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Is Exeter a nice place to live? If you plan on moving to the south west you must have had this question going through your mind. We’re here to answer that. Before you pack your bags, hire a moving vehicle and change your life forever, you should be aware of everything that comes with making Exeter your new home.
We’ll cover all the important things about living in Exeter, the best areas to live in Exeter and give you some useful tips about moving. To make things super convenient for you, we also added a bonus about the best places to live near Exeter. This way you’ll have no problem making a decision about whether this part of the UK will be your next home.
Yes, Exeter is a nice place to live. It’s among the best places in Devon overall and it offers a perfect mix of historical charm, modern entertainment and natural surroundings. And on top of that, it’s way less hectic than living in London.
Students will especially love it as it offers a thriving university with a high-quality education program. Its good transport link allows you to visit London frequently if you need to. Exeter is also among the top 10 of the safest cities in the UK. Exeter is also just a short journey away from another southwest gem of England, Plymouth.
If you’re interested in finding out the absolute best areas to live in and all the fun things to do in Plymouth, make sure to check out our texts.
Moving To Exeter: A Relocation Guide
Here is a detailed breakdown of moving to Exeter.
– Moving House Tips
One of the first things you should do is plan your move in detail. Add timelines with tasks like packing, hiring movers and transferring utilities. Being organised will help you reduce the stress that moving to a whole new place causes.
When it comes to packing, it’s a good idea to pack room by room and label your boxes correctly. The unpacking will be significantly easier this way. You can also use this opportunity to donate or sell the stuff you don’t need anymore.
It’s a good idea to hire professional movers to assist you with any heavy lifting. Take the time to research different quotes from various companies to choose the one that fits your budget the most.
Our self-drive van hire fleet offers you solutions if you are one of those who don’t need assistance in moving.
Make sure to arrange the supply of utilities such as electricity, water, gas and internet well in advance. This way, all these services will be active when you move in.
– House Prices
Accommodation prices can vary based on factors like a specific location, proper size and amenities. Here is an overview of the average prices to rent a property in Exeter.
- Terraced – Buying this property will cost you £290,000, while the rent price is £1,300 per month on average.
- Detached – If you wish to live in the comfort of a detached house, you’ll need to cash out £500,000 for buying and £2,600 on a monthly basis for renting.
- Semi-detached – This property costs £350,000 on average to buy, while the rent price is about £1,250.
- Flats – If flats are your ideal property choice, expect to spend about £200,000 to buy one and £1,000 on monthly rent.
When it comes to finding your perfect home, researching sites like Rightmove, OnTheMarket, PrimeLocation and Your Move could be a good start. These online platforms will provide you with all the necessary details on rental and sale listings. You can also contact local estate agents who can help you find a suitable property for you.
– Things Someone Should Know Before Moving To Exeter
This city is known for its rich history and charming architecture. It’s filled with historic sites. But its university scene also adds a vibrant and diverse atmosphere to the city. Exeter is well connected when it comes to transportation, especially South West bus operator and Exeter Central train station.
You can enjoy an array of green space views and scenic walks along the River Exe. Make sure to take advantage of its proximity to the Dartmoor National Park. The city will offer you a mix of independent shops, high-street brands and diverse dining options.
– Choosing The Most Suitable Area For Living
Before your move, you should definitely research the best areas to live in Exeter. To settle in your new home as quickly as possible, you should already be familiar with the neighbourhood, amenities and local services. Knowing all this ahead of your move will make everything easier. We also added a section below about the best places to live in Exeter, so you won’t spend countless hours researching for yourself.
Some of the factors you should consider when making a final decision are proximity to your work, the overall neighbourhood vibe, the quality of schools in the area, safety and crime rates and the accessibility of public transport. You can even engage in online forums with the current residents of the area you’re interested in. This can provide you with a valuable perspective.
– Setting A New Home
Getting familiar with a new place of living takes time, but there are a few things that should be priorities on your to-do list. Start by unpacking the essentials first, this will make your first days more comfortable as you gradually unpack the rest of your belongings. Take the time to introduce yourself to your new neighbours and build a friendly relationship. Make sure to register with a local doctor, dentist and any other healthcare service you might need.
