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Relocation to Herefordshire

(71 Posts)
Isla71 Mon 28-Apr-25 11:48:16

Hi. Not sure if I am allowed to ask... but, here goes. Now on my own, I started searching for most interesting and safest towns to live in. North Hereford came up. (I currently live in a safe, very quiet, area in North Yorkshire, but York\Harrogate nearest places to wander around shops being over an hour's drive by bus.) Checking out the local Authority website, there seems to be a good community for the over 70s (well over - but still able to get around!) in Hereford. I know all about the floods and rainfall in the area. If anyone from Hereford is able to comment if it is a good place to end my days, I should be most grateful for your response. With thanks.

Allira Mon 28-Apr-25 12:47:13

Have you checked out the medical services, always a consideration as we get older.

Ilovedogs22 Mon 28-Apr-25 14:33:53

I'm in a similar predicament, looking for somewhere to live peacefully in the later part of my life
I did chose a place but subsequently discovered it had a horrificly high crime rate!
Research very carefully. 😏

Casdon Mon 28-Apr-25 14:37:34

I’m in the next county to Herefordshire, and I love it, it’s largely unspoilt and pretty, one of England’s backwaters, and all the better for it. One of my new favourite places is Ledbury, which has lots going on, is pretty and interesting, and surrounded by lovely gardens to visit.

Allira Mon 28-Apr-25 14:39:55

It is lovely and Hereford has some good shops.

Not sure what the waiting list is generally at Hereford Hospital but I've been waiting a while for an appointment, probably non-urgent.

Judy54 Mon 28-Apr-25 17:25:57

Think carefully about whether you want to move from a safe quiet area to somewhere that you are perhaps unfamiliar with. Would York be an option for you it is a nice compact City and easy to get around. Whatever you decide definitely do your homework to see if Hereford (if that is where you choose) offers you what you are looking for to suit your lifestyle.

Skydancer Mon 28-Apr-25 19:52:54

Why do you want to move somewhere unfamiliar?

Beechnut Mon 28-Apr-25 20:02:34

Do you like cider?

Allira Mon 28-Apr-25 20:16:40

Skydancer

Why do you want to move somewhere unfamiliar?

I wondered that too.

Have you holidayed in Herefordshire, Isla71 or have family within easy distance?

North Yorkshire is lovely too, could you move nearer to York or Harrogate so you'd be near to amenities but also still near the contacts you have built up over the years?

Esmay Mon 28-Apr-25 20:21:57

I love Hereford and Worcester and spent a part of my childhood there when I wasn't in the Brecon Beacons .
Cusop and Hay are my favourite areas .
But it's a long time ago -I'm an old lady and most of my relatives have moved -mainly to West London .
I think that a holiday there is advisable-ask around and find out about medical and transport services .
You need at least one supermarket and make sure that you can get home deliveries

Ask about crime .

Have a good Google .

I'm also thinking of relocating and going through similar thoughts.
Yorkshire is on my list as I love the area and find the locals so open and friendly towards me .

Isla71 Mon 28-Apr-25 20:22:23

Thanks for all responses. I did PM a few of you. But perhaps better to open respond. This area was unfamiliar to me 2.5 years ago. My daughter wanted to live here, and is now choosing to live down South. Bless. I like access to shops, but prefer to live in country and walk the dog. Hereford is also within my budget. As mentioned; NHS doesn't work here, so I don't expect much elsewhere. Plus, I try self help. You Tube is brilliant.

charley68 Mon 28-Apr-25 21:44:04

I live in Herefordshire. It is a lovely place to live. No big cities, although Hereford is a city, it is not that big, but big enough for me!
There are smaller towns, for example Ledbury, Ross on Wye, Bromyard to name a few, each with their own attractions.
It is a more sparsely populated county compared to other counties. Worcester, and Gloucester are neighbours, and Wales is within easy reach. Hay on Wye and the festival is also easy to get to.
I live near Ross on Wye.
There are a few rivers that flood in the county, and the Wye, and Severn are liable to flooding.
Health care is as in other parts of the country, absolutely there in an emergency, and a wait at other times.
I am Irish; I used to live in Yorkshire, moved here in early '90s and stayed!

