Moving to South Wales or South Devon

[Aurory]

We are considering a move from the North West to SW. Both of us are working remotely so employment is not an issue. We have a 14 year old son.

We'd like to be close to a nice beach, bigger city, good state school, and ideally not too far from the Bristol airport (both Cardiff and Exeter airports are missing the connections we need).
Looking for houses up to £300k each as we'd be buying separately.

We have visited south Wales and Devon and on the shortlist we have Swansea and Torquay as they seem to fit the bill. My only issue is the distance to the airport from both that would be a 2h drive (probably more in the summer). Not looking at villages, we prefer a slightly bigger town.

Any other interesting locations that should be considered?

And where would you choose: Swansea or Torquay?

Thanks!

Swansea, particularly around the Gower area, is gorgeous, but you’re right that it’s a fair commute to Bristol. But closer to Bristol probably gives you less for the money. How often would you need to fly?

Around 5 times a year under normal circumstances but it might increase due to my mom's health. I'd want to be home (abroad) more often.

I've looked at Bristol and around. You're right that in Swansea you get more for your money, and you have nice beaches on your doorstep (which you don't really have in Newport or even Cardiff).

I guess some sacrifices will have to be made...

If you’re only needing the airport 5x a year then I’d happily drive 3/4 hours and have the perfect place over living nearer the airport.

I absolutely hate Torquay. My partner works in Paignton and it's all horrid. Torbay is also the most deprived area in the south west.

There's a fantastic sandy beach by Ogmore/Porthcawl near Bridgend if you wanted to be a bit closer to Cardiff, and the Vale of Glamorgan has a stunning coastline with some stonier beaches (though there are still some sandier bits too). Would 100% recommend South Wales Swansea/Cardiff - you've got easy access to gorgeous South West Wales for day/weekend trips as well as really convenient access to other places, including Bristol along the M4, and via train links (which you can also use for direct access to London). I used to go to Torquay a lot as a child so have fond memories of it but personally I think SW is more convenient for accessibility to other places, you can get quite a lot for your money and there's a ton of day trip possibilities right on your doorstep. I am very biased in favour of Wales though! Have friends living near Exeter and they love it down there, though the road links aren't as good so that adds time to journeys.

@TurquoiseSwirl thanks for your input. Yes, it's all about the perspective. Anywhere else I'm looking at it would be at least 1h drive from the airport, so having a perfect place and adding +1h to the travel might be worth it.

@daisyjgrey that's interesting! We've visited Torquay and Paignton over the weekend and we loved it. But it was just a quick trip to the nice bits (beach, marina, cafes). Day to day might be different, when you have the rain, the commute and you see the deprivation.

@Jenbyfish thank you! We'll look at Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan. It seems like everyone here is in favour of South Wales :) we're having a hard time to choose because both areas (South Wales and Devon) offer a similar lifestyle, have stunning views and price wise they're similarly affordable, although it does seem the same amount will get you a bigger house in Swansea!

One more thing - the Welsh language.

My son is 14 and he'll be preparing for the GCSEs. I've read that Welsh is mandatory at this exam. He will have only 2 years to learn it. Does the Welsh GCSE count towards anything? Is there a possibility to opt out?

I live in Torbay and it's a great place to live. Yes there is deprivation but there is great countryside, great restaurants, great schools, great communities... near to Exeter and 1 and half hours to Bristol. I used to commute to Bristol three times a week, it was tiring but doable. Also you can be in Cornwall in about an hour and a half as well. Seaside, moors nearby...

Torbay is a fabulous place to grow up. I would definitely recommend it. Avoid central Torquay and Paignton but the areas nearby are lovely.
Churston Ferrers, Galmpton, Babbacombe, Wellswood, Chelston etc

Good Evening!
My husband & I along with our 9yr old daughter are relocating to devon. Husband has already had to move to start work & we are following shortly.
We are so undecided on areas and schools. We love the Topsham area but ideally wanted to be in the Kings School catchment but prefer Topsham area. May I ask peoples opinions on good secondary schools? My daughter has been offered a place at a primary school close by to Topsham. I have been told St Peter's in Exeter is very good? My daughter loves Dance, performing arts, singing, gymnastics etc. Any advice most appreciated as I am so torn from living in an area we prefer and suits my husbands commute to work better due to the M5 or to live in an area just for the sake of a very highly respected Secondary school?!
We just want to make sure we choose the best option!
Thank you 😊

My dad grew up in Torquay and now loves living on the seafront in Porthcawl. (I grew up in Cardiff.)

Torquay is the Blackpool of the south west. It’s awful, full of chavvy tourists all year round.

I moved from the North West, to London, and then to Devon. We are just outside Exeter. Absolutely love it down here. We regularly fly from Bristol Airport . Its only an hour and 15 mins from Exeter. Torbay area is a bit run down, but there is a huge amount of money being put into the area now to regenerate it so it is definitely going to improve and prices will start to go up. There is also talk of Plymouth reopening it's airport too.

Torquay has a huge issue with homelessness, prostitution and drug abuse. All Torquay primaries deal with children living in utter poverty and neglect. Nearby villages and Brixham and Dartmouth are much nicer if you prefer not to expose yourself to the grinding poverty that exists here.

So sorry to comment on your post!! I have no idea what I am doing I was trying to create a new post!! 🤣🤦🏼‍♀️🙄my apologies!

I think you need to start a new thread!