Identify the location of the nearest police station, hospital and fire station, as being aware of the emergency services in your area will grant you peace of mind. Also, check the locks of your home and familiarise yourself with emergency procedures to ensure your home is secure.
If you have confidence in Transit vans, panel, dropside or Luton will be your best choice for moving house.
Living In Exeter: A Local Guide With Tips, Pros & Cons
To help you settle in Exeter, we added a detailed overview of its most important features.
– Adjusting To Life In Exeter
Searching for new houses and investigating rental prices is an important part of every move, but overall adjustment to a city’s culture and making new friends are equally important.
Both the city centre and Exeter Quayside offer a lot of activities for different interests. There, you can learn more about the city’s history and make some friends along the way.
If you’re a newly moved family, you could check out some Facebook groups where you can meet new friends and plan family events. Some good choices are Fun & Free (or cheap) Events Activities Families Exeter and Mums in Exeter.
And if you embarked on Exeter College, you could check out some local volunteer organisations or student clubs to meet new people.
– Employment
Exeter University is one of the best options if you want to educate your children, but Exeter City also offers great career choices. Both the city centre and other areas can provide you with good employment opportunities. Devon County Council offers a variety of public sector jobs, while the South West Water offers well-engineered job positions. You can also get awesome meteorologist jobs at Met Office.
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital is a major healthcare provider, so medical professionals can find a part in the city’s employment scene.
– Cost Of Living In Exeter
On average, living in Exeter is more affordable than living in some larger cities, but at the end of the day, keep in mind that it all depends on the individual’s lifestyle.
If you’re a family of four, living in Exeter, without the rent price, will cost you about £2,850 per month. And if you’re living alone, you can get by with £875 per month, without the rent.
Now let’s discuss some expenses you’ll face every month. Basic utilities, such as keeping the lights on and water flowing, will cost you £355. If you move with the little ones in town, the childcare will cost you about £875 per month. To cruise around Exeter with a monthly pass in public transportation will cost around £58. In case you’re planning on dining out, a meal in a cheaper restaurant costs around £12. The average salary in Exeter is around £2,065.
– Education And Family Life
Exeter is a place that is widely known for academic excellence and can offer some of the best schools. Plus, Exeter is part of the Russell Group of UK universities. No matter how old your children are, there is an appropriate school whose vast curriculum can turn your kid into a well-equipped young professional.
The best educational institutions are Stoke Hill Infants and Nursery, St Leonard’s Church of England Primary School, St Thomas Primary School, Exeter Cathedral School, Exeter School, Ide Primary School, Barley Lane School, Ellen Tinkham School, The Maynard School, and the prestigious Exeter College.
You might be wondering whether Exeter is a nice place to live for families, and the good news is that moving to Exeter with your loved ones can provide you with a wholesome and engaging lifestyle for each family member.
– Entertainment, Social Life, Nightlife, Events
Yes, we all love walks in green spaces and shopping in high street favourites, but sometimes you just want to let loose in cocktail bars and eat tasty stuff. And luckily, Exeter is a great place to do that too. It boasts awesome pubs and independent restaurants. Plus, it has a great cafe culture as well. So whether you’re a blogger or simply a hedonist who likes to taste the best that life can offer, you’ll have plenty of places to choose from.
The social life in Exeter is enriched by its pubs such as the following:
- The Fat Pig
- Tabac Taphouse
- Mill on the Exe
- The Hourglass
- The Oddfellows Bar
When you’re done partying, you can taste high-class food in restaurants such as Salutation Inn, The Galley, Stage, Red Panda and Harry’s Restaurant.
Throughout the year, this vibrant city hosts various events you can enjoy, including the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, Exeter Craft Festival and Exeter Pride.
– Transportation
This thriving city also has well-connected public transport. The main bus operator is Stagecoach South West. The Digby & Sowton, Cranbrook, Exeter Central and Exeter St. Davids train stations are some of the main means of transportation.
