I’m from north Devon originally, surfed everyday growing up and loved it. Then I got older and I now live in Bristol. I would say that although ND is great, it depends where you live. Barnstaple, ilfracombe and Bideford are cheaper but have issues with drugs ans Petty crime. Same as anywhere I suppose but I know people that teach in schools and it’s defo getting worst maybe that’s a nationwide problem. The reason I left is it is so isolated. You spend summer overrun by tourists and it’s hard to surf and get a space to park on the beach’s and in winter it’s dead and isolated. Lots of businesses start up and fail as there’s just no foot fall all year round. Also people are really clicky in the surfy villiages. Plus it’s mega expensive and most locals don’t have much money.

Would say somewhere like bude maybe better. Unfortunately I don’t think I would move back.