Wales is a country within The United Kingdom. Its capital is Cardiff which is located in South Wales. This country is famous for its castles, history, and Welsh language.
If you are considering moving to Wales, you are on the right page. Here, you will find answers to most asked questions such as what it is like living in Wales, where to live in Wales, and other things to consider when moving to Wales.
1. What’s It Like Living In Wales?
Living in Wales can be your best experience. It has many historical sites, beautiful nature, and friendly people.
Here is some basic information to help you get an idea of what it’s like living in Wales.
Weather In Wales
Wales experiences an oceanic climate. The main characteristic of this climate is windy, cloudy, and humid.
However, the temperatures in Wales are relatively mild, even during winters and summers. The average temperatures rarely drop below 26°F (-3°C) or rise above 79°F (26.1°C). That’s why you will find it comfortable to do outdoor activities all year round.
The only thing you need to be cautious about is the rainfall. Wales experiences frequent rain. You can expect around 121 to 128 rainy days throughout the year. That’s approximately a third of the year!
The Capital Of Castles
Wales is called the capital of castles because there are 427 castles. It is not difficult to see one when you are living in Wales.
Many castles are well preserved and open to the public. It will be an enchanting experience for you to visit some of these castles. Moreover, visiting castles can introduce you to Welsh history and culture if you are from overseas.
Excellent Place To Pursue Higher Education
Wales also has many universities to enrol in if you plan to pursue higher education. Here is the list of some universities and colleges across Wales for your reference:
- Cardiff University, Cardiff,
- The University of Wales, Cardiff,
- The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff,
- The University of Wales Trinity Saint David, South West Wales,
- Bangor University, Bangor, and
- Pembrokeshire College, Pembrokeshire.
Language
Native people in Wales have their own language known as the Welsh language. When you live in Wales, you will find many people speaking English with the Welsh accent.
It may be challenging to understand the accent at first, but you will get used to it. For example, Welsh people tend to lengthen their vowels when speaking. They also tend to change “i” into “e”, like the word “bit” will sound like “bet” in the Welsh accent.
2. Where To Live In Wales?
Wales has the best places to live for anyone. We will recommend to you some neighbourhood areas that suit your needs.
The Best Areas For Students In Wales
If you move to Wales to pursue higher education, here are some of the best areas to live in:
- Heath, Cardiff;
- Cathays, Cardiff;
- Coppergate, Swansea;
- St Davids, Swansea, and many more.
You can stay at the students’ accommodations. Usually, you will find information about students’ accommodation on the official websites of your universities or colleges.
The Best Family Areas In Wales
If you’re planning on moving to Wales with children, you’re in luck because Wales have neighbourhoods suitable for families.
Here is the list of best places to live in Wales according to The Sunday Times:
- Usk, Monmouthshire;
- Aberdyfi, Gwynedd;
- Cleddau Estuary, Pembrokeshire;
- Llandeilo and the Tywi Valley, Carmarthenshire;
- Narberth, Pembrokeshire; and
- Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan.
These areas were named the best places to live because of amenities such as schools, restaurants, shops, and transport systems. These areas are also found to have excellent air quality and green spaces.
3. Is The Cost Of Living In Wales Affordable?
The average cost of living in Wales is around £1,104.63. This number is about 15% lower than the rest of the UK. Therefore, Wales is perfect for students, young professionals, and families due to its affordability.
On top of that, the average property price in Wales is about 35% lower than the UK average. The average house price in Wales is £216,869. On the other hand, the average monthly rent for an apartment in Wales is £890.
Of course, the housing prices can differ depending on the type of property and the location. For example, Rhondda Cynon Taff in South East Wales has some of the lowest property prices.
4. Can You Move To Wales Without A Job?
It is crucial to secure a job before moving to Wales. Even though the cost of living in Wales is lower than the UK average, you still need a secure source of income.
To find career opportunities in Wales, you can do your job hunt online or get recommendations from your local friends.
Here is the list of the biggest industry sectors in Wales for your reference:
- agriculture and forestry,
- services,
- tourism,
- oil and gas,
- renewable energy, and
- manufacturing.
