Would you move to Wales?

[Champagneforeveryone]

Just that really!

We live in a beautiful area on the South coast where property prices are currently astronomical. We've recently been given notice on our rented cottage and we're going to take the opportunity to buy. However our budget returns a search of 4 or 5 properties and every one relies on us making at least one big compromise. We could move further out (30+ miles) but that triples my journey to work unless I move to another location (potentially easy if there are vacancies)

However if we are going to those lengths then there's literally nothing to keep us here. DH is from the Welsh borders originally and we have been idly looking at property in the general area.

We can buy a nicely presented three bedroom property with a garden and off road parking for half of what we would pay here. DH has no pension (a whole other story) and realistically will need to stop work at some point, the smaller mortgage would make that a much easier pill to swallow.

We will need to make new friends and contacts wherever we move, so I'm starting to think this is a bit of a no-brainer. However we live in the dream location, the place people yearn to move to. If I had more money I absolutely would not consider leaving, yet here we are.

In my situation would you take the leap?

Yes, for financial security in later years. Plus free prescriptions who h will help possibly with older age (not that I'm saying you are going to get unwell)

If you think about it to afford a home you have to move jobs and build new networks. At least you could do that without financial pressure.

Free prescriptions you say?

In a heartbeat.

Which part are you looking to move to OP?

Wales varies greatly so for me it would depend on location.

DH is from the Welsh borders originally

However we live in the dream location

The Welsh borders are the dream location. Most beautiful place I have ever lived.

@Champagneforeveryone

Free prescriptions you say?

Yes free prescriptions in Wales. No hospital car parking fees either.

Welsh borders is lovely also, Im on the south coast of Wales and would move to the borders in a heartbeat.

The issue I have is I'm not entirely sure where. My job is done at specific locations which are not widely known to the public (though are by no means top secret) So much would depend which location I moved to.

We're not fussed about the sea, ironic really as that's why where we live now is so desirable. Fields, woods and mountains all the way for us

Goodness, I made that sound far more cryptic than it actually is

I did. I moved to mid Wales from London without knowing anyone and without a job.

Some things are better and some things are worse. There aren't many employees so finding work can be difficult and there's no A&E and no large hospitals so it's well over an hour to an hour and a half drive to get healthcare. I also miss takeaway deliveries and some of the culture.

It's beautiful and quiet though. Lots of sheep.

@JulesRimetStillGleaming

I did. I moved to mid Wales from London without knowing anyone and without a job.

Some things are better and some things are worse. There aren't many employees so finding work can be difficult and there's no A&E and no large hospitals so it's well over an hour to an hour and a half drive to get healthcare. I also miss takeaway deliveries and some of the culture.

It's beautiful and quiet though. Lots of sheep.

employers

You need to spend some time there before committing to house purchase. Go for weekends and breaks, get the real feel of it.

I lived in Wales for six months when I was young. It was an interesting experience but no way would I live there. I have had a couple of holidays, one in Pembrokeshire which was lovely, and one somewhere else in North Wales, but holidaying is not the same as living there all the time.

Take a look at Monmouthshire - you really can have everything there. Beautiful villages, market towns, close to Cardiff and Bristol - and the most spectacular scenery.

You see I grew up in London and have spent the last 21 years on the South coast, I suspect I've already experienced the biggest culture shock! Things like the theatre are a two day job anyway as we have to stay over, so not much different I imagine.

Ha! I just did a RightMove search in Monmouthshire using identical search criteria and ended up with 1600 hits

A little more choice then!

Whats your criteria?

Not a lot really...
Firstly was location as we really wanted to stay here
Secondly a garden, not massive but in the sun and with space to sit out
Somewhere to park, not necessarily a driveway but I work shifts and would greatly appreciate not having to walk over a mile home at 3am.

Initially we were open to anything that fitted in our budget, I highly suspect a move away from where we currently are would give us the opportunity to be a little more fussy.

Oh and a minimum of two bedrooms, ideally three but there's no chance of that here.

We have dogs as well so immediately ruled out anywhere that was leasehold.

Yes Pembrokeshire without a doubt. Around at David’s.

Monmouthshire is also good.

Pembrokeshire around St David’s is lovely but pricey.

Around Goodwick/Fishguard is underrated, much cheaper and it’s friendly.

The health care in Pembrokeshire isn’t great though.

Bumping for more excellent advice from the morning crowd

Lived in N Gwynedd for last 25 years ( previously lived in Glasgow) ....mountains, lakes, coast, beaches, wildlife, peace and quiet but at same time good rail links to London from Bangor
Can easily do day out in Chester, Liverpool or Manchester if you need a fix of city lights

We've just moved back to England from S Wales after living there for 7 years. I love Wales and really enjoyed living there. Wonderful countryside and friendly people. However, it's important to remember that it's not the same as England.

The main differences, in my opinion are in Health and Eduction. Yes, you do get free prescriptions (and free parking if you can find a space to park!) but I would say the health service provision is inferior to England. My DH and DD have long term conditions that need managing. When we arrived in Wales and signed up with the local GP to be referred into hospital care he asked why on earth we had moved to Wales! Both of their conditions have not recieved the same level of care and attention that they did in England. I appreciate that this isn't the case for everyone but something to bear in mind. I needed to have a minor operation in Wales. Was told pre covid that waiting list was about a year. Afer Covid? Was told 12 months +. Within 6 months of moving to England I have been offered a date for the op. I appreciate these are just my own experiences and maybe in different parts of Wales people have a more positive story to tell?

Also, the Welsh government is gaining more and more devolved powers - which I think is a good thing over all. However, did you know that they can set their own income tax now? Also things like stamp duty are different? These things may or may not work in your favour depending on your earning powers. It's just good to be aware.

I don't think you should let any of this stop you from moving there. Just make sure you know how Wales differs from England.

I’ve retired to Wales and wish I’d done it earlier. Despite that fool Drakeford and awful Labour councils the beauty of the landscape and countryside and beaches are second to none.

AFAIK Mark Drakeford is doing quite a lot better than Bojo (naturally) and Nicola Sturgeon in the polls.