What is Cranbrook like?

[FleurEX1]

We are looking for a new build in the Exeter area and Cranbrook keeps popping up on Rightmove.

My first thoughts are that it looks a tad rough, cramped and floody. But I have no idea why I think this.

Can anyone give me their honest opinion?

Thanks!

Hi, I'd be interested in this question as well, pls any help?
Cause my husband's job (he's vet surgeon for DEFRA) my daughter (6 years) and I will move from North of Spain to Exeter next summer and I'm looking for a good place to live in the surroundings of Exeter (and good schools too...) so I appreciate very much all your info about it.
Exeter is lovely but we prefer a rural village near of the city to enjoy a family quiet life and as commented in the below post there're a lot of new brand homes in Cranbrook, services, school, good connections to Exeter, etc...but what are your impressions about this new location? would you choose any other place? Many thanks for your help!

We moved to Cranbrook last Feb and think it's the best place we've ever lived! We actually quit both of our London-based jobs to start a new life here and we're not disappointed. There's lots going on, especially for little ones. It's certainly not rough :)

Flood plains are built in so although there is sometimes surface water, there is meant to be if you see what I mean? We live right next to a flood plain and it has worked exactly as it's supposed to.

It could be considered cramped I suppose. I'm lucky to live next to the country park so have lots of space and lovely views. Pick your plot well!

On the downside there isn't much to do for older kids/teens so they tend to congregate outside the co-op and community centre which is a bit annoying but I believe the council are trying to sort this.

Happy to answer any questions :)

hello, I know what you mean about cranbrook, it's such a large place as well. Have you consider new developments in villages around exeter - such as the new Kings Reach development in Ottery St Mary? It's considerably smaller and has more of a community village feel.

Hi ladies, hope it's ok to bump the post! We have just been accepted on a house in Cranbrook and are moving in the next few weeks. Found this thread through a Google search. I have a 7 year old daughter who is vey apprehensive about the move (we currently live in Torquay) and is worried she won't make any friends. Is there anyone else with children a similar age? She will be attending the primary school st Cranbrook.

I moved to Cranbrook for work early this summer and I love it here. It is not so much about what the place looks like or the amenities (not many yet but you can get the train quickly into central Exeter). For me it is much more about the sense of community. People do smile and talk to each other. We know so many more of our neighbours than anywhere else we have lived. There are loads of young families as well. There is a thriving Facebook group called Belonging to Cranbrook where people help each other out and give advice. It is growing and changing all the time - plenty to moan about but even more to love!

Hi,
I'm hoping if I bump this thread that some of you considering the move are now in Cranbrook :0) What is it like? We're also considering moving there and have two DDs, age 3 and 5. As my husband and I would both be working full time, we're hoping to find somewhere to move to where there's lots of other friendly families!

I'm enjoying reading these responses. I live in Ottery St Mary and there is a perception here that Cranbrook is rough. it's nice to have that attitude challenged by some people who actually live there! it does look cramped in certain areas, though, so the person who suggested you pick your plot well was wise.

Hellloooo! Well I'm new on here.! I lived in Devon, Exmouth, from 1971 to 2012 and I am now returning after a short hiatus in Merseyside (don't ask!). I have been offered a property by Devon and Cornwall HA in Whiteways Cranbrook. I know Devon well, but of course Cranbrook is new to me. I will move with a disabled son. I have five other sons in Exmouth. I'm keen to find out what there is there for myself. All I get off my sons is it's a 'town'. Basically, is it a nice place to live? Is it quietish? What are the current facilities and what is there for someone my age, err 50+... to do. I'm a full time carer for my son.

I know this question has been asked before, but I'm thinking opinions may have been updated by July 2017.

Love to hear opinions!

It has killed the surronding villages. Ie clyst honiton. The houses are tiny and built on flood planes. The commute to Exeter is Minmal except a major accident on the m5
It has killed local life. Live Exeter.

Hi, I know this is an old thread but me and my partner are looking at moving to exeter from north devon and have noticed a lot of properties for sale in Cranbrook.
There seems to be a lot of mixed views on Cranbrook so just wanted to ask why there is such a bad press and have the flood planes ever been a problem?
Also my partner works away so we may have to move again. What is the property market like in Cranbrook? Do they tend to hold, gain or loose their value?
Any answers would be appreciated
Thanks

Hi,we've lived here since last November.
It's so handy for A30,M5, beaches shops etc.Theres an excellent train service every hour to Exeter or Waterloo.
Regular buses,.lovely country park ,if you've a 🐕!
Only one co-op only one doctor, by it's a growing town.
I used to live in North Devon and having lived here is wouldn't move back to North Devon
Houses seem to keep there price,plenty of choice,and plenty to rent!just watch where you buy!
Hope this helps

Hi, any more thoughts/helpful info on Whiteways Cranbrook would be gratefully received please.
We are looking to move closer to Exeter from Chichester way.
My youngest is 16, and I’d be working in the city.
Many thanks in advance.