Forches sits within the Barnstaple area and benefits from the mix of surrounding neighbourhoods, each bringing something slightly different to the table while sharing a common thread of affordability and falling crime rates. Barnstaple Central gives easy access to shops, healthcare and dining, all within walking distance, plus good transport links via the bus station and nearby railway. Newport adds further practical amenities, including a hospital, dentists and four schools, with crime rates well below the national average. For those wanting a quieter setting, Landkey offers a rural village feel with a Good-rated primary school and excellent air quality, while Barnstaple with Westacott keeps costs low and living settled, albeit with shops and leisure venues a short drive away. Housing across these areas is notably affordable compared to many parts of the country. Flats start from around £120,000 in Barnstaple with Westacott, while terraced homes average under £200,000 in Barnstaple Central. Detached properties run from £336,000 to £397,000 depending on the ward, giving buyers plenty of choice across different budgets and property types. Families are well catered for too, with Good-rated primary schools cropping up consistently across the surrounding wards, from Orchard Vale and Ashleigh CofE to options in Landkey and Newport. Getting around does mean relying on a car in most cases, particularly if you're based in Landkey or Barnstaple with Westacott, where daily errands often involve heading just outside the immediate area. The A361 link road makes commuting easier across the board, and transport costs tend to sit below average throughout. Crime rates are a strong point too, consistently below the national average and trending downward year on year. Altogether, Forches and its surrounding wards offer a practical, well-connected base with clean air, reasonable living costs and solid options for families and buyers alike.