Newtown
Newtown and St Leonard's sits right at the heart of Exeter, and it's the schooling that really sets this neighbourhood apart. The Maynard School, Exeter School and St Luke's campus all sit close by, backed up by strong GP and hospital access. Daily life is easy here too, with plenty of restaurants, 8 coffee shops and everyday amenities all within walking distance, plus good transport links through the local bus station and nearby train connections. House prices run higher than in surrounding areas, particularly for detached and semi-detached homes, which reflects the long-standing pull this part of Exeter has for families and professionals after a settled, central base.
Look at the neighbourhoods around Newtown and you'll spot a clear pattern: Exeter does well-connected, education-focused living. Duryard and St James, Heavitree, Pennsylvania, Priory and St David's all offer their own railway stations or easy access to rail and bus links, strong school options, and solid GP and hospital provision. Crime has fallen across the board, often sitting well below the national average, and air quality comes up as a strength everywhere, with green space never far away. Jobs in these areas lean heavily towards education and health, unsurprising given the University of Exeter's presence, and a good share of residents walk, cycle or work from home rather than commute.
Where these neighbourhoods differ comes down to price and pace. St David's brings a genuinely urban, restaurant-filled energy with 76 eateries and 43 coffee cafés, while Pennsylvania and Priory offer a quieter, more residential feel with space for families. Heavitree and Priory sit at the more affordable end, with terraces in Heavitree averaging £314,500, whereas Newtown and St Leonard's and Duryard and St James command a premium, especially for larger homes. Whichever neighbourhood you look at, though, low transport costs, good air quality and strong school catchments run through the whole area, making this part of Exeter a consistently practical choice for families and professionals alike.
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Newtown is a big area, so we split it into neighbourhoods to give you a better look at each. Select an area to find out more.
