Single mum relocating to Exeter

[Katiejean76]

Hi!
I am a single parent with a 10 year old who is due to go to high school next year... I have been offered a job in Exeter to start December.
Can anyone please advise any good (but affordable) areas or areas to avoid please? Also any advise on secondary schools?

My son currently goes to drama classes so would be good to know if there are any in Exeter!!

Lastly!!! Is Exeter a nice place to live?Looking for a friendly community and lots of thigs to do as he gets older... Am leaving my support network so slightly concerned!!!

THANKYOU!

Exeter is a fantastic place to live. Welcome to Devon

Avoid Rifford Road and beacon Heath. Heavitree is lovely and a bit more affordable (lots of students). St Leonard’s lovely but v v £.

Good luck

@katiejean76 I've not a local so can't advise on schools but went to uni there and honestly it's such a wonderful city, I really loved it and would move back if I could!

Depending on budget areas near the Cathedral and the Quay are beautiful, otherwise you could look at St Leonards, Heavitree, Countess Wear. Personally I'd avoid Alphington the other side of the river but don't think it's unsafe, just a bit further from the centre and not quite as lovely as other parts! Areas close to the uni like Pennsylvania will be very student heavy and possibly quite noisy but lots of great pubs

Not sure about drama classes but The Bike Shed Theatre is great, lots of local productions, events etc. And it's so close to the beach, Dartmoor, and everything you need in the city without travelling too far - independent shops, kid-friendly cafes.... Personally I'd have loved to grow up there.

Wishing you both luck with your move!

I live in Pennsylvania in Exeter, grew up there too, and it's a really lovely area. I agree with others that generally Beacon Heath and Burnthouse Lane/Rifford Road should be avoided, although I lived in an area of Beacon Heath that was tucked away which was pleasant enough.

My children are 8 and 5 and there is loads to do - lots of parks and local attractions, and the community around where I live is amazing! I think you'll be be very happy here.

More than happy to answer any other questions if you like

I lived in Exeter and really enjoyed it, the Quay is really nice and parts of St Thomas/Cowick are fine too. That side is much more families than students - basically anywhere the uni is a steep walk uphill you’ll find not many students and a fair bit cheaper!

Used to see groups of teens on the train to Exmouth for a day at the beach, seemed safe enough and lovely for them to have that independence.

There’s been some really good events and arts festivals so definitely a community for that sort of thing.

Depending on where your job is, I would think about how you will travel as traffic can be really heavy in certain directions - lots of people commute into Exeter from elsewhere, when I lived in the centre travelling outward it was easy peasy and always against the prevailing traffic!

Thankyou so much.

Can anyone recommend secondary schools? or ones to avoid?

Also just looked at Heavitree and 2 bed properties are £1300!!! is this the norm???