Relocating to South/East Devon

[DIOH]

Hi, I am new to mumsnet, and very new to forums.

Me and my partner have been trying to relocate from the Isle of Wight to either Exeter or Torbay area for quite some time. As previously mentioned, living on an Island has given us alot of experience living in a highly touristed area so we are ready for that. We both work full time at the moment, but what we are finding difficult is finding a job that will take us on (since our current address is too far away). We have been visiting Devon regularily for 5 years now and we both have our hearts set on the area to start our family.

I would appreciate any advice on local forums for jobs and any advise on certain areas in and around Exeter or Torbay ideal for commuting. (neither of us drive so train station would be brill).

[soniamumsnet]

Hi @DIOH just bumping this for you and hopefully some Mumsnetters will be along soon with some useful advice.

[DobbyTheHouseElk]

The people I've met from there have been fine. Some of them have quite interesting accents as you would expect.

WTF does this mean????

[DobbyTheHouseElk]

@DIOH ignore the previous poster. I have no idea what they mean by that awful comment.

Torbay is the cheaper end of the coast. The South Hams is a very expensive area full of second homes.

Exeter is a great city. Has a big university and is quite arty. Lovely cathedral in the centre of the city.

Lots of towns like Newton Abbot which are good for housing and easy commute to the city.

[marmiteloversunite]

Mmmm wondering if I have an "interesting accent"? Strange comment.

I would think you are more likely to find employment in Exeter as Torquay is quieter and more seasonal.

Private renting can be difficult and expensive in Exeter. The railway station and bus stations are both quite central.

[DIOH]

Thank you for your kind advise, we are looking into Exeter and Newton Abbot for employment. Then the surrounding towns for residence.

As for the accent you havent heard mine .

[DobbyTheHouseElk]

Why not live in Newton Abbot or Kingsteigton? They are perfectly ok towns. Will be cheaper to live there than Exeter.

Easy to pop to Paignton to the beach in the evenings. Watch the sun go down. I don’t know if it’s still there but there used to be an amazing Indian restaurant in Newton Abbot, near the police station.

[udnertheradar]

Exeter or Plymouth are great for work. Ashburton or Totnes are lovely to live!

[DobbyTheHouseElk]

Oh reading your OP again. I see you don’t drive. That might be an issue. The train link is really good, but no idea on buses.

[Hyggemama]

Would you consider towns further East than Exeter? Honiton or Sidmouth are an easy commute to Exeter but have plenty going on within them too. District Council
is based in Sidmouth if local authority work would interest either of you. They also have a small cinema, lovely beach and lots of independent shops. No train station though! Honiton has a train station, varied shops and nice community events. Also more affordable than sidmouth... but no beach. However you'd be half an hour from Lyme Regis which is a trendy and nice beach, but rather touristy in summer. Both would be an easy commute to Exeter. HTH and good luck with your move.

[TheGinGenie]

I'd look at Exeter, Plymouth or Newton Abbot for work

[TheGinGenie]

Can you leave your address off CVs if you think that's hindering you? Or explain somewhere that you are looking to move ASAP

[ThePreviewPoster]

I have family down there so know the area well. I think that not driving will hamper your search for both accommodation and work as well as leisure. Would it be possible for at least one of you to learn? (Though I can't imagine how you've survived as non-drivers on the IoW for so long either, so what do I know?)

[CrystalPalaceDinos]

Hi, we moved to Exeter 4 years ago with a 4 and 1 year old. We love it. Exeter is a small city so it doesn't take long to get out of. Teignmouth, Torquay, Dawlish and Dartmoor are all close by. Exeter has everything you need, museum, cinemas, quay, cathedral, department stores, independent shops. For work the biggest employers are the University, Met Office and Devon County Council.
Buses and trains are expensive, some buses travelling into Exeter are very irregular, think 2 a day from some villages.
We live in St Thomas/Alphington, it has good local shops, library, 2 parks and the river is close by. Lots of primary schools some with Outstanding Ofsted.
Driving in Exeter is not essential but getting to Dartmoor for instance is nearly impossible without driving. Good Luck, hope you find somewhere you love.