To want to retire to Devon (from London suburbia)

[hildaogden99]

Have lived in same London suburb our whole lives. Until recently we liked living here (nice house, nice neighbours, easy access to London but on the green belt too, everything on our doorstep). However, over the last couple of years (since Covid really) it has REALLY changed. Overcrowded, flats being built on every inch of land, horrendous traffic, road rage, increasing crime and a rapidly increasing number of horrible, rude entitled people ( I work with the public so perhaps have noticed it more). We're at the stage where we just want to escape as we just don't like living here anymore. Can't do anything for about 4 years. Will be 60 then and I'm hoping DC will be settled by then. DC1 is 20, already has a job and hopes to buy a property. DC2 is only 16 and going to college for 2 years from September but am hoping by the time we go will know what direction they're going.

We're thinking Devon. It's not alien to us as have been many, many times and love it. DH spent a lot of his childhood there and is still loosley in touch with family friends there. In fact, PIL retired there but sadly both died not long after moving which put us off for a long time (lightning striking twice.!?). SIL is also thinking of moving there too and BIL has a holiday home there. We'll obviously do our homework over the next few years and carry on visiting as much as we can but would be grateful for any views. Would this be a crazy thing to do?

What We're worried about:
Not fitting in/making friends
One of us getting ill/dying and the other being left alone with no family close by
Missing the convenience of London
Picking the wrong area - we do know it pretty well (esp South Devon) and know we want to stay away from the big tourist areas (like Torbay) but don't want to be isolated either. Would also like easy access to our beloved Dartmoor & the coast.

Any tips? Was rather put off by this article but rest assured I'm nothing like her 😂

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4535684/SHONA-SIBARY-moved-family-Devon-hated-family-broken.html

I can't comment on Devon, since I don't know it, but the issue of moving away from a big city (London) to somewhere more rural is certainly on our radar for retirement. I grew up on a farm in Northern Ireland, but since school I've always lived in cities/suburbs, but have always wanted to move back to the countryside. Working as a highly qualified / experience software engineer opportunities were always in the south east.

I'm back in my family home now for at least 12 months to help out when my father is going through some health issues. Living rurally again I've encountered the lack of places to eat, lack of things I'd normally do, not having my network of friends, and working remotely has been a challenge. Some positives too of course. But lack of access to certain health care, means we're driving to/from Belfast several times a week (it's near, but still time consuming).

Ideally, before choosing a place, I think I'd need to spend a few months there to "understand" the area. For example, I know I'd not like to move back to my home area, but I realize I don't know enough about other rural areas in England to make any informed decision!

Do it, if you hate it move again

I live in Devon and some parts are better than others. You might still get issues here depending on where you pick but they won’t be as bad as London.

I do live in Torbay but it isn’t as touristy as you’d expect yes in the summer we get more people but not as many as you’d think. It doesn’t cause any issues. (Dawlish is worse as has plenty of caravan parks) There isn’t a lot to do here now it’s just full of coffee shops and charity shops but we are lucky to have beaches/moors and various walks.

I would suggest try the small villages or towns but you might find it boring moving from London.

Have a look at possibly Liverton & Bovey Tracey (both good for the moors) , Cockington ( lovely for walks and quiet village), Brixham (touristy but beautiful and lovely fish and chips a lot of people retire here), Okehampton, Ottery St Mary, (I personally love going over to Teignmouth with my family), Shaldon (beautiful back beach we practically live here in the summer it’s perfect for my little ones) There’s so many beautiful places it all depends what you’re looking for.

I'd think about what you want to do with your time once you've retired/got out of London.

Nothing builds misery faster than it being awkward, expensive or nigh on impossible to get to/go to the things you want to do. It also stops you meeting people you'll have common interests with, which is isolating.

Add in the small-town/rural phenomenon that is gossip and local networking and you can find yourself the talk of the county... and yet with nothing to do and no one to talk to...

If none of that will be an issue, you have stuff to do, various interests, access to all you need, then go for it - and wherever you can, I'd spend time there, build relationships with people, places etc before you start to look for property and actually move.

We used to always take the kids, then grandchildren, to Fermoys at Christmas, they did a lovely Grotto, fake snow falling and lovely elves (local teenagers) who interacted with the kids.

One of my best friends parents retired to Devon. They had a good few happy years there and the family loved visiting. Her mum has since died and her ageing stepdad is there alone and it is an absolute nightmare for anyone to help him or see him except in bursts. Which they do but it is very difficult and he is alone a lot of the time.

I think people really should "try before they buy" as what suits one won't suit another e.g. from your list I feel really uncomfortable in Brixham and wouldn't live there if I was given a house, similar with Okehampton, been a few times and can't wait to get out. On the other hand I agree with Cockington and Shaldon particularly. It has to feel right doesn't it.

Hi OP - did you end up moving to Devon?