Devon / Dorset help me choose

[DdyDaisyDaresYou]

I want to move to West Dorset/ East Devon and need to work out if its a pipe dream or not!

In a perfect world, I'd be near or on the coast so I can surf, with good schools, jobs and hospitals near by.

Can you help me work out if its possible?

Bonus points for a theatre/arts scene.

Am thinking somewhere between Exeter & Lyme...maybe?

What do you mean by "jobs"? As in what industry / level etc

what job are you planning to do and how much do you need to earn? if you are buying a house how big does it have to be and what budget do you have?

I've lived in both and I'd say they are 'the same' really in terms of culture and also cost. Do you need to commute anywhere by train or car? I would consider your closeness to the M5 or A30/303 or to a fast train line like at Exeter, Tiverton Parkway, or Taunton. Bridport is nice if you want small market town. Exeter though is where you want to be if you want a bustling arts/theatre scene and more stuff to do. Honiton, Chard, Axminster, not particularly exciting.

The Jurassic Coast is lovely beaches, but no surfing really, unless you just want to do a little body boarding with the kids. If you want to surf, you need to go to North Devon/North Cornwall. There is lovely sea swimming though, but mostly pebble/shingle beaches.

Jobs/hospitals you really need to be close to Exeter if you want a lot of choice and full service big hospital. Schools are probably mostly village schools, so will vary school to school, but not usually oversubscribed. Do be mindful of secondary school options as you may not have much choice. No grammar schools in West Dorset, but there is Colyton in Devon, which is very sought after.

How can we answer the poll if we don't know your budget and property specification?!

Exmouth/budleigh area in Devon? It’s close to Exeter without feeling like it. My parents live there and we visit for weekends and it always feels like we’re on a mini holiday.