Thinking of moving to West Dorset or Devon

[KatieKAJ]

Hi all, my husband and I are looking to move somewhere that has countryside on doorstep (outdoorsy in our 40s) but with access to a few amenities and ideally places to eat. Im very early in a surprise pregnancy but well aware it is touch and go at my age! We were looking at South Hams but so pricey. Budget around 450k.. I just wondered if you recommend friendly places with a bit of life? Thx so much 🤞🏻

Hi @KatieKAJ these are gorgeous areas but be sure you are okay with being a LONG WAY from the rest of the UK- it's logistically challenging and can be isolating to be so far South West. But for lovely Market towns in Devon you could consider Ashburton, Tavistock, Totnes or Honiton. Tavistock is probably the pick of the bunch, pretty, lively and well-served- but also the furthest West. Totnes ('twinned with Narnia') has a long-standing alternative culture, while Ashburton and Honiton are smaller and more antiquey but both in close contact with beautiful outdoor space. For W Dorset I'd start with Sherborne. It's a ravishing little town and the presence of several boarding schools makes it feel quite youthful (at least until 4pm). If you want something larger I guess Exeter is worth checking out- communications and employment are good, it's got the combination of a major University and cathedral city with the cultural capital that go with these, whilst being in easy reach of moors and coast.

What about work OP? You don't mention what you and DH need to do for a living? Salaries in the south west can be very low by comparison.

I moved to Devon for two years (South Hams area) and hated it. Couldn't wait to move back to London. I appreciated the scenery and the beaches but nothing else.

Quite a big difference in location between the South Hams in Devon & West Dorset. Whilst it's not as isolated as a PP implies, you do have to contend with only 1 or 2 big fast roads & no motorway until Exeter.
What are you looking for?
Devon is a huge county - if you want to be close to decent restaurants etc you'd need to be either in Exeter, or one of the larger towns.
If you like West Dorset, maybe look at East Devon too?

Topsham!

There is nowhere better than Topsham or the Dorset coast on a sunny day in June, but winters last 400 years, with epic mud and rain. Consider renting for a year before fully committing.

Won't get much in Topsham for £450k

I live in-between Exeter and Totnes in a fairly large market town.

I'm in my mid 40s. I have a young family. I'm originally from Surrey and have also lived in Dorset.

I absolutely love living here and prefer it to Dorset. Less crowded. I don't find it difficult to get around (very decent public transport and road network where I live)

450k would get you a decent property here. 4 bedroom detached period properties in my road go for around that figure.

Pros are that my DC are happy at school, we have access to coast and countryside and everything we need on the doorstep.

Cons were it took me ages to find a job, settle in and make friends but I got there in the end.

Lovely post 🩷

Bridport has a nice vibe, lively markets, places to eat and fabulous coastline. I have relatives there but don't live there so not sure about property prices. Traffic a major bummer in Dorchester area in the summer though. That will be same in the whole SW though.

Move to Devon! It’s so lovely 🥰
Totnes, Tavistock, maybe Honiton, Exeter.
Devon is better connected than Dorset - fast train to London, and motorway from exeter going north. 1.5 hours to bristol.

nice areas in exeter are st Leonard’s and argyle road area. Totnes is quite hippy but great independent shops and eateries.
tavistock is more ‘local’ but bustling and good value. Direct access to beautiful Dartmoor.

further south, Dartmouth is lovely but quite a long way from everything.

Move to Dorset. Devon is an overrated shithole, I would never go back there

What a bizarre post

Check Facebook group called "life after London"

Dorset is lovely. I would choose around the Dorchester area as trainline to London etc. Great place for families but not cheap either. Great schools and restaurants, etc.