So, did you move to Devon? Would love to hear experiences.

[motherofrascal]

I've read so many threads of families moving to Devon in last few years, but the threads always end before people report back on how the move went. I'd love to know 'how the story ends'! We are debating a move back to the West Country, and I am keen, but I have established a lovely network here in East Kent (of locals and 'incomers') and I'd like to know how easy people have found it to settle and build their 'village' again. It's the one thing I'm loathed to give up. Would love to hear how things worked out with community, schools, jobs etc - THANK YOU. I'm very new to posting on here so I hope I have done it right!!

Small town Devon can be very very insular. But bigger cities like Exeter and Plymouth are different. I found it very hard to meet people when I lived there, but that was some time ago.

Oh that’s a shame. Did you have kids then? I was assuming it’d be easier with nursery and school age kids. Exeter seems lovely, were you near there?

Technically yes I did but I grew up for a lot of my childhood in the West Country and moved back which I think is different. I work in Exeter/from home, but both my children were born here. Was there something specific you wanted to know?.

I’m in East Kent and I’m surprised you’ve found that community there as I find it unfriendly! There seem to be 2 tribes of locals and new to the area. It’s soul destroying if you don’t have that community so it’s an important thing to consider.

Oh no! I’m sorry you’ve found East Kent unfriendly. Where are you? It’s taken me years to get close friends but I had low (no?) expectations to start off with so I guess everything has been a plus. I did NCT which really kicked things off. I agree it’s so important to have a network. @tealandteal my husband is keen for North Devon but I felt East or South Devon might be better for transport links and potentially community too? People here can be a bit sniffy about ‘incomers’ but that tends to be the older generation - middle aged (like me) and under seem to be much more open. I wondered if Devon might be the same? I guess I’m looking for a group of likeminded women to hang out with - not necessarily mothers although that helps the bonding!