You can reach Exeter International Airport in just 5 minutes from the city centre. It’s incredibly close to the M5 motorway that runs north-south, connecting Exeter with other major cities.
You can get to London Paddington in just over two hours.
– Tips And Overview Of Pros And Cons Of Living In Exeter
Although Exeter is great to visit, it’s a good idea to consider every part of your life and how it fits with the local culture before definitely moving. Make sure you have a good job lined up and that your children have a reserved spot in one of the educational institutions.
If possible, you could visit and spend a few days in Exeter to feel the city before making a final moving decision.
Here are some benefits and drawbacks to choosing Exeter as your new place of living:
Pros
- Amazing nature views
- Historic charm
- Good education scene
- Great retail options
- Low crime rate
Cons
- House prices can be expensive compared with an average salary
- Tourism can drive prices up
- Can feel different if you lived in a huge city before (the population is about 130,000 inhabitants)
- Better employment opportunities are mostly for only high-skilled individuals
Things To Do In Exeter
Exeter offers a ton of fun things to do, and these attractions fit a range of different interests.
Nature lovers can enjoy great walks and outstanding natural beauty in Riverside Valley Park, picturesque Princes Gardens and Mincinglake Valley Park. Dartmoor National Park is just 10 miles away, so you can go there too.
Exeter City’s St James Park and Sandy Park are a true paradise for sports enthusiasts who can enjoy various events and cheer for their favourite team.
History buffs definitely should have the Royal Albert Memorial Museum on their to-visit list since it’s a place where you can both learn about the rich history and admire some of the finest art pieces.
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, the Cathedral Quarter is one of the main shopping areas. Princesshay Shopping Centre has also got you covered, it’s a place where you can buy from all the high-street brands. And for those who prefer independent shops to buy unique gifts for their loved ones, make sure to check out Fore Street, Gandy Street and Magdalen Road. These places are filled with independent boutiques that sell their unique creations.
Our budget cars are great for driving around Exeter if you have already spent most of your savings on moving into it.
To get the most beautiful views, you can opt for a River Exe and Exeter Canal cruise. If you’re interested in places that are nearby, you can visit Wildwood Devon and Donkey Sanctuary (it’s a place that’s among the best attractions in East Devon) to learn about the magnificent wildlife of the area.
Tip: Those who are up for a challenge must try out The Quay Climbing Centre and Underground Passages.
6 Best Places To Live In Exeter
When you’re moving to Exter, choosing an area to settle in is the most important decision you’ll make. It will determine your daily life significantly. That’s why we decided to compile a list of the best places to live in Exeter.
1. St Leonards
St. Leonards is primarily a residential area with a community vibe. It’s conveniently located near Exeter’s city centre. It offers a mix of period homes and modern properties, so you’re sure to find a home that is tailored to your taste. Since it’s situated near various schools, it can be a great choice for families. Some of them are St Leonard’s Church Of England Primary School, St Leonard’s Pre-School, Exeter School and The Maynard School. If you move here, you’ll also benefit from access to local amenities such as shops, parks, restaurants and pubs.
2. Exeter Quayside
Young professionals and college students will love this area. It’s one of the most vibrant ones Exeter can offer. Quayside offers a beautiful riverside setting, and it creates a scenic environment. You can enjoy strolls along the riverbanks, explore tasty food in restaurants and take in awesome views. It’s a culture hub that hosts various events throughout the year, and where you can enjoy outdoor street food markets and listen to live jazz music. Alcohol aficionados who want to make their own gin and learn all about this awesome drink should embark on the Quayside Distillery tour.
3. Heavitree
If you enjoy the tranquillity and aren’t a fan of bustling places, Heavitree is one of the best areas to live in Exeter. It’s a suburb that offers a significantly quieter environment compared to the city centre. Boasting a rich history, you can find a lot of historic buildings and landmarks there. If you’re interested in renting or buying a home there, you can choose from an array of terraced houses.
Even though it’s not an urban area, you’ll still have local shops, supermarkets and healthcare facilities nearby. It also has good transportation links that can easily take you to the Exeter city centre or other areas.
