All You Need To Know About Moving to Wales
Moving to Wales can offer a lifestyle that is incomparable to living in a big, urban city. With miles of stunning coastline, UNESCO world heritage sites, beautiful countryside and excellent transport links to the rest of the UK - Wales is hard to beat when it comes to quality of life.
Living in Wales Pros and Cons
If you are currently weighing up the idea of moving to Wales, then it’s probably worth reading up on a few advantages and disadvantages of living in Wales.
Pros
- It’s cheaper to live and work in Wales, with a much lower average cost of living compared to England.
- 26% of Wales is classed as a National Park or Area of Outstanding Beauty so you will have plenty to see and do right on your doorstep!
- There are over 150 beaches in Wales and miles of stunning coastline which is home to some extraordinary wildlife.
Cons
- Less ‘conveniences’ of city life means that you may have to walk a little further to your local shop - but more exercise is not exactly a disadvantage!
- You may have a hard time pronouncing some of their incredibly long town names which could be cause for some embarrassment!
- Sheep outnumber people 3:1, which is good if you love sheep, but bad if you like to enjoy a socially active life more common in big cities.
Cost of Living In Wales
Generally, the cost of living in Wales is much more affordable than living in a big city, however that depends on what area you move to. Cardiff is the most expensive place to live in Wales, although still comparably cheaper than other large cities in the UK. Living costs are the lowest in the rural towns and villages, where you can get an even bigger bang for your buck.
The average cost of a property in Wales is around £144,000 compared to the UK average of £216,000. Wales is an attractive place for first time buyers due to homes being much more affordable than in other parts of the UK and can be a great way to get onto the property ladder.
Is it Healthier to Live in the Countryside?
Many people who move to the Welsh countryside say they appreciate the cleaner air, compared to the ever-growing air pollution problem in big cities. Living in Wales also gives you the chance to do more outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, adventure sports, kayaking and white-water rafting which can all help you to live a healthier, more active lifestyle.
There is also a higher rate of mental health problems in cities compared to non-urban areas. Having access to a lot of green space and natural scenery has been proven to aid mental health and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Living & Working In Wales
Finding work in Wales is not a difficult task at all, especially if you opt to move to one of the big cities. Even in rural towns and villages, there are an abundance of jobs available to ensure you can comfortably find work while living in Wales. You will find that companies are very accommodating for newcomers looking for new career opportunities, especially in the fields of services.
With a new digital age now upon us, it’s so much easier to do your work from the comforts of your own home. If your job can be done online, then living and working in Wales can give you an ideal work/life balance in a breathtaking countryside setting.
How to Move to Wales From England
Moving to Wales from England is surprisingly easy and stress-free, considering you are moving to another country! The first thing you should do is read up about the different cities, towns and rural villages in Wales to find an area that suits your ideal lifestyle.
Finding a house should be the next priority on your list, so pull together your budget and start having a look around your chosen destination for your dream home. Once you find the perfect place, it’s time to take a short break to Wales to get a feel for the area, start embracing the culture and maybe learn a few Welsh phrases while you’re at it!
Assuming you already have a job lined up (or you work remotely), the final step is to pack all your stuff in a moving van, and start the journey to your new life in Wales!
