Should I move to Totnes

[Lotte12345]

Hi there my partner and I and our 10 month old baby are seriously considering moving to Devon. We’re fed up with prices in the south east and have always loved Devon, we’re both very outdoorsy. We’ve narrowed Totnes as potential area due to (what we imagine to be ?!) alternative , slightly hippy laid back creative vibe (no idea if this is correct tho ?!) and would consider all surrounding villages /areas too. Don’t know anyone here tho and wondering if there is a good network of mothers / good scene for parents . ? What the community is generally like ie is it open minded ? /welcoming of new people ?
Also any recommendations on where to live, we’d like to buy (after checking out the area). We love countryside rural but community is super important. Education for our daughter also a massive priority. Ideally some kind of Montessori farm school for primary - does this even exist ? Love to hear any thoughts from other mums as to the above , and any insider info you may have. Thanks so much

We know this thread was posted some days ago, but we're just giving it a bump in case anyone's around with some local knowledge for the OP.

I can’t help you OP but I just wanted to say I loved Totnes when we visited last year. Fabulous walking, beaches and scenery, along with gorgeous local and independent food vendors. It’s such a lovely place. Good luck with your planned move!

Totnes has a Steiner school nearby, which has a similar ethos I think?

www.southdevonsteinerschool.org/

It's a lovely town. I live in Plymouth but visit often (although not at the moment). We have an expression in our house "it's a bit Totnes" which generally means it's a bit hippy/alternative/eco which might tell you a bit about the vibe of the town. I love it but DH wouldn't consider it as the traffic in and out is horrendous and house prices are relatively high for the area.

Have you actually looked at house prices in the South Hams?!

I love Totnes and know it very well from many visits over the years. Yes, it’s everything you say it is, OP: alternative, laid back, lovely community spirit. But the property prices are getting pretty steep; traffic congestion through and round the town is an issue and public transport is quite expensive. I’m still fantasising about retiring there, mind you

We’re actually just back from an initial recce of the south hams and prefer ashburton.
Anyone have experience of schools /nurserys/ life for mums in ashburton area?