Best Areas to Live in Cardiff

Advertisement

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is the main base for Welsh media and entertainment. Living in Cardiff offers a multicultural and creative way of life with 18.3 million tourists visiting every year.

Cardiff is famous for its love of music, theatre and the vintage stores that sit inside old arcades. The scenic parks allow for an escape from city life during the days you’d rather surround yourself with nature or just take a walk with your beloved pets.

Whether you’re a student looking for exciting nightlife or a family wishing for a quiet area to call home, there is a place for everyone. To find out what the City of Cardiff can offer, our guide will take you through the best areas to live in addition to jobs, schools and activities to enjoy in the Welsh capital.

Best Areas to Live in Cardiff

The area you live in can often determine how much you enjoy your new home, and choosing the area depends on what you’re looking for. Below we’ve listed the 5 best areas to live in Cardiff.

Whether you’re a young family looking to call Pontcanna home, or a young professional keen on living in Roath or Cardiff Bay, our list will help you decide where is right for you.

1. Roath

Roath is a diverse and multicultural suburb making it one of the best places to live in Cardiff. Roath Park and Lake offer picturesque walks right outside your home. It is the ideal place for foodies and creatives and is home to Zero Waste store Ripple – perfect for those looking for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. The average price for property in this area is £256,738.

2 . Llandaff

For those looking for a quieter place to live in Cardiff, Llandaff, the birthplace of Roald Dahl is the perfect choice. It is filled with quaint and historic homes, medieval buildings and unique cafes and shops. The average cost for a home in this area is £337,886. Llandaff is often a great choice for families as the schools, both English and Welsh language, are conveniently placed within the vicinity.

3. Pontcanna

One of the most fashionable areas to live in Cardiff, Pontcanna has amenities that attract most home buyers. Chapter Arts Centre and King’s Road Courtyard offer live music, art and entertainment and Canton high street is close by. Close to the stunning Sophia Gardens, the current property price for this popular area is £343,998.

4. Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is a great area for food, entertainment, leisure and even employment. With the Wales Millennium Centre, The Senedd (home of the National Assembly for Wales), Techniquest, and the quaint Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay has much to offer. The local train station offers freedom to explore the city centre, with trains arriving almost every 12 minutes. On average, the price of a property in this area is £205,019.

5. Penarth

If you are looking for an easy commute to Cardiff, Penarth is a place to consider. Four miles from the city centre, it is a more quiet and scenic area with easy access to bus routes, train stations and even an Aquabus. Penarth is perfect for families, retirees or young professionals who want to live further from the main city. Homes largely consist of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, with the average house price at £330,572.

Schools and Education in Cardiff

The city has a selection of high-performing schools for all ages. The city boasts numerous well-regarded state secondary and over 30 primary schools to choose from. It is worth noting that wherever you are in Wales, it is compulsory for children from 5 – 16 to learn Welsh, at least as a second language.

You might even be moving to Cardiff as a student – the city is incredibly student-friendly, hosting four universities, including Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, University of South Wales and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.

If you’re moving to Cardiff with children, you will be looking to secure a new school place. Below we’ve listed some of the best Primary and Secondary schools in the city:

Best Primary Schools in Cardiff

Best Secondary Schools in Cardiff