The nation offers an assortment of settings ranging from its busy central city to tiny rural communities and everything amid. Review my articles on the finest towns in Walesand the finest cities in Walesto become more familiar with this petite and exquisite country.
But first, let’s see where takes your fancy…
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15 Best Places to Live in Wales
Ruthin (Rhuthun)
A picturesque small town that currently holds the Sunday Times’ title of the best area to live in Wales.
🏠 Population: 5,461 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Ruthin Website | 👉 Browse Ruthin Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Ruthin (pronounced Rith-in) is currently the best place to live in Wales, according to the Sunday Times. Ruthin is a market town in North East Wales in the heart of the Vale of Clwyd.
You could live amongst architecture from the medieval and Tudor eras, in the lush hills of the Clwydian hills region, and around many independent shops. As rural, small-town living goes, Ruthin is quite busy and has a good community atmosphere. Welsh is widely spoken, as reflected in the local bilingual secondary school Ysgol Brynhyfryd.
Housing costs are reasonably priced relative to elsewhere in the UK. Public transportation is limited so owning a vehicle would likely be considered.
Abergavenny (Y Fenni)
Within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park lies this busy and friendly market town.
🏠 Population: 13,423 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Abergavenny Website | 👉 Explore Lodging Options in Abergavenny via Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Abergavenny is consistently voted as one of the best towns to live in Wales. The popular market town has a busy main street with numerous independent shops, eateries, and pubs.
Abergavenny is in South Wales’ biggest national park, Bannau Brycheiniog, making it a great base for exploring nature.
As a moderately sized town with a strong sense of community, lush environs, and adequate amenities and transport connections, Abergavenny has much to provide.
Cardiff (Caerdydd)
The national capital city of Wales is a vibrant locale to reside in and has a range of cool neighborhoods.
🏠 Population: 362,400 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Cardiff Website | 👉 Reference Accommodations in Cardiff through Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Cardiffis the largest city in Wales, yet you`re never far from ocean air and nature. The Welsh capital is home to numerous attractions, exceptional restaurants, a lively nightlife, and a friendly atmosphere. Cardiff is popular among everyone from young professionals to retirees.
Pontcanna is a stylish neighbourhood that is regularly chosen as the best neighbourhood in Cardiff. In any case, there are bunches of incredible neighbourhoods in Cardiff! Check my article on the best neighbourhoods in Cardiffto figure out additional.
Llangollen
Open your mind and heart to this unique town on the River Dee in Denbighshire.
🏠 Population: 3,466 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Llangollen Website | 👉 Explore Llangollen Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Expedition
Llangollen was ranked by the publication Which? as Wales’ top place to live in 2023, citing its picturesque location on the River Dee and independent spirit. Llangollen is a fairly rural but lively community.
The Llangollen Canal passes over the iconic Pontcysyllte aqueduct, proving a popular site to visit.
The small town holds a thriving calendar of artistic events. The annual Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is an inspiring cultural event that attracts performers and visitors from globally.
Swansea (Abertawe)
A cool city with an urban centre and gorgeously coastal surroundings.
🏠 Population: 237,800 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Swansea Bay Website| 👉 Review Swansea Accommodations on Booking for Your Scouting Journey
Swansea is a great place to reside if wanting both an urban and coastal lifestyle. Swansea is the second largest city in Wales and has a vibrant city centre and waterfront development. There are many great eateries, bars, and attractions across the city.
Swansea has an expansive, sandy beach and is near some of the best beaches in Wales situated in the Gower Peninsula.
Swansea has a large student population and is quite a young city, but also suits young professionals, families, and retirees.
Narberth
This charming town has colourful period architecture and lots of great shops.
🏠 Population: 2,265 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Pembrokeshire Website | 👉 Review hotel options in Narberth on Booking for your preliminary trip
Narberth still ranks highly in public evaluations of locations to live, despite recently losing its formal top positioning.
Along the thriving main street in Narberth, you’ll find independent shops selling items ranging from antiques to fine art. There are plenty of great places to eat and drink, from a selection of small cafes to an Spanish deli, Ultracomida Deli.
Narberth borders the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. In addition to exploring the coast nearby, walks connect the town to woodlands and meadows.
Narberth would suit individuals seeking a more rural lifestyle.
Aberystwyth
With the most youthful population in Wales, this coastal town in Mid Wales is an entertaining and scenic place to live.
🏠 Population: 18,093 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Aberystwyth Website | 👉 Browse Aberystwyth Accommodations on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Aberystwyth is a uniquely lively and youthful coastal town surrounded by beautiful countryside. Aberystwyth has the youngest population in Wales with a median age of 24.