4. Pennsylvania
If you venture north of St. Leonards, you’ll find Pennsylvania, an area that provides seamless access to the city centre. It’s perched on elevated terrain, which guarantees captivating views of Exeter and the surrounding countryside.
The area is adorned with detached and terraced houses. If you’re more into contemporary residences, you’ll have to go further north. Pennsylvania is especially popular among students because of its proximity to the university.
The area exudes an open and airy atmosphere, and because of that, a lot of nature enthusiasts find it the most compelling option when they move to Exeter.
5. Topsham
We’re moving to the area that is a dream come true for all the shopping addicts and art lovers – Topsham. It’s located along the River Exe, and it offers a scenic environment.
We already gave an honourable mention to Topsham’s Fore Street and its line of boutiques, independent shops and art crafts sale spots. Topsham has good transportation links as it boasts its own railway station, and it’s located near the M5.
If art is your thing, you have Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter Phoenix and the Corn Exchange at your disposal. And history lovers can enjoy learning at Topsham Museum. Although this area seems like a good place primarily for young people, it’s also a family-friendly one. You also have a Little Ducklings nursery for your little ones.
6. Alphington
Alphington is another suburban area ready to win you over with its tranquillity, picturesque houses and historic churches, which are remnants of its mediaeval past. The most notable is the St Michael and All Angels parish church, which dates back to the 15th century. But don’t let its historic vibe fool you, you can still find a wide range of shops and eateries here, including a well-known brand Starbucks.
For those wishing to nestle here, you’ll find a wide range of semi-detached and detached houses to choose from.
Bonus: Best Places To Live Near Exeter
We covered everything under the sun when it comes to Exeter, but Devon offers so many more beautiful places you could consider. That’s why we decided to add this part and let you know about some of the best places to live near Exeter.
Lympstone is a charming village that’s known for its picturesque surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. You’ll find a strong sense of community there.
Exmouth and Sidmouth are both gorgeous coastal towns whose beaches belong to the list of the very best beaches in East Devon. Exmouth is an amazing choice for water sport enthusiasts and it has a lively town centre. Sidmouth is more low-key for those who appreciate a good view. You’ll get to see the stunning red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast.
Crediton is a historic market town that offers a mix of traditional and modern amenities. It’s one more choice in the lineup for those who seek a quieter lifestyle.
Dawlish Warren is a hotspot for birdwatchers and walks along the sand dunes since it’s known for its nature reserve and sandy beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exeter A Safe Place To Live?
Yes, Exeter is a safe place to live in. Exeter is considered to be one of the top 10 safest cities in the UK, which is why a lot of students opt to go to college there. However, like with every other city in the world, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions.
What Is Exeter Famous For?
Exeter is known for its iconic Exeter Cathedral, The Quayside area, Underground Passages and the University of Exes. Exeter boasts numerous more landmarks. Other than its Roman and mediaeval history and prestigious educational institutions, one more key factor that made Exeter famous is its stunning green space and scenic views it can provide.
How Old Is Exeter Cathedral?
The Exeter Cathedral is about 623 years old. The church’s official foundation was in 1133. However, it took many years to complete it. It was finished by about 1400. The church is also known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, and it’s one of the most famous landmarks in Exeter.
How Far Is Exeter From London?
Exeter is approximately 253 km far from London. When it comes to how much time it will take you to travel between these two spots, it will vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, you’ll get there in about three hours. If you drive a car, it will take approximately four hours. See here fun places much closer to the capital.
Where Can I Fly From Exeter Airport?
You can fly both on domestic and international flights from the Exeter airport. Domestic ones will take you to another place in the UK, and international flights will take you to countries beyond the mainland territory. Jersey, Edinburgh, Belfast City and Dublin are the most popular spots when it comes to domestic flights.
Conclusion
Now that you’re aware of how living in Exeter can impact your life, as well as which are the best places to live in Exeter, nothing stands in your way of hiring a moving vehicle and making this charming place your next home. It’s a city that has a lot of good things to offer to a wide range of people. Whether you’re a student or a family that wants to move, there is no doubt Exeter is a great city to live in.
