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Monday 23 March 2015

"Sidmouth is one of the top places in the country to live"

A couple of years ago, the Guardian put East Devon as one of the top places to retire to:

East Devon

Small boats at Budleigh Salterton
 Budleigh Salterton, Devon. Photograph: Alamy
Where is it? Council based in Sidmouth. Largest town Exmouth. District includes Budleigh Salterton, Ottery St Mary, Seaton, Axminster, Honiton and Budleigh Salterton.
Annual rainfall: Relatively high at 1214.8 mls (47.8 ins).
Sunshine hours per year: 1529.9.
Population: 132,900 (420 per sq mile).
Crime rate: 221.02, ranked 22nd.
Percentage who think "neighbours look out for each other": 91.72%.
Why here? Stunning countryside and traditional seaside resorts. Two thirds of the district is designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty: Exmouth to Lyme Regis and up to Honiton. To the north of Honiton is the Blackdown Hills. Add to that the fact that the entire East Devon coastline from Exmouth to the border with Dorset is part of the designated world heritage site, the Jurassic Coast.
What will it cost? Average: £247,299. Detached: £345,930; semi: £207,084; terrace: £180,241; flat: £197,739. Band D council tax 2012-13: £1,507.
Beauty spots: The Blackdown Hills. Budleigh Salterton's pebble beach and red cliffs. Exmouth, the western gateway world heritage coast site.
Culture/leisure fix: Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton. Theatres in Sidmouth and Exmouth. Axe Valley Heritage Museum. Bicton Park Botanical Gardens.
Health Hospitals: Sidmouth (not inspected yet by CQC); Exmouth (not inspected yet by CQC); Honiton (not inspected yet by CQC); Budleigh Salterton (not inspected yet by CQC). Life expectancy: 79.5.
Getting around: A30/A303 links the M3 in the east to Exeter and the M5 in the west. Main stations at Axminster and Honiton – approx three hours to London. Exeter airport in East Devon.

The top 10 places to retire | Money | The Guardian

This month, the Times seems to agree - but with a particular mention for Sidmouth.
You don't have to be of retirement age to appreciate the place, though...

The Times names Sidmouth a top place to live!

16:28 20 March 2015
View of Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Alex Walton. Ref Sidmouth view 1
View of Sidmouth seafront. Picture: Alex Walton. Ref Sidmouth view 1

Sidmouth is one of the top places in the country to live, according to The Times newspaper.

Experts at Bricks & Mortar, a Times supplement, described the town as a handsome Regency seaside with much to offer, including quality restaurants, independent shops and the sailing club.
They wrote: “There’s a saying that people go to die in Sidmouth, but then continue to live for ever.”
The Herald asked its Facebook followers what made the town so special - and residents past and present responded, stating they were not surprised to hear of the Times’ praise.
Judy Greene said: “It is the perfect place, from the beautiful Byes to the wonderful beach. There is a great variety of shops, few chain stores, fabulous eateries and a luxury cinema. It has clean air, it’s peaceful and the valley of the bulbs project is an added bonus.”
Katie Williamson added: “I was born and grew up in Sidmouth. I love the Byes. It’s my beautiful home.”
Julie Edwards, who has the Herald delivered to South America, said the town was still very important to her family.
“Being born and bred there and having spent so much time there, it will always be my second home. So many truly wonderful memories,” she said.
Amanda Marks posted: “I love Sidmouth. I have lived here all my life. Lovely schools, lovely shops and people. It’s expensive to live here, but it’s like being on holiday every day. Just fabulous.”
Rhossili, South Gower in Wales, was voted the top destination to live.
The Times names Sidmouth a top place to live! - News - Sidmouth Herald
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