Cardiff’s Pontcanna was listed as one of the top 10 neighbourhoods to live in the UK. But there’s more to Cardiff, each with its speciality.
“Which is the best place to live in Cardiff?’- one of the most common questions asked about the city on platforms such as Reddit and Facebook.
Last week, The Sunday Times gave Cardiff suburb Pontcanna a place in ‘top 10 coolest postcodes to move to’ this year in the UK, among others in London and Newcastle.The Victorian gothic homes and independent eateries earned this posh neighbourhood a spot on the list.
Lots of people would love to move into this trendy Cardiff locality. But house prices start at over £420,000 on sites like Rightmove.
“It’s undoubtedly a cool place to live in but the pricing is unreasonable. I moved to Cardiff for its relatively cheaper rents as opposed to London or Manchester,” said Lee, a 28-year-old PhD researcher currently residing in Cathays, Cardiff.
The Welsh Capital offers many other residential postcodes which are not just cheaper but also equally picturesque. Pick your calling and choose from these six Cardiff neighbourhoods to find your home, each with its own special touch:
- Party lovers and shopaholics gather:
On the east of the River Taff, lies the city centre of Cardiff where you will find all noise and excitement of the Welsh Capital. With pubs and nightclubs at every corner, you will find people on the streets even when it’s late on the weekend. This is your place to be if you like city life and would rather avoid the silent countryside.
The business centre of the city would be perfect to satisfy your shopaholic cells at various independent shops and the massive St. David’s shopping centre which expands to over 160 shops. Find the best ways to explore cuisines with numerous eateries and restaurants spread across the area, serving different cuisines from every part of the world.
“With such a diverse population living here, I find access to global cuisines everywhere around the city centre. It’s truly a delight to find something new every time,” said Sally, a postgraduate student in Cardiff University.
Go to the Clwb Ifor Bach (Welsh Club) to experience clubbing at the fullest or head to the Royal Arcade to get the best shopping and eating experience at the same time. The Cardiff city centre would always have something interesting to get your hands upon.
Find houses ranging from about £200,000 to £400,000 in the area, or rent one with a figure of £900-£1100 a month.
2. For the coffee and nature lover:
Roath has a range of artisanal cafés and small businesses, and you would almost never run out of things to do such as shopping, dining and exploring. Be in touch with nature with numerous green spaces such as Roath Park, Roath Lake, Roath Gardens and Roath Recreation Ground.
If you are looking to be close to the city centre without having to directly deal with the urban noise, then this is meant for you. Just 20-30 minutes from the city centre, it is ideal for students and young professionals due this proximity.
“Coffee from Roath’s small cafés is what keeps me going everyday after work. A walk around Roath Park just refreshes me after a long, tiring day,” said Clara, a resident of the area.
The area is just a 30-35 minute walk from the Cardiff City Centre, where you would find the life of the city. Embrace your inner party animal on the weekends with a wide range of pubs and nightclubs just a small journey away.
The average price of the houses in the area is £240,857 close to the average of £234,086 in Wales, as stated by the Principality building society. You can also find a place on rent here for £850 per month.
3. Get into the music scene on the waterside
Cardiff Bay is your place to be for the perfect waterside viewing and a taste for luxurious living in the city. The Bay area is where a Cardiffian would find music, eateries and one of the city’s best bars to hangout in.
“I moved just around the corner near Cardiff Bay station last year. One of my fondest memories is the fireworks during Guy Fawkes Night,” said Jessica, a 35-year-old GP from Pontypridd. “It was the perfect blend of indie music and great cuisines to explore around.”
With houses ranging from £150,000-£300,000, you have a wide range of options to choose from. Find easy access to local Welsh culture with Cardiff’s museums and galleries being just around the corner.
4. Hotspot for peace lovers and families
Away from the hustle of the city, Lisvane lies nestled in the northern side of Cardiff. If you are looking for a peaceful postcode to settle with your family, Lisvane and Llanishen is the upscale site you would want to stick with.
A busy metropolitan life is often not a working parent’s cup of tea. A spot with good education opportunities for children in the family is a more optimal choice. Lisvane has activities for all age groups and is full of green spaces to explore all year long.
“My parents moved here from India in the late 2000s for its family-friendly environment and parks to take me to. They have loved the place ever since,” said 20-year-old undergrad student Jiya, currently studying in Cardiff Metropolitan University.
5. Exploring Community Spirit
An underrated neighbourhood seated in the Western side of Cardiff, Splott has surprisingly impressed residents in terms of eating hubs and effective community projects. It’s one of the cheapest places to find fully furnished houses with just a starting price of £175,000, according to Blue Self Storage.
Amy, who moved to Splott in 2021, said, “After moving here, I have volunteered in various community spaces for the vulnerable such as soup kitchens and charity events.”
Adamsdown and Splott could be the spot for you if social work and volunteering is what gets you going. With hidden gems around such thrift stores and cheap eateries, make the best out of your time in Splott.
6. Feel of the Countryside in the city
Whitchurch is one of those spots in the city which transports you into a Welsh countryside with cosy cottages and distinct rustic qualities. You get the best of both worlds with modern aspects such as bars and stores.
This picturesque area could be the perfect fit if you are a fitness freak and would want to spend your time exploring parks and the famous Whitchurch common.
If you find yourself house hunting in Cardiff or wondering if the Welsh capital is your calling-then go with your gut. Any of these postcodes could be the perfect match for you to live in.