A report shows Cardiff ranks only 9th among Wales’s happiest cities. But is this fair? We asked people what they thought about life in Cardiff and if it’s a happy place to be.
Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, is often celebrated for its rich history, diverse communities, and dynamic city life. However, Cardiff ranks only ninth in Wales for happiness, far behind places like Monmouth, which took third place nationally, according to Rightmove’s annual ‘Happy at Home’ study, which gathered insights from over 26,000 people across Great Britain.
To explore how Cardiff residents feel about their city, we spoke to people to understand their experiences, what they love about Cardiff, and what might detract from their sense of happiness. Is Cardiff truly a happy place to live, or are there underlying issues that need attention?
Maisy, 16, Student, Cardiff
“I’d like to live in Cardiff. It’s very inclusive, and I’m not ashamed of living here. I know a lot of people from England who would love to move here. I feel like I have a very personal connection to Wales, and Cardiff should be among the top 5 happiest cities in Wales to live in.”
Baris, 44, Restaurant Manger, Turkey
“I think people are very friendly in Cardiff. It’s a small city, but still you can find everything you need. It’s a vibrant city as well, and a university makes a huge difference when there’s a university in a city. But I think only the thing lacking in Cardiff is live music venues.”
Mat, 41, British Gas Employee, Valleys
“I feel happy in Cardiff, but I prefer to live in a smaller city, like my hometown, the Valleys. Because people there are more friendly and everybody knows everyone. I’m from a small area, and I prefer smaller areas. It’s manageable.”
Ismael, 25, Unemployed, Sudan
“I’m happy with my life in Cardiff, and I’ve been living here for 2 years. I like this city because there are many kind people, and I have more friends here. All my life is beginning here.”
Dennis, 75, Retired, Bridgend
“I’m not a Cardiff one, but I’ve been living in Cardiff for 7 years. I like living here so much. I know the circumstances. And I don’t want to move to another city; it’s too old to move.”