth - thanks Kizzers for pointers re train links/times, definitely not too late.

dogcat_2

I live in Exeter... I moved here from Southend, Essex seven years ago...originally from London. I love it. It's easily accessible to all parts, has a great train and bus sevice. Theres always plenty to do. Schools are good,...what more can I say....but ...go for it!:D