Can I afford to move back to Exeter?

[Exeterianmouse]

I expect the answer is no. But I wanted to ask some locals too.

I want to move back so teen DS can have some fun & so I can earn more money. We live somewhere incredibly boring, semi rural, beachy, pretty and basic. Brilliant for kids but shit for teens & 40somethings…

Our budget would be £290k-£300k for a 2 or 3 bed semi. I’m very sensitive to noise, crowds and pollution so I’m looking for somewhere “quiet” but in a vibrant Exeter style way. (Not next to a HMO or student house)

Exeter has changed so much I’m lost and not sure what I’m looking at. Traffic doesn’t phase me as I walk / cycle. Happy to live on the outskirts.

Im half expecting this not to work but we need more in life and the thought of moving back is exciting!

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/157412825#/media?activePlan=1&id=media0&ref=photoCollage&channel=RES_BUY

no idea about the market but looks like you'll get something for your budget

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150066860#/media?activePlan=1&id=media0&ref=photoCollage&channel=RES_BUY

Thank you!!! The first link I’m pretty sure is where my student house was! I had flashbacks 🤣

the second house I looove. Does anyone know that area? I’m so excited!

Any Exeter people around this morning?

I’m in Exeter. The location of the first house is perfect! I love St Leonard’s - definitely the nicest area of Exeter. Close to the centre, lovely cute mini high street, etc.

The second area is also great. Pinhoe is popular and it’s very close to the train station, a massive green area with parks, skate park etc. The station is one stop away from Exeter Central and goes direct to London the other way. Close to a nice high street and definitely within cycle distance to the centre (maybe 15/20 mins?).

The first one is a far better location! St Leonard’s, not especially studenty, easy to walk into town or down to the quay / river which it sounds like you’d like. The second is Pinhoe. Nice, and a train which is good, but not at all central and not “city” feeling. It’s a village which has been swamped into Exeter. It is nice but not the city feel you’re looking for.

We were living in Exeter for 16 yo but left just before covid. We loved the city!
I hope you find your place.

I'd go for the second one in pinhoe. Far enough from city centre to avoid student areas. Great train and bus routes on your doorstep and always thought it was a lovely area

thanks everyone! I do think Pinhoe will be better for us - although I remember it as just fields and a random estate.

Can’t believe how much it’s changed. We are all very excited

I lived and worked in Exeter for a while and I know Pinhoe really well and although on paper it sounds suitable for you, a 20 minute bike ride into the city centre when it is -often as you know- pouring with rain gets old really quick! St Leonards is lovely, you can walk down to the quayside and lovely river walks in 5 minutes, it's in the city centre but definitely not a noisy studenty area