spabbygirl Mon 28-Apr-25 22:04:26

Cirencester, its in Gloucestershire, quiet and safe and near Hereford but also near Oxford Bristol & bath for when you fancy a dose of city life

Redrobin51 Mon 28-Apr-25 22:28:23

I know a couple of people who moved to live near Ledbury, and they never regretted the decision. It is a beautiful part of the country, and most of its towns see to have retained more of the individual shops.

Isla71 Tue 29-Apr-25 07:25:26

Again - thanks for all responses. They are a big help. I do know many of the areas having lived and worked around Gloucester/"Chucksbury"/Oxon many, many years ago. Hence, looking at Hereford. I also know many areas that are too hilly for me to walk around now. Holmfirth, Richmondshire, Derby Dales. These areas are also out of my budget. In reflection, I suppose I am also looking for a safe community of similar age. I had been accepted as a volunteer at local hospital when our new, great leader told the NHS/care homes/schools that they have to take on the 18-21 year olds who have never had employment but are claiming benefits and give them work experience. NHS staff have told me this has put a big strain on day-to-day running. I suppose one volunteer is worth 10 pressed men, as they say. I intend to stay AirBNB at some point, but I have a very elderly dog who is being well cared for at end stage of life. BTW. Just so pleased that small, family firm vet is also on doorstep in this area.

Beechnut Tue 29-Apr-25 10:51:20

Chucksbury, I like that Isla71. I had to say it out loud to know where you meant 😂

Allira Tue 29-Apr-25 10:52:36

Beechnut

Chucksbury, I like that Isla71. I had to say it out loud to know where you meant 😂

😀

Cycorax Tue 29-Apr-25 14:08:23

But there is no train service to/from Cirencester. If there were, it would be a perfect town.

semperfidelis Tue 29-Apr-25 15:14:00

You really need a car in Hereforshire. Transport links are not good. You may feel very isolated, even though the scenary is beautiful.

gibson2222 Tue 29-Apr-25 17:28:01

i,ve been trying to move to greenwich for many years( have since widened my search to inlcude other areas in london as well as looking so long) since i was in my 40s now in my 70s and still want to move there. but it,s housing associtaion and via exchange and the few from london that show an interest are either in parts of london i dont want or flats in high rises or tower blocks or one some or all of those

sunglow12 Tue 29-Apr-25 18:36:50

Make sure there are bus routes , dr and dentist near by plus supermarkets!

Allira Tue 29-Apr-25 19:53:51

gibson2222

i,ve been trying to move to greenwich for many years( have since widened my search to inlcude other areas in london as well as looking so long) since i was in my 40s now in my 70s and still want to move there. but it,s housing associtaion and via exchange and the few from london that show an interest are either in parts of london i dont want or flats in high rises or tower blocks or one some or all of those

We visited Greenwich a few years ago and I was surprised to find out how lovely it is.

kjmpde Tue 29-Apr-25 20:06:00

I echo the need to investigate. Are you happy to drive a car or do you need a good bus service ? if the latter then Hereford is probably not for you.

Casdon Tue 29-Apr-25 20:18:26

It’s easy to find out online what local transport is like. A number of towns in Herefordshire have railway stations, and at least hourly bus services - it’s not quite the back of beyond!

kjmpde Tue 29-Apr-25 20:56:58

Many rural areas have buses which stop early afternoon, not evenings. not weekends. I live in Wiltshire - similar in size to Herefordshire . One area has a bus on a Tuesday and Friday. There is no bus from Salisbury to Winchester. There are buses from other towns Monday to Friday and not weekends. I would want a bus more regularly than every hour . What happens if you miss your connection?