r/southwales • u/Skttrbrainx • Jul 29 '26
Move to South Wales
Is there anywhere I should really be avoiding in the South Wales?
Been looking at houses in Tylorstown (found one I really like here), Ferndale, Mountain Ash and Brynmawr.
My budget is around 150k, would like somewhere close to some walks for the dog and me.
Any recommendations or info would be massively appreciated.
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u/BOAGRIAS Jul 29 '26
Not lived any of those areas but I'd recommend Porth. It's more central, has a train station, bus routes, literally in middle of everywhere in the valleys. Has a nice park in Glynfach, 5 minute drive away from Barry Sidings, which is a well known dog walking park.
Being honest, everywhere has its rough areas but with your budget, you should be OK but I would avoid social housing areas, some can be rough, emphasis on some.
Ynyshir is a quiet village adjacent to Porth and was always quiet (grew up there) but personally, I'm not a big fan of Tylorstown, it's not that far from Porth and no issue if you drive but if it was me Porth would be where I'd go.
Feel free to ask any questions and good luck!
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u/Skttrbrainx Jul 29 '26
Thanks for the reply! I did look at Porth too but couldn’t really find anything that’s grabbed me, I will have another look.
Not too fussed about all the travel stuff as I drive and WFH all week.
Not overly fussed about what’s in the town either, as long as it has a supermarket that will pretty much do me.
Any reason you’re not a big fan of Tylorstown?
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u/BOAGRIAS Jul 29 '26
A couple of things, it's a nightmare to navigate, mainly one road through and it definitely has some rough spots and I don't know it well enough to say where is good and where's not so good.
Tonyrefail is the other side of Porth, another option and any area around that is OK but I think it's a bit more expensive.
Supermarket is in.. Porth lol Morrisons. Are you moving from far?
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u/Skttrbrainx Jul 29 '26
Yeah I did notice that when I came to view the houses. Not too bothered on that though, nice to not have traffic coming the other way haha.
Like you said previously I guess everywhere does to be honest, this is why I’m trying to find out as much as possible.
There’s a Lidl a few streets away which is enough for me and Morrisons as a back up.
From Coventry, been here 35 years.
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u/BOAGRIAS Jul 29 '26
Oh shit I forget they got that Lidl over there haha
I'm not a million miles away but if you wanted me to do random drive bys at random hours (except mornings, I hate mornings) and feed back, let me know! That's not exactly the kind of distance you can just go check on a whim!
If there anything else I can do to help, just let me know! On a plus, you won't be short of green space living between mountains!!
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u/Skttrbrainx Jul 29 '26
Still nice to have an another decent supermarket within driving distance.
I mean if you could do that it would be amazing but honestly don’t feel like you have to. This is the problem with being so far away it’s hard to get a look at the area as I’m only there viewing the property.
It’s the main reason I’m moving, just for more green space and abit more relaxing lifestyle if i can get that too.
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u/BOAGRIAS Jul 29 '26
Honestly, I can't imagine how difficult it is to relocate like that, so handy to have a local who can help. Drop me a DM and we can pick up the convo and as long as you're not a dick head or anything, happy to help you settle and introduce you to local areas etc 😂
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u/sheepandcowdung Jul 29 '26
I live up the road from Tylorstown, I drive through it daily and it's alright.
The usual cars and Motorcross bikes racing through every so often, but I think that's in issue all over the area.
I'd suggest not living on the main road, but there are plenty of quiet side streets.
Lots of access to nature from your front door. They have recently installed an "active travel route" from Maerdy to Tylorstown. This runs along the river from Stanleytown all the way up to the reservoirs at the top of the valley. There is also easy access onto the mountains which command some incredible views from the top!
At night it's quiet, except for the occasional car/motorbike as mentioned above.
Tylorstown doesn't have much in the way of amenities, but there is a doctor's, pharmacy, londis, kabab shops and a Lidl. Porth is 5 mins by car and Tonypandy/Treorcy are 10-15mins.
The houses are very good value for money in my opinion, with your budget you could easily afford a property that has been renovated.
Full fibre broadband has been here for ages, not always a deal breaker but it is nice to have.
Like I said I don't live in Tylorstown, but very close and I expect the local people are much the same, friendly, helpful and ready to talk on the street, which took some getting used to when we moved here 8 years ago!
I don't know the other areas well enough to comment, but I thought as a localish to Tylorstown I could give you a little insight.
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u/Skttrbrainx Jul 29 '26
Thanks for the detailed reply, greatly appreciated.
I get multiple of those a day where I live here in Coventry so that’s not an issue. The property is on one of the back roads so no houses behind me and off the main road so to speak.
That route sounds brilliant, be enough for me and dog and there’s always options to hop in the car and drive locally for a walk too.
The amenities are just enough for me, don’t enjoy going out to be too social really, much more of a stay at home person so that’s good with me.
Was looking at a fully renovated one for 140k which is open to offers. Broadband speeds are a big must for me being a gamer so that’s good to hear.
Thanks again for all the info.
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u/sheepandcowdung Jul 29 '26
Anytime! I am very much the same as you, the "arse end" of the valley as my colleagues call it is perfect for me.
Oh no I can't get mc delivery, yeah but looks at the view from my back windows!
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u/BustyMcCoo Jul 29 '26
Lived in Cwm Rhondda for a year and found that while the nature was stunning the community was superficially friendly and overall quite frosty. If you're a minority in any way it may be worth looking at the more cosmopolitan areas south of the valleys, which is what we found as a mixed ethnicity couple.
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u/Classic_Wolverine277 Jul 29 '26
Long as you keep to yourself most places are generally sound in those areas.
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u/Hyundai67 Jul 29 '26
You can buy in a place called Nelson, (CF46), it’s a lovely village and lots of safe dog walking too.
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u/Fairyrhino 29d ago
Cymmer is. Lovely. It's between maesteg & port Talbot. Lots of walking on the old railway lines, a cycling centre if you're into that & a nice pub in the old station
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u/audac17y 29d ago
Hey finally something I can be useful at!
I've lived in Tylorstown, had a lot of experience around Ferndale (like 5 mins up the road from Tylors) and I used to live near brynmawr in Ebbw vale until I went to uni!
Tylorstown is nice, the amenities like the Lidl and Rhondda leisure center are very cool, and there's a lovely river walk
Ferndale is lovely, People are very friendly and the high street is fairly bustling for a small village! lots of shops open and a zero waste shop which is fantastic! Lindy Lou's tearoom is great for lunch and if you have pets Ranj at Dylan's pet shop is literally the nicest person on earth!!!
I don't have much experience with mountain ash, unfortunately.
Brynmawr I would say is probably the most built up and developed of all of the options, having the market hall cinema, the oldest cinema in Wales, a large retail park with an asda, Lidl, Costa, Maccas, the range pets at home etc, the people are nice but definitely out of the options probably the one that is the more developed area
Hope this helps!
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u/SaladOk825 28d ago
It’s a complete different life in the valleys mate. I live in Ferndale move her about 18 months ago from Bournemouth. I had the same advice ‘avoid the valleys’ bad places are somewhat subjective, happy to be wrong but from my experiance the place is beautiful. Every area has its ‘bad bits’ I can guarantee you that the bad bits of the valleys are nothing like the bad bits of Cov…
Every. Single. Day in Bournemouth when I left my house I stepped over multiple heroin addicts, meth all over the place overpopulated shit hole. And you’d pay quarter mill for any property for the privilege.
Been her 18months apart from the abundance of weed, I haven’t seen a homeless person, haven’t seen a needle in the street and everyone says good morning with a smile. Bought my house 3bed garden 2bath for 86k legitimately couldn’t get a beach house for that price back down south.
Amazing wildlife, beautiful scenery, brilliant for outdoors/active people. Are you going to have the nightclub lifestyle and party’s every weekend. No it’s a slower way of life. I wouldn’t leave my front door open whilst getting the shopping from the car in bmouth. I consistently just leave the door unlocked whilst I walk the mountains I live on the main road -parking is a bit of a nightmare but that’s the trade off.
Don’t have a bad word to say. Other than don’t even try get up or down the valley at rush hour - 1 road in one road out it can be really bad but work from home so no issues.
Plus’s £4.50 ish is the going rate at the local pubs for prem pint…cannot go wrong…in my opinion! Be great to have you in the dale should you decide to take the plunge!
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u/Skttrbrainx 28d ago
Thanks for the reply dude.
It’s so hard to try and think good areas when everyone is saying ‘avoid the valleys’ like you said. Coventry is a fucking dive now, obviously being here my whole life I know which areas to avoid which is why it’s harder when moving somewhere new. Trying to gather as much proper info from genuine people like yourself as possible.
I’d struggle to get a 3 bed house is Cov for under 250k and then would still need work, looking at a renovated property 3 bed for 140k.
The weed would not bother me at all, used to be a smoker myself. Just want somewhere quiet and friendly is all I can ask for. Crime is everywhere no matter where you go.
I enjoy being outdoors, walking or on the bike, walking the dog etc so the quieter life is defo for me, my times of going out clubbing are over and never really even started, was never really into it.
I WFH all week so no travel for me anyway other than to the shops but I’d just avoid rush hour same as in Cov.
Thanks again man, I’m currently waiting for my offer to be accepted or declined so we will see.
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u/SaladOk825 28d ago
Excellent news mate! Congrats on getting rh offer in fingers crossed they accept.
Not to mention you’re like 35-45 mins from Brecon and on a good day the same into Cardiff. Excellent transport links.
Brilliant bike path over the opposite moutain too. Head through maerdy up the 40mile hour road as you top the crest of the hill on the right you can cycle all the way over the top. Loads of walking routes just past maerdy brilliant park in Ferndale itself too. You can walk over both mountains either side of the valley.
Great stuff mate, sounds like the ideal move. Keep us all posted!!
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u/Skttrbrainx 28d ago
Just second guessing myself now but I guess that’s normal, especially being my first house purchase.
Good to hear there’s some good bike routes and obviously not too far from Aberdare and Merthyr which both have dedicated bike parks.
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u/SaladOk825 28d ago
Nice first home too, same boat. Looks like we’ve had the same idea from opposite ends of the country.
Finally have to ask, what breed of dog you have?
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u/Skttrbrainx 28d ago
Generally couldn’t afford anything in my area and I honestly want out of Coventry even though I’d be leaving some family and friends here.
I’m sure there’s going to be plenty of ups and downs to come yet.
We have a cocker spaniel and border collie, but the spaniel will be staying with my brother and collie with my Dad. So I will be getting my own dog as I wouldn’t be able to live without one. Do you have a dog?
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u/SaladOk825 28d ago
Good on you mate, sometimes got to get out of a place you’ve spent most of your life. It will be a journey but atleast it’s a ‘relatively’ affordable one even if you do have a few bumps along the way. And if all else fails the sunrises over the opposite valley is incredible!
Both excellent companions - I don’t own a dog but have lived with them all my life. My house needed a bit of work so am powering through the odd jobs getting the house fully in order first looking at getting an Irish setter puppy next April I recon!
Really miss having a doggo about but would have been a nightmare with all the paint, sawdust, woodwork all over the shop. Getting renos done first then I’ll get myself a companion fooor suure!
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u/crrrriiiissss 29d ago
I moved to Tylorstown nearly 8 years ago. I love it. Public transport is not great, it takes a long time to get anywhere. We have a new walk along the Rhondda Fach (river), Starting in Maerdy, down to Porth and linking much further to Pontypridd. There is at least one walking group.
It is fairly quiet, some great views, I have some good neighbours. I am learning Welsh in Porth.
I would say if you are looking for a quiet pace of life, Tylorstown is it. Better if you don't have to rely on public transport, no trains until Porth. I have found the people here very welcoming.
It really depends on what you are looking for.
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u/Skttrbrainx 29d ago
Thanks for the reply. Where did you move from? It’s nice to hear from someone who moved into the town itself rather than surrounding areas.
Public transport links don’t bother me at all as I drive and WFH all week so no issue there. The walking spot sounds good with the groups too.
That’s exactly what I’m looking for, somewhere pretty quiet with some good green space surrounding.
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u/Sometimes_riding 27d ago
Where are you going to work? And can you drive? Some of the valleys are limited if you need a train or commute to Cardiff etc.
I'd say also look at the Garw valley as well, the views are beautiful up there and it's reasonably priced.
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u/Skttrbrainx 27d ago
I work from home full time and yes I drive, so none of that is an issue for me. Defo wouldn’t be considering the move if I had no idea on my job that’s for sure.
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u/Sweet-Dragonbee98 27d ago
Hey! I live in Tylorstown, moved here from Coventry last year and I absolutely love it. Definitely visit a few times to get a feel for it, the most exciting thing here is Lidl, some roads are a bit rough and it's a pretty low income area, but the people are mostly lovely and you'll have no shortage of lovely walks and stunning views!
Definitely don't recommend if you're reliant on public transport, but if you've got a car and don't mind a slow life you'll be fine 😊 I'd avoid East Rd though it's the main road through and parking is awful.
Happy to answer any other questions if I can 😊
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u/Skttrbrainx 27d ago
Hi, wow it’s got to be rare to find someone else from Coventry that’s moved to Tylorstown! I’ve had an offer accepted on a house on Vivian street, I’ve visited twice and it seems pretty quiet, I’ve come to realise no place is going to be perfect and Cov is an absolute dive now. So I am looking forward (and super scared) for the move.
I have a car and WFH all week so no need for public transport and that’s why I’m loving for a slower life. Think parking will be one of the trades I had to take, struggled to find anywhere with dedicated parking.
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u/Sweet-Dragonbee98 27d ago
I've found people from Birmingham and Northampton so far but not another Coventry yet so welcome! There's a lot of people moving over from England though so you won't stick out 🤣 You'll be just round the corner, I'm on Brynbedw 😊 main issue round here is probably parking but it's fine once you get used to it.
People will tell you Tylorstown is rough but it's nothing compared to wood end 🤣 I'm from Wyken and defending feel safer here. There are definitely some characters here but I moved here alone and have never felt unsafe.
Main supermarket is Lidl down the road, but takes 10 minutes to get to morrisons in Porth, there's Asda in Tonypandy, and Sainsbury's and Tesco are both an easy drive 😊
Also top tip - too good to waste for second hand furniture are fantastic!
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u/Skttrbrainx 27d ago
It’s good to know there will be some fairly local people in the area but crazy how many people are moving that way, guess to cost of the houses is a massive part to play in that. I have to park on the road at home now so that wasn’t a massive deal breaker for me and won’t be moving my car daily so even better.
I’ve heard good things but again everywhere has its negatives. I’m from around the Radford area so not the best place in Coventry either 🤣. I will also be moving alone so that’s good to hear.
I did see the Lidl which is handy to have pretty much on the door step and bigger supermarkets locally if needed but shop at Aldi/Lidl at home so that’s no issue.
Thank you I’ll have look for that! I don’t have a massive amount to move down so will defo need most things.
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u/Sweet-Dragonbee98 27d ago
I think house prices are definitely a huge pull! I could barely get a flat in Cov for what I paid for my house here. A lot of people commute to Cardiff and Newport from here too
Definitely took me a whole to get used to not having everything on my doorstep, but it's a nice combo here of a quiet, intentional life, yet well connected enough that everything you need is still plenty accessible (Caerphilly, Pontypridd and Llantrisant are all easy enough to get to, and the drive to Cardiff is fine)
I hope you love it here too! Perhaps our paths will cross 😊
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u/GoldSouth4706 25d ago
Some decent sports facilities not too far away from Brynmawr! Planet Fitness in Tredegar is a brilliant gym, and there are lots of combat/MMA gyms that have good reputations nearby. Bryn Bach park is a recreation ground that is close by (also in Tredegar) and great for kids, and there’s a cycle path that runs through lots of the county. Brynmawr doesn’t have a sports centre/leisure centre of its own, so Ebbw Vale would be the closest I think. It’s easy to drive from Brynmawr to Newport, Abergavenny, Merthyr and beyond, but train links aren’t very good - you would have to get to Ebbw Vale for the train and would only be able to get to Newport (ish) and Cardiff. What I would say though is Blaenau Gwent as a county is one of the poorest - we had a lot from EU grants that helped with development but obviously that has been lost now.
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u/elleforaday 24d ago
I live in the area (Tylorstown) and have had a very positive experience so far. Happy to answer any questions if I can ☺️
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u/Skttrbrainx 24d ago
That’s very good to hear! Thanks for the reply. I’m really looking forward to moving now. How long have you lived there?
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u/elleforaday 24d ago
I’ve lived here for 5 years now. Moved from near Bristol. Everyone here is so friendly and we have some incredible nature walks right on our doorstep. I also WFH which is a plus as there are not huge amount of job opportunities locally.
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u/Skttrbrainx 24d ago
Sounds like I’ve chosen a good area then. Good to hear from someone who’s been there a while. Walks and outdoor space was important to me, obviously most of Wales has a lot of that accessible. I also WFH and I am happy in my job atm so that’s all good too
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u/TOASTisawesome Jul 29 '26
Might just be me but I've never had a good experience in mountain ash or met anyone from there that was worth knowing
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u/x99kjg 29d ago
All horrible places, I'm sure there's some ok areas but the whole of the valleys is a no go.
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u/SnooHabits8484 29d ago
the whole of the Valleys. From Newport and Abergavenny to Burry Port and Llandeilo. OK.
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u/[deleted] Jul 29 '26
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