Living in Exeter

Living in Exeter

Exeter strikes a rare balance: a city with genuine historic character that also functions as a modern, well-connected hub for families and professionals alike. At its heart stands the magnificent Gothic cathedral, around which a compact but thriving city has grown over centuries. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum, the lively Quayside, and the independent boutiques of Gandy Street all add to a sense of place that feels lived-in and distinct. The University of Exeter brings a year-round energy to the city, while neighbourhoods ranging from the village-like streets of Pinhoe and Alphington to the new community taking shape at Cranbrook mean buyers can find a setting that suits their lifestyle — without sacrificing access to everything the wider city offers. Green space is never far away: Riverside Valley Park threads along the river, the Exe Estuary offers cycling and wildlife, and Dartmoor National Park is within thirty minutes by car.

Schools and education

Exeter is well-regarded for the breadth and quality of its schools. At primary level, families have access to a strong mix of state and independent options, including St James CE Primary, Pinhoe Primary, Alphington Primary, and Trinity CofE Primary and Nursery. Independent names such as Exeter Cathedral School, Maynard School, and Exeter School are well-established and consistently sought-after. At secondary level, choices include St Luke's Church of England School, Isca Academy, Clyst Vale Community College, and St Michael's Church of England Primary feeds into well-regarded secondary provision. Exeter College serves sixth-form students with a strong reputation for both academic and vocational routes. The University of Exeter, a Russell Group institution, underpins the city's broader educational identity and contributes to a culture that takes learning seriously.

Transport and connectivity

Getting around from Exeter is straightforward by almost any mode. Exeter St Davids is the main rail hub, with direct services to London Paddington taking under three hours; Exeter Central provides additional services to London and across the South West. Topsham station and Pinhoe station offer local connectivity, with services running toward London Waterloo as well as into the city centre in a matter of minutes. The M5 motorway passes close to the eastern edge of the city, with Junction 29 giving quick access north toward Bristol and south toward Plymouth and Cornwall; the A38 and A30 extend those road connections further. Exeter Airport sits just a few miles northeast of the city centre, handling a growing range of domestic and European routes. For those commuting locally, bus services link most residential areas to the city centre reliably, and dedicated cycling and walking paths along the river corridor make car-free travel genuinely viable for many journeys.