Moving to South Devon

[ondevontime]

Reposting in chat in case better place for this.

I'm not sure if this is the best place to post this or not but would be really grateful for any advice.

We are relocating to Devon due to my husband's new job in Torquay. The commute needs to be 30 minutes or less. We have two teenagers and one in primary so obviously need to take schooling into account. The children are not keen to be somewhere very rural or at least want somewhere with reasonable transport links. They are actually keen on Exeter itself but I'm concerned the commute might be a bit too far for my husband. Torquay itself seems quite run down.
I am torn between being near the sea and the moor.
I wondered if anyone has any recommendations of possible locations for us and might be able to describe the pros and cons of the places and whether they might suit a family/ what the roads are like, etc

Many thanks

@DobbyTheHouseElk Careful with the laughing, I don't want you to choke.

You obviously aren't suited to Totnes if you use a microwave.

It is a place of extremes isn't it, alot of very down to earth Devonians, quite a few wealthy people (well it isn't cheap is it) and then the Rainbow Nazis. I found it a unique place, I enjoyed working there, like the market but I wouldn't want to live there.

Hi OP, just wondered have you visited? Did anywhere appeal to you? Obviously budget matters, what sort of house you like e.g. modern, traditional, big garden or whatever.

Someone suggested Kenton which could be the ideal compromise for ease of access to Exeter and Torquay. Where your husband's job is makes a difference as well, if it is near a station or near the hospital or The Willows it will make a difference to travel time compared to being near the harbour.

We moved here over 20 years ago, one thing I'd warn you about if you intend to stay longterm is that kids tend to move away. Mine went off to uni and now live over 100 miles away as the job opportunities are limited for them down here. Of their school friends I can only think of one who has stayed local. Some people might think that is a positive, others might not like it. Personally I long to move closer to mine but circumstances at the moment make that difficult.

Good luck with the move.

Exminster would tick all the boxes OP.
Easy commute to Torquay via the Devon Expressway, easy access to Exeter with regular bus times or a car journey of fifteen to twenty minutes. Village school is excellent and there's plenty to do both locally and further afield.
And it's a really lovely community according to my cousin who moved there from London when she retired last year.

Kenton is in the catchment for Dawlish College which is not great plus the walk to the train at Starcross is probably more like 40 min for a slow and infrequent service. I would locate nearer the a380 kenn, kenford or exminster.

The towns you mentioned on the edge of the moors are ok but don't have much to recommend them and quite desolate in winter.

@weepingwillow yes you are right, I meant Kenford nor Kenton. Shouldn't post till I have a coffee!

The Ley Arms in Kenn does (did) a lovely Sunday roast

Ashburton and Bovey are fine if your teens want to spend all their time on the moor/own a pony.

Otherwise you will be mum's taxi.

Have you thought about Bishopsteignton? It’s a village between newton abbot and Teignmouth

TQ9ers...

@Todayisanewday75 I can confirm that they still does does the Seven Stars in Kennford

Kenn & Kennford are also in the catchment for Dawlish College. It has just had a good review and ranked quite high in the region.

This is new though, historically it’s not been good

Wellswood is lovely - nice village, lots of greenery and walks, Meadfoot beach, walkable from Torquay

My in-laws live in Newton abbot they love it, but they are older.

No idea about schools but Wellswood, the Warberries, Lincombe side of Torquay is very much not deprived.

And if you have the £££ Ilsham Marine Drive. For example this if you have £3 million to spare:

www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/54432113?search_identifier=44f8800b7ffbf8ee65e583aba86b6621

Very nice houses with amazing sea views. My mate used to pretend he was house hunting and just go for fake viewings round there - it was like another world.

Lots to think about.
I have visited a couple of times but really hard to make a decision based on brief trips and so much to see.

Exminster/ Kennford look well positioned.

I had heard that Ashburton is really pretty but perhaps not large/ well connected enough for the teens.

I'll look into Bishopsteignton as haven't heard of it.

The job is at the hospital so Northern and outer side of Torbay and easy to get there from the A380

Many thanks for the replies.

@ondevontime Have you thought of renting for six months, just to get a feel for the place? I know it can be awkward with schools but it is a big move.

As someone said Wellswood is nice and would be a very easy commute. I'm trying to think where some doctors we know lived when they worked at Torbay Hospital. I think one was in the Babbacombe/St Marychurch area and one was probably Wellswood or certainly close.

Not sure about the primaries but easy for the grammars, Cuthbert Mayne if you want a religious school, Spire although I think their reputation has gone down since mine were at school but on the otherhand Torquay Academy had a really bad reputation but has been doing really well, it is in some sort of relationship with the boys grammar and I've heard really good things about it.

I've got some friends in Exminster, they haven't been there long but they do love it. Their son is in YR so I haven't had any feedback on schools.

This is bringing back memories of my move 25 years ago, it is hard househunting from a distance and lockdown can't be helping so good luck.

I was at the hospital. We were all in Wellswood/Babbacombe or Totnes.

Torbay Hospital is easily commutable from Exeter outskirts.

It’s is right by the exit from the A380.

I love Totnes! I think with the demise of Dartington, it isnt quite so hippy dippy nowadays although there is def still that element. I have noticed that the more esoteric shops have declined to be replaced by art galleries etc.

Torquay is a no, equally Newton Armpit which used to be a delightful little market town 40 years ago and now is an utter dump. How about some of the villages in between like North Whilborough or somewhere? Although your teens will constantly be on at you for lifts. How old are they? How long before they can drive and be bought a cheap banger (an absolute necessity as the buses are rubbish)?

Excellent advice all, thank you. Lots to do and think about!

I would also suggest Exminster, I live in Exeter and love it but for commuting to Torquay I would say Exminster is well positioned. Plus a short drive into Exeter. Exminster primary is very well regarded.

Sorry I thought I’d started a new post not commented on someone elses! Admin can you please delete?

Hi, we are considering a move to Devon, and I’m hoping for some advice. We are a family spanning four generations, so there are lots of people to cater for and lots of boxes to tick. I’m not sure if there is a location to suit us all, but I’m hoping you may be able to help.

Ideally, we’d like to live close to each other—perhaps on a farm or land with multiple cottages. However, it’s more likely that we will live separately, as long as everyone is within a 15-minute drive of the grandparents and great-grandparents. If they do live separately, we need a location that allows them to be independent—somewhere with easy access to shops, the beach, and reliable bus routes for trips to the doctor etc.

We would like a property with either a very large garden or a few acres of land. We need space for animals and to relocate our business.

DS is currently at university, so we need access to an area with good job opportunities—perhaps Exeter? Are there any other towns that might be suitable? He’s studying science but may end up doing something completely different.

The older members of our family would love to live either on or within a short, easy walk to the beach or sea (a river might be an acceptable compromise). They’re looking for gentle walks with scenic views, coffee shops, and places to eat out—ideally somewhere welcoming.

We want to live somewhere pretty in semi-rural setting but still want access to nice towns with good shops and restaurants. We love nature and are very outdoorsy and would like to regularly paddleboard, kayak, and swim although don’t mind a 15-20 minute drive to the sea.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Many thanks 😊