What are the best areas in Exeter for immigrants?

St Thomas (affordable, near station), Heavitree (families, moderate rents), Exwick (affordable, west Exeter), Pennsylvania and University area (students, moderate rents)

Moving to Exeter as an Immigrant: Complete Guide 2026

Exeter has a population of 130,000 and key industries in healthcare, higher education, technology, and professional services. Average rent for a one-bedroom flat is 800 to 1,200 GBP per month. This guide covers everything you need to know about making Exeter your home.

Why Exeter?

Exeter is a small, safe city with a strong sense of community. It offers a high quality of life with proximity to the coast and Dartmoor. The immigrant community is smaller than in larger cities, but the university brings international diversity.

For a comparison with other UK cities, see our best cities for immigrants guide and our London vs other cities comparison.

Cost of Living

Moderate. One-bed city centre 800-1,200 GBP. Outer areas 600-900 GBP.

For a detailed breakdown of UK living costs by category, see our cost of living guide for immigrants. If you are budgeting for your move, factor in visa fees, initial accommodation deposits, and transport costs alongside ongoing living expenses.

Job Market

Exeter's economy centres on the University of Exeter, the NHS (Royal Devon University Healthcare), and a growing tech sector. The city serves as the commercial hub for Devon and Cornwall.

If you are looking for sponsored employment, check our Skilled Worker visa guide and our list of eligible jobs. For advice on preparing your CV for UK employers, see our UK CV guide.

Transport

Exeter St Davids connects to London (2 hours), Bristol (60 minutes), and Plymouth. Bus services cover the city. Exeter Airport serves some domestic and European routes.

For general transport advice, see our UK transport guide. If you hold a foreign driving licence, check our guide on exchanging your licence.

Neighbourhoods

Here are some areas popular with immigrants in Exeter:

St Thomas. affordable, near station
Heavitree. families, moderate rents
Exwick. affordable, west Exeter
Pennsylvania and University area. students, moderate rents

When choosing where to live, consider your commute, budget, and community needs. See our renting guide for visa holders for advice on right to rent checks and deposits.

Schools and Education

Exeter has a range of state schools. Apply for school places through the local council. Your children have the right to attend state school regardless of your visa type, as long as you have leave to remain.

For more information, see our guide to school places for visa holders and the UK education system.

Healthcare

Register with a GP as soon as you have a fixed address. If you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge, you can access all NHS services free of charge.

See our guides on registering with a GP and NHS access for visa holders.

Community and Support

Exeter has community organisations that support immigrants. Look for local migrant support groups, faith-based organisations, and cultural centres.

See our guides to community groups for immigrants and making friends in the UK.

Getting Started

If you are planning your move to Exeter, start with our first week in the UK checklist. Key first steps include opening a bank account, getting a National Insurance number, and registering with a GP.

For official information about settling in the UK, see the GOV.UK settle in the UK page and the find your local council page.