Ok first off Newport is a dump a total and utter shit heap.
Where will you be working? Could be the IPO?
Places to Live in Newport are the Ridgeway if you have loads of money.
Places nearby would be the valleys up towards Blackwood, ie Rogerstone, Risca, Crosskeys it splits then Cwmfelinfach or Cwmcarn.
I wouldnt go out towards Cwmbran and Pontypool but further out that way is Goytre and Abergavenney. Usk is nice but all the money.
Basseleg, Rhiwderin Machen is ok.
Places to eat are the Chandlery some nice family owned Italians and then the usual stuff.
Riding spoilt for choice and where to start, canal goes up past 14 locks then up to Cwmcarn, trail centres nearby, Forest of Dean and lots of fun plcaes around Trelleck and Wentwood is above the Celtic Manor hotel.
Places to avoid Ringland, Bettws, Pill, Duffryn, Caerleon can get a bit bumpy.
Hope this helps