Living in (or around) Exeter? good AND BAD please

[MustAvBeenAGypsieInPastLives]

hi, this area seems to come up repeatedly my DH's job hunt, I've only visited once, seemed nice but its easier to see the nice bits than the downsides on a short visit, so what's it REALLY like to live there?

what's it like renting and buying there?
how is it for toddlers?
how is it for adults?
what are the bad bits of life in Exeter?
how credit-crunched has it been? (IMO the impact varies massively from place to place)

thanks

Hiya, we moved a few years ago and have not regretted it. Compared to other places we have lived (Herts/Beds/Midlands) it feels very safe. There are loads of young families and activities, groups etc. House prices aren't bad, we have rented and bought and done well each time. There are more good areas than bad. I don't have experience of schools etc, all that to come!