Newport - Wales. What’s it like?

[LucyLennox]

Thinking of moving to Wales to be nearer family now that kids are at uni and work have kicked us all out of the office to full-time WFH.

Have googled and it suggests the crime rate is high relative to the rest of Wales. Does anyone agree or have any opinions please? I’d be moving from the West Mids & property seems more affordable in Newport compared to here.

Honestly having had the same reservations about crime etc we have lived in Rogerstone for a few years with zero issues and feel safe on our estate. Would definitely recommend the outskirts as others have mentioned, dont get drawn in by low house prices in the city centre.

i dont tend to go into the centre and wouldnt go at night but would have the same reservations in any city tbh.

Caerleon is part of Newport! There are good and bad parts of Newport OP.
Caerleon is a nice part, as is Alt yr Ryn, Ridgeway, Malpas, St Julian’s, Christchurch.
The city centre isn’t the best but it’s not as awful as some posters would have you believe.

Hence why I didn’t suggest Caerleon…

Newport’s reputation comes from economic decline, a weak city centre, and visible social problems — not because it’s uniquely bad, but because its flaws are very visible.

The local authorities promised a wealth of change through regeneration but it’s been slow or non existent. Sandwiched between Cardiff and Bristol it has a lot to live up too!!

Crime is high
Anti social behaviour is rife
Struggling businesses / empty shops
High unemployment

However, housing is relatively affordable.
Transport links are excellent (M4, rail to London).
many suburbs and surrounding countryside are genuinely nice.
Theres a strong local community and resilience that outsiders miss.

Like anywhere, including Cardiff, it has good and bad parts. My DD lives there, fairly centrally and really likes it. Lovely big Victorian semi.

Newport is an absolute dump. Avoid

Abergavenny? What about Swansea and the Gower?

Former colleague of mine declared himself DBS - Distressed British Seaman in Newport to surprise of two local policemen - he was broke and the ship he was to join was at anchor overnight so he was given a night in a police cell - not under arrest! and breakfast

If you like to dm can I tell you of some nice areas, the city centre is depressing and unfortunately become a ghost town but the surrounding residential areas are lovely . Cardiff is so close and Cwmbran also a short drive away . For all those saying Newport is a dump not long along it was a thriving town with beautiful architecture, people who live here are very upset that it’s become this way 😞

Also look at Risca, it’s a small village type of place surrounded by beautiful countryside. House prices are cheap and the people are very friendly , ten minutes from Newport and good rail links to Cardiff .

People saying Newport used to be nice, when?

I worked there 25 years ago and it was horrendous then.

My abiding memory of Newport is walking out of the office on my first day to find a sandwich, deserted streets, and a lone male walking towards me with FUCK OFF tattooed on his neck.

I brought packed lunches after that 😅

@MyGodMyThighs ha sums it up 😂