relocating to south wales

[Butcherf1988]

Hi,
I am currently living in an affluent area in poverty and totally isolated. I am never able to afford to take my children to clubs, and have been dependent on benefits for 4 years (although im slowly starting a business). I'm living in a house i was badly abused in. It is terrible for my mental health :( My ex abusive partner is refusing to sell the home, yet he does nothing with the children either. I grew up socially in a non affluent area. In south wales i can afford a home, afford to learn to drive, and my self-employed business is getting going. All my money is tied up in this house. It's making me depressed. Ive seen that over in south wales, i can not only afford to buy a house, but can afford to learn to drive, transport is more accessible, and id be able to afford to take my children to do out-of-school clubs/activites, which theyre not accessing at all here. We do love the outdoors, and see that over in wales there is Brecon and the mountians nearby. I was wondering what other people's views are on making the move. Evidently this style of living is not doing my health any good, and im unable to take the children to any out of school activites due to lack of money and lack of mobility. We're growing up poor in an aflfuent area where friends go to all sorts of out of school aciviteis, and we do nothing. Yet, over in south wales, with my money freed up from the proerty, i'll be able to afford a home, secure financial security, remove debts, be self-employed, and learn to drive, and do activities with the girls. I was wondering what areas of south wales are best? Best wishes, Fliss

We mowed from London to Caerphilly in 2012. It is the best move we ever made. The people are friendly, welcoming and generally highly educated (to degree level). The schools are fab and it’s so close to Cardiff. Lovely ages and restaurants too. Plus a fab library. We were tipped off that it was a great place to move to because it is at the start of being gentrified. House prices have increased but according to my source (why has been correct so far) they are expecting the process to go even higher after not investment in the town and Castle are announced. I think it’s a great place to move to but think that all the bargains will be gone After the next Ten years.

@devildeepbluesea

I'm South Wales born and bred, currently live in Dinas Powys, an affluent village near Cardiff. Vv close to Penarth, which is even more expensive. It's where I was brought up.

I moved back from Pontardawe, which is in the Swansea valley. It is, by comparison, fairly deprived but still has a good standard of living if you have some disposable income. Larger 3 bed houses can be got there for under £200k.

Blaenavon I'd steer clear of. MIL is from there, but it's a ghost town these days. Yes Big pit is there, which is a totally amazing day out. But I wouldn't want to live there.

I'd look at Ystradgynlais / Pontardawe if my budget is limited, you get a lot for your money and you're on the edge of the Beacons.

If you have a bit more to spend, maybe Bridgend / Porthcawl area.

If you're moving from London and have plenty to spare - then look at Dinas Powys, the west end of Barry, north Cardiff.

I'd agree to stay clear from Blaenavon and much of the Rhondda Valleys. Despite being commuting distance to Cardiff, they can be really bleak.

I'm also very close to Pontardawe (Swansea Valleys) and would recommend any of the towns and villages up to but no further than Pontardawe. In that range you have easy bus links to Swansea city centre and then walking distance from there ti the beaches. You also have a superb cycle route in all directions here. Ystradgynlais is a lovely little town but quite a distance up the valley and not a huge amount for teenagers.

Pontardawe, has a pool, leisure centre, lots of pub grub, good selection of little shops, supermarkets etc and a good secondary school. Bus links to 6th form and 2 colleges linked by bus.

House prices are decent - you can get a decent 3 bed for £150k+

Yes, your DC will have Welsh lessons (a blessing!) but you will have friends and plenty to do in no time at all.

I wish you so much luck OP - you sound so motivated for change. How do your DD's feel about your DH?

You could also check out Neath. There are some lovely town houses there and it's a busy town with train links to Swansea (20 mins) and Cardiff (40mins). Swansea is a small city but has loads of restaurants and great shops.

I've made my home in Wales and love it. There is a house for everyone. You can get a house in Maesteg at the minute for £35k or elsewhere up to a couple of million.