Moving to Devon!

What an interesting lot of replies. I am worried about moving in these changing times especially the effects of the pandemic. We're originally from London, lived in Oxfordshire bringing up our children and then we moved to downsize. It used to be quiet here in Gloucestershire but is now inundated and very busy. It takes weeks to get a GP appointment. I do know quite a few people in South Devon through an activity I've done for many years but I must admit that my biggest worry is being several hours from nearest family. I have also found it difficult to make new friends, acquaintances are fine but it's that extra step that's difficult. As we get older, (we're late 60s) I think we have less ability to take on new people and that can work both ways.

It used to be quiet here in Gloucestershire but is now inundated and very busy.

Unfortunately it seems to be he same everywhere unless you're in the depths of the country, in which case it might be difficult to make new friends and you would be further from essential services as you get older (always a consideration).

Thanks Calistemon. It's so one step forward and one back. Actually we've just had a hiccup on our purchase, perhaps the universe is taking a hand.
I do absolutely love Devon and am envious of you who already live there. Dartmoor is a delight and the beaches are wonderful and in general, I've always found people very warm.

I do absolutely love Devon and am envious of you who already live there.
I don't any more, JillyJosie, more's the pity; although it is lovely where we live it isn't near the sea and I really miss the coast.

GP appointments aren't always easy to get in Devon. Hospitals are also under a lot of pressure particularly in the summer when the population increases but the hospital beds stay the same.

Last time I was in the local hospital the beds either side of me were occupied by people who had been taken ill on holiday. Policing is also funded on the basis of population with no regard to how inadequate that is in high season.

Being close to the beach is lovely but the rest of it doesn't make up for it for me.

Couple of examples of shortages and problems.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-56419026

www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/gp-shortage-leaves-devon-patients-6046461