A guide to living in Devon

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Living at The Gorge was a pleasant experience overall. The local area is very convenient — it’s just a short walk to Waitrose and the city centre, which makes shopping and getting around really easy. It's also ideally located for students, being very close to St Luke’s Campus, and there’s a nearby bus stop with direct links to the main university campus. The neighbourhood is quiet and well-maintained, and I always felt safe.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The building management was responsive and helpful, always addressing any issues quickly.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

One thing I wish I had known before moving in is that the laundry room and the cinema can be a little tricky to find at first. A quick walkthrough or clearer signage would’ve been helpful.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Very nice area, near to town, and public transport if needed. Parking is rubbish…. , my two spaces….one outside another residence front door,,! the other one is across and up the road., my neighbours have to park in front of my living room windows, all due to planning wanting flower beds, that could have been placed differently.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Shared ownership…….look at parking and storage and back garden .

What is the best feature of your home:

Good construction , well insulated, fittings good quality.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Thank you for making my move to Exeter so seamless! The Gorge is in a great location, very easy to walk to the city centre.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Management have been very quick to respond to any problems raised.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

No specific tips! Visit the building if possible before as it allows you to meet people/get a sense of what it would be like to live here

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The location is perfect, you are a short walk into town where there are plenty of shops and restaurants. It is ideal if you work at Heavitree or Wonford Hospital as you are only a stones through away. There is no parking and quite a lot of street noise which we didn't mind.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes, the residents team were quick to address any issues raised.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

There is no parking which isn't ideal. It took months for the Council to sort out the banding, which resulted in us having a large council tax back dated bill. (This isn't the Gorge's fault) There is a lack of washing machines for the number of residents who live at the Gorge, often I would be unable to do my washing as all four were occupied, I think that the Gym and Cinema room are too small for the amount of residents. I would also say be aware that there is A LOT of maintenance issues happening all the time, I have numerous emails from the residents team making residents aware that there is more on going work happening around the building.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

This area is perfect, because you occur to be next to a good supermarket and to Magdalen Road, where many small shops are. The development is not far from the city centre, the hospital and the Quay, so there are plenty of venues. I've never had any issues with traffic noise, or any noise at all, though I stayed on the first floor facing the street. To me, the only tricky thing was getting to the university (Streatham campus), just because of frequent disruption by the bus service, but I soon got used to it: I just recommend to take the bus running before the one you actually need.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The building management has always been willing to help. Harrison, Sophie or Emily did immediately resolve every problem or curiosity I could have.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I had never been to Exeter before, so I really didn't know the city, and I would have liked to know before where and what Magdalen Road or the Quay were, in order to take advantage of them. I think it could be good to have some leaflets at the front desk, or a map in the lounge. I noticed that many residents never actually visited Exeter or Devon and it could be appealing.