However, it does not mean that you do not have a chance if your expertise is not included above. The demand for other sectors like healthcare services, finances, and education is also pretty high.
5. What Are The Best Things To Do In Wales?
There are always things to do in Wales. Whether you’re interested in visiting castles, going to the beach, or participating in festivals, you can do them in Wales. Put these places on your “must-experience” list when you live in Wales.
Unesco World Heritage Sites
Below are the most recommended heritage sites in Wales that are recognised by Unesco:
- Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon;
- Harlech Castle, Harlech;
- Conwy Castle, Conwy;
- Town of Blaenavon, Pontypool; and
- Beaumaris Castle, Isle of Anglesey.
Beaches
Wales’ coastal areas offer beautiful beaches that you can visit any day all year round. Here are some of the beaches you should visit in Wales:
- Three Cliffs Bay Beach, Swansea;
- Skrinkle Haven Beach, Manorbier;
- Porth Neigwl, Abersoch; and
- Whitmore Bay, Barry Island.
National Parks
Wales is blessed with beautiful scenery that you can explore. Check out these national parks to make your outdoor adventure in Wales even better:
- Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd and Conwy, Wales;
- Brecon Beacons National Park, Carmarthenshire, Powys and Monmouthshire, Wales; and
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Festivals
Your experience in Wales is incomplete without the festivals. The following festivals are the events you can look forward to every year:
Fire in the Mountain;
- Gottwood Festival, Electronic Music and Arts Festival;
- The National Festival of Wales;
- Aberystwyth Comedy Festival; and
- Westival.
6. How Do I Prepare My Relocation To Wales?
Before moving to Wales, there is a lot to prepare before your moving date. To help you organise things to prepare, here are three pointers you can refer to.
Make A Budget
When preparing a budget for relocation, you need to allocate your money for:
- the preparation budget;
- the moving trip; and
- the post-moving phase.
Your relocation process will be seamless if you have the budget for these three phases of moving.
A Relocation List
To help you make a list for your relocation process, below are the things that you should include in your list;
- things to do,
- required documents,
- moving timeline,
- important contacts, and
- things to pack or leave.
Your moving process will be more organised by having this list. On top of that, you will experience less stress because you won’t have to memorise everything, and you can track your progress easily.
Engage A Professional Mover
You can avoid carrying heavy luggage by contacting a professional mover like Sanelo. Our team in Sanelo will pick up your packages and deliver them to Wales.
This way, you do not have to worry about paying extra for over baggage or leaving your favourite items behind.
Conclusion About Moving To Wales
Wales is an excellent place to work, study, and live. This country has good universities and colleges, various growing industries, beautiful beaches and national parks, and hundreds of castles.
You can expect to gain a work-life balance when living in Wales. Most residential areas provide decent amenities for students and families. On top of that, the property prices in Wales are lower compared to most areas in the UK.
Living in Wales means you will always have things to do, from visiting beautiful places to participating in festivals. Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy your vacations without having to fly out of Wales?
To make your relocation process seamless, you can follow our tips to make a budget, write the relocation list, and engage Sanelo to ship your belongings to the new city.
Lastly, do also check out our guide about moving to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, as well as about moving to other countries in the UK:
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Wales
Is Wales A Nice Place To Live?
Wales is generally a nice place to live. It is known as a friendly place with rich culture and history.
How Much Should I Earn Monthly To Afford The Living Expenses In Wales?
The average salary in Wales for females is £29,300 and for males is £33,700. It means with an income of around £30,000 per month, you can afford the living expenses in Wales.
Is It Cheaper To Live In Wales Than In England?
The cost of living in Wales is around 15% lower than in the rest of the UK. Therefore, living in Wales is cheaper than living in England.
How Far Ahead Should I Contact Sanelo Before Moving To Wales?
Ideally, you need to contact Sanelo three or two months before your moving date. This way, our team can arrange the slot to ship your belongings to Wales.
For more tips to help you prepare for your relocation, here are some must-read articles from Sanelo: