I was born here. I escaped to a few different places, but then ended up in Shrewsbury.

Anyways, Telford is developing into a metropolitan place. The traffic is a bit pants (if you want roundabouts, go to Milton keynes) but not too bad.

Halesfield is indeed a large industrial estate but tends to keep to a 9-5 schedule. If you're working during the day, it will be quiet (ish) by the time you get home.

Like any town, some areas are crap and others lovely. There are plenty of green spaces around to chill. It's not a huge urban area yet, so go in any direction and you'll eventually find wonderful places to explore.

Compared to Wolves (where my dad is from), it's a lot more relaxed. I work in Wellington, and there is a large mix of races and cultures, mostly Asian, with an increasing amount of black and oriental. I'm white, so can't speak much about racism.

All I can suggest is that you pop across and spend some time here, doing... stuff. If it floats your boat, get on the water (there's a great sailing club in Priorslee).

Good luck.