Move to Exeter – Property finders advice
Because of its appeal, many people want to move to Exeter. From St David’s Hill to the Quayside, Princesshay shopping centre to Queen St Dining and all a stone’s throw from the Jurassic Coast, the city is surrounded by beautiful countryside and extremely well connected by rail and road.
The property – from medieval gothic townhouses to Edwardian and Georgian family homes and stunning new additions in the form stunning modern apartment buildings; there’s something for everyone’s tastes and requirements. Why wouldn’t you move to Exeter?
People are choosing to move to Exeter in their droves, the below highlights why this trend is on the increase and where to find a perfect property.
A Growing city
With Exeter being one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK it’s no wonder so many people are opting to move here, there is often a career based motive for relocation to the city.
There has been an influx of new industry in Exeter over the last few years especially in professional IT, high tech digital invention and renewable energy.
DANA has also recently moved to the Exeter area after their acquisition of the Drive Systems segment of Oerlikon which has lead to new employees moving into the area from within the UK but also from across the Atlantic. The Met Office also remains to be one of Exeter’s biggest employers.
Good schools in Exeter
Exeter is well known all of over the region for its very good independent schools such as Exeter School and Maynard School and many travel from across the region for their children to attend these sites.
There are also many outstanding State schools all over Exeter to choose from depending on where you choose to live – catchment areas can be tight in certain parts of the city for particular schools.
Where to live in Exeter
As with most cities property prices vary depending on where you live. St Leonard’s is one of the most sought-after areas in Exeter.
Other areas such as St Thomas’ are popular amongst families and are still only a 5 – 10 min drive in the city centre.
The area surrounding the university, Pennsylvania, is a desirable place to live with private roads such as Streatham Rise being particularly exclusive; homes here rarely become available to purchase.
Easy access to London and other regions
It’s very convenient to travel to and from Exeter with the M5 starting just east of the city taking you towards London or the Midlands.
The Devon Express Way will take you with great ease towards the south of Devon and Plymouth. If you are heading to Cornwall or East Devon you simply join the A30.
The train from Exeter reaches London in just over 2 hours or you can fly to London and other destinations from Exeter Airport.
Things to do in Exeter
There are a great many things to do in Exeter, it’s safe to say it is an active city with centres and clubs to meet the demands from residents.
Exeter city centre is a busy place with a buzz to it. With many parts being pedestrianised, it’s a great place to saunter around. You will find most shops here from chain stores to specialised boutiques as well as cinemas, museums and hotels.
In the centre of all this, you will find Exeter Cathedral which dates back 900 years, it is a beautiful medieval cathedral and one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture in this country. It is most famous for its two Norman towers, impressive west front carvings and the longest unbroken stretch of Gothic vaulting in the world.
Exeter Quayside boasts a mix of the old and new design. It’s lovely to walk, cycle or kayak along the quayside all the way to Double Locks and beyond or browse many antique shops along the way. There is an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and pubs to choose from.
Places such as Clip n Climb, which is a well-equipped climbing centre for all levels, are popular with families. Starting as young as four years old. Located by the quayside this is a great place if you are an advanced climber or if you want to get the kids to let off some steam.
Located in the industrial state of Marsh Barton, iBounce is a trampolining centre catering for all ages, from mums and toddlers to kids and exercise classes.
Haven Banks is an outdoor education centre based on the quayside offering activities such as; canoe and kayak hire, paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing, rock climbing, caving and navigating moorland walking.
Outside of the city, Haldon Forest Park is a huge forest park covering 3,500 acres of woodland is located just 15 minutes from Exeter. The park offers a range of walking and cycling trails to suit all abilities, as well as a pump loop, cycle skills area, orienteering courses and “Go Ape” a treetop challenge with zip lines, nets and robe ladders.
Places to live near Exeter
The historic estuary town of Topsham is only a 15 minutes’ drive away from Exeter and here you can choose from great, shops, pubs and restaurants. Property prices in Topsham are amongst the highest in and around Exeter. Topsham is also a popular holiday destination and some of the properties here are used as holiday homes.
A further 10 minutes’ drive and you will arrive in the pretty and peaceful village of Lympstone, which is a smaller village with only one shop but a selection of pubs and not to forget Michael Caines’ Lympstone Manor Hotel.
In between these two locations you will a find Darts Farm which sells West Country produce and is a great place to meet for lunch or a coffee.
If you like walking you can be on Dartmoor within 20 minutes from Exeter with hundreds of walks up the Dartmoor Tors, along rivers and through forests.
In just over 30 minutes you can be in Chagford which is a pretty town nestled in Dartmoor National park with great surrounding walks and lovely village pubs. It even boasts a heated open-air swimming pool fed by the River Teign. If you fancy a special treat you can visit or stay at Gidleigh Park Hotel.
Exeter Property Finders
With many years of experience assisting clients seeking property and extensive local knowledge, our team are well placed to assist your search for a property and eventual move to Exeter.
To discuss your search and our services in greater detail please contact us.
