The Best Areas to Live in Cardiff & Newport

Both Cardiff and Newport are great choices for buyers, whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade to a new place. But what are the best areas in each city? Let’s take a look.
 

Cardiff

Where’s the best place to buy a house in Cardiff? Here are some of our favourite areas in the Welsh capital.
 

Penylan

One of the most sought-after areas in the city, Penylan is known for its leafy streets, Edwardian houses and close-knit community. There are many great parks in the area and highly-rated schools, making it a great choice for families. With a quiet, village feel, it’s perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city – but Penylan is less than ten minutes by car from the city centre, ensuring you have the best of both worlds.
 

Pontcanna & Canton

Just two miles to the west of the city centre, this area is another one with wide, tree-lined streets and a thriving community of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. With easy transport links into the city centre, it’s the perfect place to buy if you’re looking for a quick commute whilst enjoying all the benefits of living on the edge of the city.
 

Cyncoed

To the north-east of the city centre is Cyncoed, one of Cardiff’s most desirable areas. It’s home to some of the best schools in the city as well as a range of thriving boutique businesses, quiet, leafy streets, and some of the most beautiful properties in the city. There’s also a university campus there, giving the area a nice mixture of students, young families and professionals.
 

Cardiff Bay

Vibrant and bustling, Cardiff Bay is a great choice if you love to be in the centre of it all as there’s a whole host of eating, drinking and leisure options in the Bay – not to mention the fantastic waterfront views and the beach. There’s a good mixture of different properties available, including modern flats, and the local train station makes it easy to get around the city.
 

Roath

This multi-cultural area to the northeast of the city is one of the most diverse Cardiff suburbs, and with Roath Park and Lake on your doorstep, it’s the perfect place to call home if you love getting active and exploring nature. There’s a great selection of local businesses in the area, so you rarely need to head into the city centre – but if you do, it’s less than a 15-minute drive.
 

Newport

Looking to buy a house in Newport? Here are some of the best areas in which to concentrate your search.
 

Bassaleg

Roughly two miles northwest of Newport city centre, Bassaleg is a popular area with a close-knit community. Located close to the M4, it’s handy for commuters, and it’s also easy to get to Cardiff by train, with journeys taking between 19 and 22 minutes. The area has some of the best schools in Newport, making it a good choice for families.
 

Caerleon

Just five miles to the northeast of Newport, and located on the banks of the River Usk, Caerleon offers a perfect blend of city and country living. The town is a site of historical importance as the location of Isca Augusta, an important Roman fortress and an Iron Age hillfort. As well as being archaeologically significant, Caerleon has good schools, great transport links and a pleasant community vibe.
 

Ponthir

Just six miles from Newport city centre, Ponthir is a village of just under 1,500 residents. It has a great selection of amenities including nurseries, playgrounds, sports clubs, pubs, churches, healthcare facilities and a grocery store. With easy access to the nearby Monmouthshire hills, it’s a good choice for those who want easy access to both the city and the countryside and there’s a great selection of both modern and older properties.
 

Rhiwderin

This small village to the west of Newport lies just off the main A468 Newport to Caerphilly Road, making transport into the city quick and easy. There’s a great choice of housing options, including new build houses and traditional terraced properties.