TX to Wales (maybe)

Well DH (UKC) and I have been talking more indepth about where to move when we are able. Originally we were trying for his hometown, but, after doing some research we are considering Wales. More specifically we are looking at Swansea or Cardiff due to a few companies we know are in those locations.

My question is this:

Is anyone in either of those areas (or spots close) that can give some insight on how things are? I've found quite a bit online (the area in Wales is beautiful btw) but wanted to get some first hand information from others who live in the areas or close.

Sorry for the vague inquiry, but this site is always so helpful.

Thanks!!

I moved to Cardiff, Wales from Florida in March. I am USC and now-hubby is UKC. If there is anything I can help you with or answer for you, please get in touch.


Cheers,
Melanie

I live in Cardiff...feel free to get in touch if i can help...I have an american husband who is awaiting his spousal visa to join me - I just got back a week ago after living in LA for a year...I love Cardiff...if you have specific questions, i could answer them - the  economy is up and down but for specific sectors it is not as bad as others...it does rain a lot!

Welcome, Robyn!

I'm in NH and moving to Wales once the visa is approved. My husband is there waiting patiently I absolutely adore it in Wales! I'm constantly awestruck by the surroundings.

We'll be in the Newtown area.. not too, too far!

Welcome!  I'm in South Wales as well (Hi Gil, by the way I was in Cardiff for three years then moved 20 minutes north where it's much cheaper to live but is still as easy to get to.  I love Wales.  Can't really elaborate now as I need sleep, but I'm happy to answer any questions.

I'm about 20 minutes outside of Cardiff as well.  Not sure what sort of information you're after. 

Jobs: I've had 1 interview in the last 4 months.  Boots didn't even want to interview me for a part-time position.

Housing: Someone said yesterday that house prices are on the rise.  I've seen plenty of nice looking terraced houses for around £135,000, anything less than that and they tend to need some "modernisation"

Housing: Someone said yesterday that house prices are on the rise.  I've seen plenty of nice looking terraced houses for around £135,000, anything less than that and they tend to need some "modernisation"

We got our semi-detached for around £110K last December and I'm very happy with it.  We had another house (terraced) that we made an offer on for £92K which was accepted, and it was good, but the seller backed out at the last minute.  We found it harder after that to find stuff in that range that we liked, but found the house we love at a bit higher.  We couldn't find houses in neighbourhoods we liked inside Cardiff for that though--which is why we headed toward Caerphilly.

I think Wales is a lovely place to be.  I love the access to the Brecon Beacons, the coast, etc, and I feel the people are friendlier and open than in many areas.  The job market is a struggle though.  I know a lot of people who are having a very difficult time finding work.  I know that much of the UK is in this rut, but it does seem a little more difficult here.  I wouldn't leave for anything though.  Wales is home for me now, and I love it here.

Thank you for all the responses. I know the hubby would love to move to the town his family is in in the UK but the jobs there are nearly non-existant. We are considering Wales because our employer has a few offices there as well as a few other larger insurance brokers and companies in general. I'm hoping things will start to look up by the time we are ready (though if we could move now we would). LOL

I know we are considering Cardiff and Swansea at the moment (or places nearby) since they seem to have the best things available that we are looking for.

It would be a godsend if our employer could transfer us out there, that would be the biggest hurdle dealt with. (Then again if I could land an agent who could get me an amazing book deal we would be set too! lol)