Retire to Exeter
By the River Exe and surrounded by Devon’s rolling countryside, Exeter offers retirees a rare blend of historic charm, cultural vibrancy and everyday convenience. With a friendly atmosphere, excellent amenities and easy access to coastal towns like Exmouth, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxed and fulfilling retirement.
Local seniors love:
- Exeter’s beautiful quayside, riverside walks and peaceful green spaces.
- A lively mix of shops, cafés, markets and cultural attractions.
- Easy access to coastal and countryside towns, such as Exmouth, is perfect for leisurely days out.
3 retirement developments near Exeter
Orchid Place | Exeter
Retirement Living- Properties 14 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £137,500/£316 pcm
- Purchase from £280,000
- Rent from £2,135 pcm
Pym Court | Topsham
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £3,645 pcm
Pinnoc Mews | Exeter
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Rental available
Explore places in the Exeter area
Retirement living in Exeter
Exeter offers the perfect blend of city convenience and countryside calm. Retirees enjoy high-quality amenities, riverside walks, independent shops and a thriving arts scene, all set within a friendly community atmosphere.
Local amenities
Retirement is the perfect time to enjoy the things you love, but it’s equally important to have life’s essentials close by. Exeter makes that effortless, with everything you might need all within easy reach.
- Groceries - A wide choice of supermarkets including Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi, plus local farm shops.
- Shopping - The city is home to Princesshay Shopping Centre, boutiques, cafés and independent retailers, alongside regular markets and artisan fairs.
- Healthcare - Exeter benefits from strong healthcare provision, with GP surgeries, pharmacies, dental practices and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in the city centre, one of the region’s leading medical centres.
Activities for retirees in Exeter
Whether you enjoy exploring history, browsing markets or discovering new cafés and coastal towns, Exeter offers plenty to fill your days at a relaxed pace.
- Visiting Exeter Cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and historic underground passages.
- Enjoying the cafés, waterfront paths and boat trips around Exeter Quayside.
- Taking easy day trips to Exmouth, Ottery St Mary, and Dartmouth for seaside walks, local shops and Devon countryside views.
- Joining community groups, classes, book clubs and hobby clubs across the city.
- Exploring National Trust properties and gardens such as Killerton House and Knightshayes Court.
Enjoy an active retirement in Exeter
For retirees who love staying active, Exeter is the ideal base. With riverside trails, estuary routes and access to the Devon coast and countryside, every day offers a fresh opportunity to move, explore and feel your best.
- Nature - Walk or cycle the Exe Estuary Trail, offering miles of flat, scenic routes towards Exmouth.
- Fitness - Enjoy senior-friendly classes, swimming sessions and gym facilities at leisure centres across Exeter.
- Coastal activity - Head to Exmouth, just 30 minutes by car or train, for beach walks, gentle water activities and fresh sea air.
- Countryside exploring - Visit Ivybridge for access to Dartmoor National Park’s beautiful, low-intensity walking routes.
Transport links and connections
Exeter’s excellent transport connections mean you can enjoy everything Devon has to offer. Whether you’re heading into the city, out to the coast or further afield, travel is reliable and convenient.
- By car - Major roads including the M5, A38 and A30 connect Exeter to Bristol, Plymouth, Cornwall and surrounding Devon towns such as Ivybridge and Ottery St Mary.
- By bus - Regular bus services link Exeter with Exmouth, Ottery St Mary, and local villages, with concessionary passes offering free off-peak travel.
- By rail - Exeter St David’s and Exeter Central stations provide direct trains to London, Bristol, Plymouth and seaside destinations like Exmouth and Dawlish.
Homeowner testimonials: telling it like it is
We believe we create great places to live. Beautiful award-winning retirement apartments in brilliant locations with thoughtful, reassuring, services on tap and a thriving friendly community on the doorstep.
But what do people living in our communities think? We regularly ask for feedback on everything from the sales and moving in process to the lifestyle and services. Here’s what our homeowners have to say:
You needn’t worry about privacy. Once you close the door to your apartment, it’s like you’re in your own little world. The great thing about independent living is the balance – the social aspect is there if you want it, but you can also enjoy your own space.
Erika and Stephen, homeowners, Foxglove Place
Browse by Retirement Living services
Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.
Retirement Living
Low-maintenance independent living for people aged 60 and over, with a House Manager on-site and a friendly community on the doorstep.
Retirement Living Plus
Independence combined with assisted living for people aged 70 and over, including an Estate Manager, on-site restaurant and optional personal care.
McCarthy & Stone community news from Devon
Retirement living in Exeter FAQs
Yes, Exeter is a very accessible city for non-drivers. The centre is compact and walkable, with flat routes along the river and around key shopping areas, and the city is well served by frequent buses that connect to supermarkets, healthcare facilities, parks and nearby neighbourhoods like Topsham. Exeter Central and St David’s train stations also make it easy to travel across the city and to nearby towns such as Exmouth without a car.
However, if you want to explore more rural areas of Devon or make regular trips to places further afield, having a car can provide added flexibility and convenience.
Exeter has excellent healthcare provision. The city is home to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, a major regional centre offering specialist clinics, emergency care and a wide range of treatments.
GP surgeries, pharmacies, dental practices, and community health centres are spread throughout the city, ensuring day-to-day care is easily accessible.
There are also nearby urgent care facilities, rehabilitation services, and specialist outpatient clinics that support older adults. For additional treatment options, Exeter residents can access further NHS services across Devon, including in Exmouth and Tiverton.
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