Anyone in the Brecon/Talgarth/Hay-on-Wye area?

My husband is pondering a job opportunity in the Hay-on-Wye area.

Does anyone have recommendations about where to live in that area?
I know a lot of people at the company drive up to an hour or 1-1/2 hours; he has a one hour commute here in Chicago, so we are looking at something without an insane commute.

And any general impressions on the area, too. Husband just returned from a trip there, said the area and people were lovely.

I'm a bit shy/self conscious and so I'm kind of freaked out about the possibility of moving as I've finally got a core group of friends here (we've been here 5 yrs). I have 2 kids, 3 and 5. The three year old will adapt fine; the 5 year old is slow to adjust to new things, so I am concerned.

Thanks so much!

Jenn

Hi, Jenn! I don't live in the area, but I do go to the Hay Festival (coming up soon!!) every year for a week and know the area immediately around Hay quite well. It's an absolutely gorgeous part of the world! But I suppose it depends on what you like - it's not a city and you won't find a lot of the amenities you're used to in Chicago. But, for me, it's a little slice of heaven and is just perfect.

Well, I grew up in a small town here and we had to drive most everywhere for real amenities, so thats not a bother. (And NOT having a Target nearby would certainly be lovely for my wallet.)

Worried more about adjusting...

HiJenn, I'm in Swansea and it would be about a 1.5 to 2 hour commute.  It is a beautiful area and its not that isolated.  Brecon is a large town.  As I said Swansea is tops 2 hours away.  We are the second largest city in Wales.  Cardiff being larger.  Is there any chance that you will come over to see the area?  Maybe make a few trips before the final decision has to be made?  Best of luck.  If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.  I originally came from Boston.  Hubby has lived in Swansea all his life.  I'd be happy to chat.

Tim and I LOVE Hay-on-Wye!  OMG the bookstores!!!

As stated in another of your posts (and I see the ages of your kids now  ) I'm no use in the area, but to get a better knowledge of the area for your own benefit you may want to have a look at http://www.upmystreet.com/ - its a great tool to find what's in your area as well as statistics.  I don't think anyone has recommended it to you yet.

Tim and I LOVE Hay-on-Wye!  OMG the bookstores!!!

Becca you're making me jealous!   

What about Hereford?

It's only 21 miles from Hay-On-Wye (Google maps estimates the driving time to be about 35 minutes) and has more than 6 times the population of Brecon (50,400 people compared to 8,000 in Brecon). It's in England rather than in Wales (although Hay is actually located on the border between England and Wales anyway), but is still on the river Wye and is closer to Hay-on-Wye than any of the larger Welsh towns/cities.

Becca you're making me jealous!   

If you get a chance - GO!  There are something like 30 used bookstores in the town. 

What about Hereford?

It's only 21 miles from Hay-On-Wye (Google maps estimates the driving time to be about 35 minutes) and has more than 6 times the population of Brecon (50,400 people compared to 8,000 in Brecon). It's in England rather than in Wales (although Hay is actually located on the border between England and Wales anyway), but is still on the river Wye and is closer to Hay-on-Wye than any of the larger Welsh towns/cities.

We stayed in Hereford the night before we went to Hay-On-Wye.  It was a pretty nice town, once we got ourselves un-lost. 

I'd have to agree with ksand24 that if you want to live in a town that has a bit more to it, check Hereford.  Hay-on-Wye is quite literally ONLY bookstores with a few other tourist shops stuck in. 

Hay-on-Wye is quite literally ONLY bookstores with a few other tourist shops stuck in. 

With all due respect, that's simply untrue! Hay has some great shops! FABULOUS dress shops, one of my favourite shoe shops ever, a fantastic ironmonger/kitchen shop, a very good antiques centre, a great camping shop, a really good supermarket with quite a lot of local produce, convenience shops, chemists, charity shops, a superb deli, wonderful restaurants, cafes and tearooms, etc. In short, it has everything most town have. It's not a city, but you'd certainly be able to find just about everything you need there. Oh, and the farmers' market is GREAT!