03 Jul Should I Move to Cardiff?

Thinking about relocating to Cardiff? Whether you are planning your next family move, downsizing for retirement, or simply looking for a better quality of life, this guide offers a clear and honest overview of what Cardiff has to offer. From lifestyle and atmosphere to its most desirable residential areas, here’s what you need to know before making the move.

Why More People Are Choosing Cardiff

Cardiff continues to attract people from across the UK, and it is easy to understand why. As the capital city of Wales, it offers everything you would expect from a major city. It has good schools, access to career opportunities, and its own culture, without the intensity or high cost often associated with larger cities.

What sets Cardiff apart is the balance it offers. You can live near the coast or countryside while still being within easy reach of shops, restaurants, theatres, and transport links. The city has a friendly, down-to-earth feel, and many residents describe it as a place where community matters.

What Is Life Like in Cardiff?

Cardiff combines both modern city living with the Welsh attitude towards community and local identity. The centre has a mix of historical landmarks and newer developments, but what stands out is how green and accessible the city feels. Parks, riverside paths, and well-kept residential streets are never far away.

The city has a welcoming atmosphere and a sense of space. You can stroll through Bute Park, shop in the Victorian arcades, or enjoy a walk along Cardiff Bay, all in the same afternoon. Neighbourhoods have their own high streets and amenities, making it easy to feel settled and part of the local area.

The lifestyle suits a wide range of people. For families, there is a strong network of schools and recreational facilities. For professionals, the commute is manageable, and for those retiring, there are quiet, residential areas that still offer access to everything the city has to offer. The overall pace is calmer than in larger UK cities, yet you never feel disconnected or isolated, especially with nearby cities like Swansea, Newport, Bath, and Bristol within easy reach.

Where Are the Best Areas to Live?

Cardiff has a wide variety of residential areas, each with its own character. Whether you are looking for a quiet, leafy suburb or a well-connected neighbourhood with access to schools and shops, there are plenty of options. As expert estate agents with almost 50 years of property experience in Cardiff, here are some of our recommendations.

Cyncoed

Cyncoed is one of Cardiff’s most established and desirable areas. It is known for its tree-lined roads, spacious properties, and proximity to green space. Many families are drawn here for the sense of peace and the long-term quality of the homes. The area also has excellent local amenities and a strong reputation for schools.

Lisvane

Lisvane is a quiet and affluent suburb located on the northern edge of the city. It has a village-like atmosphere, with large homes, well-kept gardens, and a strong sense of privacy. The area is well suited to those looking for space and calm, while still wanting to stay within reach of the city centre.

Thornhill

Thornhill is a practical and popular choice for families and professionals. It offers modern housing, reliable transport connections, and convenient access to shops and schools. The area has a good mix of property types and a relaxed, suburban feel that appeals to a broad range of buyers.

Rhiwbina and Whitchurch

These neighbouring areas are known for their community spirit and family-friendly feel. Both have local high streets, good schools, and parks within walking distance. The housing stock includes attractive traditional homes, and the atmosphere is lively but not busy. It is easy to see why many residents choose to stay long term.

Pontprennau

This is a sizeable development of architecturally varied modern properties from 2 bedroomed terraced to 4 plus bedroomed detached.  It is particularly well served by supermarkets, gyms, B&Q and has an excellent medical centre.  Geographically it is placed within a short distance of the M4 and the A48 Eastern Avenue, giving direct access to the City Centre.  It also has one of the best bus services in the city, with buses every 10/15 minutes.

The Heath

Created in the 1930’s and the 1940’s this is a gracious more central residential area, comprised of traditional semi-detached and detached houses with good sized gardens fronting quiet tree lined avenues.  With a highly regarded junior school, small local shopping areas and a wealth of parkland, the Heath provides the opportunity of quietly living in elegant surroundings within an easy distance of the University Hospital of Wales and the City Centre.

Employment Opportunities in Cardiff

Cardiff offers a broad mix of employment opportunities, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, finance, public services, and the creative industries. Many people relocating to the city find that it supports a good work-life balance. The scale of the city means that most commutes are relatively short, and you rarely get the same kind of rush-hour pressure seen in larger cities.

Whether you are office-based, working in education, or self-employed, Cardiff has the kind of infrastructure and lifestyle that supports steady, sustainable working routines. With increasing numbers of people working flexibly, Cardiff’s neighbourhood layout also makes it easy to find a home that fits your day-to-day needs.

Transport and Getting Around

Cardiff is a city that is easy to navigate. The road layout is straightforward, and many of the main routes connect residential areas directly to the centre. Public transport is widely available, with frequent local buses and direct train routes to nearby towns and villages. Whether you are commuting, heading into the centre for shopping, or planning a weekend away, you will not find it difficult to get where you need to go.

Walking and cycling are also popular, especially in and around the central districts and the parklands. Many residents find they do not need a car day to day, depending on where they live. That said, Cardiff also works well for drivers, with accessible routes out to the countryside and beyond.

Education and Healthcare

For those moving to Cardiff with children, the city has a strong range of schools, both state and independent. Many of the areas already mentioned—such as Cyncoed, Lisvane, and Rhiwbina—are well regarded for their local school choices, which is part of the reason they remain in high demand.

Cardiff also offers good access to healthcare. GP surgeries and dental practices are found across all districts, and there are several major hospitals and specialist centres within reach. This makes Cardiff a reassuring choice for families, older buyers, and anyone planning a long-term move.

Final Thoughts – Is Cardiff Right for You?

Cardiff is a city that suits people at different stages of life. It has enough variety to offer something for everyone, whether that is access to schools, a calmer pace of living, or the ability to enjoy parks, cafes, and community life without giving up city convenience.

What sets Cardiff apart is its balance. It is large enough to offer real choice, yet small enough to feel manageable. It is modern and connected, but never overwhelming. And above all, it is friendly—most people who move here say they feel settled quickly.

If you are considering relocating, Kelvin Francis is here to help. As a long established, privately owned estate agent in Cardiff, we specialise in helping individuals and families find the right home in the right area. Whether you are early in the process or ready to begin viewings, we are always happy to offer honest, experienced advice on your next move.

Feel free to get in touch or browse our available properties online. Cardiff might just be the fresh start you are looking for.