Can you spot an outsider?
The majority of Devonians can spot an outsider moving to the area in as little as five minutes, a new study reveals.
To fit in with the locals, those moving to the area need to ditch designer gear in favour of hardy wellies and stop being in a hurry.
The findings come from a unique study by Devon estate agents, Luscombe Maye, in response to latest official figures* that show the South West is the destination most people are moving to, particularly from London.
While the majority of Devonians think the influx to the area is great news for prosperity and bringing a new dynamic to the area, others worry that their arrival is creating a costlier housing market which is leaving locals unable to get on the ladder.
More than 100 people took part in the study to find out the good and the bad when it comes to people moving to the South West.
The results showed:
· Nearly two thirds of people (64%) can spot a new arrival to the South West in five minutes
· The majority of Devonians are happy the area is attracting new blood – three quarters of people agree it is helping the county prosper and 17% think it is helping to create new jobs
· Accents are biggest giveaway of new arrivals say 56% of people as well as impatience – a third of those questioned said new arrivals are always in a hurry
· Nearly a quarter say the tell-tale sign is what they are wearing – often tackling rural countryside in inappropriate outfits that are going to end up caked in mud.
Luscombe Maye partner, Stuart Hext, said: “The South West is the most popular destination for people wanting a change of scene and we have seen big companies move here and universities in both Plymouth and Exeter earning world class status. With that comes a real change in the make-up of the area with thousands moving here every year. Most agree it’s great for the area but there are concerns that those moving in need to appreciate the area, culture, natural beauty and way of life in general.”
Those taking part in the study raised concerns that they would like new arrivals to be more considerate of rural and coastal issues which are part and parcel of South West life. Nearly 45% would like those arriving to get more involved in the local community and a similar number just want their new neighbours to get out and about and explore all the great things the region has to offer.
Said Stuart: “Our research among born and bred Devonians and those who have moved here shows real support for ‘newcomers’. At the same time they also expressed concerns as to what it means for the area: the housing market remains a hot topic and we found that half of those we quizzed were worried about the spiralling housing prices because of the area’s popularity. But for a third of people, that was actually good news because they are already homeowners and their investment continues to rise.”
Exeter café owner Tim Hughes, who runs the Riverside Café on Exeter Quay, said the main thing people have to do is enjoy a slower pace.
He said: “I have friends who have moved here and I say to them that they need to lose their London attitude. Everything can take twice as long down here but that is part of what makes it such a great place to live. People are friendly, they chitchat all the time and sometimes that can be frustrating if you are queuing up for something, for example. You just have to relax into it and start to enjoy it.”
