Moving to Exeter

[Stitchrose8]

Hi all,
We moved from Herts to rural Devon in 2021, we were part of the exodus post Covid.
In hindsight, this wasn’t the right thing to do for us but the area we have chosen is just too remote. Everything is a 25/30 minute drive and we are concerned that as the children get older (2,7&9) there won’t be opportunities for them.
We are thinking of trying to move closer to Exeter, my husband commutes there every day. What areas would you recommend or avoid please? Any info would be greatly appreciated, we can’t afford to make another location mistake!
Thank you

Do you want to be right in the city or will being a drive away or on transport routes be enough. Type of house / budget might also be helpful.

St Leonards is always considered the most desirable bit close to the city centre. St Thomas is convenient for the city and a bit cheaper than St Leonards. Topsham is nice but not walking distance to the centre really. Also Digby and Sowton, Pinhoe, St Thomas and Alphington are all ok. The schools are massively improved in St Thomas. Topsham is lovely nice village feel in the middle with older characterful houses but now surrounded by newbiulds. I would avoid Whipton, Exwick and Cranbrook.

A bit further out you have Exminster which is popular with families but not in the catchment for Exeter secondaries.

Thank you, we aren’t fussed about being right in the centre, a short drive or bus journey is okay.
I’ve come across a few houses in St Thomas and Nadderwater, it does seem a bit cheaper. Our budget is around 425 and we need 4 beds or 3 with potential to extend.
I will have a look at the other areas you have mentioned, and I did have a house saved on Rightmove in Whipton so it’s useful to know you would suggest avoiding. Thanks so much for your insights.
Are you in Exeter? It does seem a like there is much more going on for kids and more opportunity in terms of career.

Have you looked along Topsham Road from Countess Wear towards Topsham? Lots of new builds and a big Aldi, not really walkable but there will be buses.
Also lots of building around Matford but not sure if any are up for sale yet? There's a new all-through school there too (called Matford Brook I think).
Digby has train links, near Tescos, Ikea, David Lloyd.
Or you could look at Chudleigh - small town, good primary and feeds to 2 secondary schools, reasonable bus links to Exeter, countryside around, lots of ongoing housebuilding so I would imagine lots to choose from.

Thank you, I’ll take a look.

Agree with all above but will add heavitree and stoke hill as well.