Tell me about living in Powys..

[LemonSunchines]

I'm thinking of moving there. So far I like Newtown, Llandrindod Wells & Builth Wells. Do you live in Powys? What are the best places for brilliant undulating scenery, peace and yet close (ish) to waterfalls/rivers/nice places to walk? Also any thoughts on the provision in towns welcome. Anything to steer clear of as well?

Bump. Similar situation here.

My father was born in Newtown.

It's not my favourite part of Wales to be honest. Internet and mobile phone reception can be very poor or completely non-existent in places. Have you had a look around Welshpool?

I live in Powys between Builth and brecon. Very pretty part of the world but a car is essential around here

Have family in the Brecon Beacons and in Brecon. I am not sure I'd want to spend so much time hanging out of windows or walking up the road in the rain, hoping I can get a signal. Also Internet connections can be flaky. And power cuts and water problems (could just be the homes my family inhabit,mind.) I could live in Brecon. I'd change my car if I lived there - my 1.1 engine struggles with some of the hills.

But, it depends where you're coming from, what you expect. Roads and so on are better than in my childhood.

The phone signal/internet being poor isn't hugely important to me, I'm more interested in the pace of life. My aim (should we have to move) would be a more peaceful, less expensive way of life - fewer shops, less to do etc. we live just outside Cardiff at the moment.

I live in Machynlleth and love it. Its a lovely close knit community, not far from the coast and lovely countryside, including lakes and nature places. Its half an hour from Aberystwyth. Newtown is a bit rough tbh and wouldn't recomend, not sure about Llandrindod though.

I used to live in that area, it is very scenic, peaceful and quiet ... but quite limiting. What are your interests? There is very little diversity. I'm not sure I would choose to live there long term.

Crickhowell is a nice market town. Good school for teens. Not a lot going on day to day though!

We have a caravan 15 minutes from Newtown and love it there, it's got a small shopping centre and the big supermarkets so very convenient but without the crowds of a big town.

You can walk along the river severn there or have a drive to Hafren forest where there are a few good signposted walks with a couple of waterfalls.

Llyn Clywedog is beautiful too not far from there.

I personally prefer Newtown to Welshpool.
The whole area is very pretty and you can get to loads of lovely walks within a short drive.
Montgomery Castle ruins is worth going to, it's only small but is free and has lovely views, we take a picnic sometimes and watch the sunset from there.

Avoid Llandrindod... drugs have always been a major issue and now that Powys Council work from home a) there's nothing left in Llandrindod and b) nothing gets done any more by Powys Council!

How about the Elan Valley area- we're fairly close (near Builth and close to the showground) and love a trip to the waterfalls there.

The more rural areas you'll be relying on 4G internet which is expensive and can be laggy.

North Powys seems to have a bad rep because of the larger settlements but there are some lovely little market towns. Rhayader is quaint and Charlotte Church has just moved in.

Can recommend Builth- we're outside and on a rural farm with easy access to Hereford and down to Cardiff etc.