Impressions On Devon Uk And Living There Especially Exeter.?

[cleobella1]

Hi i am in my early 60's and my husband and i are thinking of moving to Exeter as We want to be near the sea.i have been many many times throughout my life but not lately around Barnstable Ilfracombe way. We want to rent from a Housing Association. What is Plymouth UK also like and would you prefer it over Exeter?I forgot to add I have been to Exeter but it was really brief.I have loved Devon for many years and i am a person who doesn't do something i like will regret it especially as time is marching on. Thanks.

[237SJ]

Exeter isn't on the sea although the sea is about 10+ miles away. Exeter is on the river and it has it's Quay. I would prefer Exeter over Plymouth although there are some beautiful estuary towns/villages south of Plymouth.

[Rosetta]

Do any of the local Housing Associations have waiting lists, it might be an idea to find out as it could affect your decision

[pastafreak]

This article from early this year explains how to apply in Plymouth.

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/how-apply-sought-after-social-3709082

And this from local government...

https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/housing/findhome/applysocialshelteredorhousingassociationhousing

I realise you may have seen these already.
I've lived in Plymouth for 20 years, and must say I was severely disappointed in the look, and feel of the city. It felt small, ugly and not very cosmopolitan.
It has changed a lot over time, partly due to the growth of the university and investment by the city. There has been much new construction along with the transformation of many old military buildings into striking apartments. Lots of new and varied restaurants, a new museum complex, a huge entertainment hub. With a car, Dartmoor or the sea are both just a short drive away. Shopping is still a bit rubbish though, and there's still areas that look tired.

[cleobella1]

Thank you pastafreak for the interesting information. We do not have a car. What are the buses like in Plymouth and buses to Exeter? Thanks.

[barry1010]

This is the important bit of the application form:
Please note: If you do not have a local connection to Devon your application will be placed in either Band D or Band E

That means you will be low priority and will have very little chance of getting housing association accommodation. Try the private rental sector.

[Electrochem]

Devon is a beautiful place to live. Out of choice, I would go for the Exeter area, possibly looking at Crediton, which is a delightful town with its own railway station which links with Exeter in around 15 minutes. I can't comment on the Housing Association aspect though. Like you, I love Devon and first went there as a teenager in 1967. I have been back every year since and have friends and relations down there. Hope you find somewhere you like!

[TrevorThePug]

Personally for me I'd say Plymouth and Exeter are too large for a nice 'by the sea' life.

One of my housemen is just retiring to Bridport in Devon, a nice market town near the sea, with the right level of buzz for us village folk.

Since you haven't been to Exeter or Plymouth it would be worth you just listing out what you want/don't want from your future as 'retiring to the seaside' means different things to different people. Maybe then you could get better advice.

[cleobella1]

i have been to both places but only for 1 day as i was on holiday in Barnstable.

[ubasses]

Why not Barnstable if you have experience of the town. Not been for a few years there but from what I remember it was nice place.
As an aside I am sure Bridport is in Dorset.

[TrevorThePug]

My head said Dorset but my fingers said Devon, apo’s.

[The Builder]

Top Tip Cleo.............

Don't upset the locals.... it's Barnstaple with a "p" ;o)

[theshedman]

I would pick Exeter area as I think it is smaller than Plymouth and I live 10 miles from it on the coast. Both have bad areas but then so have most places as others have said. There are trains to Exmouth which is on the coast with good beach every 30 minutes from Exeter. There is a good bus service depending on the part you live.

[barry1010]

Someone else asked a similar question recently, you might find the answers helpful. https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Travel/Question1728598.html