The University of Aberystwyth draws in thousands of young people each year, many of whom reside or return to this lovely town. The centre of Aberystwyth provides a wealth of places to shop, dine and drink.
Aberystwyth North Beach and the neighbouring Promenade are only a brief walk from the town centre and make for a pleasant seaside stroll. Great amenities, historical landmarks, and a nightclub on the pier can be found!
Wrexham (Wrecsam)
An emerging city in North East Wales with its own Netflix documentary series.
🏠 Population: 135,100 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Wrexham Website | 👉 Browse Wrexham Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Wrexham gained status as a city in 2022, becoming Wales’ most recent. Wrexham has also gathered attention since two celebrities purchased Wrexham A.F.C, Wales’ oldest football club, in 2020. Providing the city a morale boost and some investment, Wrexham’s future looks bright.
The market settlement turned urban center is conveniently located near much of North East Wales and North England, including Liverpool.
Wrexham has monthly street festivals and a calendar of events and culture. Many of the suburbs and villages surrounding Wrexham are popular among families.
Monmouth (Trefynwy)
A well-situated and desirable town with historic landmarks and beautiful countryside.
🏠 Population: Approximately 10,110 | 📍 Google Maps link | 🌆 Website about Monmouthshire | 👉 Check Monmouth Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Monmouth is a friendly community located on the border between Wales and England. Monmouth is home to a busy main street and historic landmarks such as the medieval Monnow Bridge. Public transportation is inconsistent but hiking routes throughout the surrounding countryside are plentiful!
Monmouth is home to a beautifully designed cinema, The Savoy Theatre, good eateries such as La Piccola, and several pleasant pubs.
There are quality schools and sufficient local facilities such as a leisure center and library. Monmouth proves popular among families but welcomes all ages.
Crickhowell (Crughywel)
Experience a relaxed pace of life in a scenic town with one of the best high streets in the country.
🏠 Population: 2,063 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Crickhowell Website | 👉 Browse Crickhowell Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Crickhowell High Street is reputed as one of Britain`s premier high streets. You’ll find many local independent shops, such as award-winning bookshop Book-ish.
Crickhowell is in the shadow of Crug Hywel, home to an iron-age fortification, on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Crickhowell has a very scenic landscape and strong sense of community.
There are good schools and local services nearby. Crickhowell is connected to the nearby town of Abergavenny and Brecon by bus, but public transportation is pretty limited beyond that.
St Davids (Tyddewi)
Britain’s smallest city is a coastal haven where residents can shop, hike or even surf!
🏠 Population: 1,348 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 St Davids Website | 👉 Explore St Davids Lodging on Booking for Your Scout Trip
St Davids is Britain’s smallest city and feels like a town. There are regular markets and community-run events, ranging from curry nights to quizzes. St Davids’ small population contrasts with the enormous Cathedral and the city’s importance in Welsh folklore.
St Davids is in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and is a short walk or drive from some spectacular beaches.
Tourists flock to St Davids and some facilities are only open during the summer season. The high number of second homes means that real estate prices have risen and long-term renting can be competitive.
Even if you aren’t organizing a move to St Davids, it’s worthwhile visiting as one of the primary attractions in Wales.
Hay-on-Wye
Live among over twenty-five bookstores, a charming town center, and the beautiful River Wye.
📍 Location Google Maps link | Neighborhood website link | School district: L.A. Unified School District | 👉 Best hotel for your scouting trip: The Kinney
Hay-on-Wye is an enchanting town in the Wye Valley, located on the boundary between England and Wales. Hay (as it is known locally) offers the best of both worlds, with easy access to the countryside and cultural events.
In the town of books, you’d have over twenty-five bookshops on your doorstep to browse. Many local bookstores run regular literary events and workshops. Hay comes alive during the world-renowned Hay Festival, each May.
Hay is a desirable location that attracts individuals from young professionals, families to retirees.
Beaumaris
A beautifully scenic town with an imposing castle on the stunning Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn) in Wales.
🏠 Population: 1,370 | 📍 Google Maps location | 🌆 Beaumaris town website | 👉 Browse accommodation in Beaumaris on Booking for your advance visit
Beaumaris is a small coastal community with Georgian architecture, a pier and a spectacular castle. Beaumaris suits individuals who value nature and community.
Beaumaris sits on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn), which possesses 125 miles of coastline and stunning perspectives. Anglesey was once voted as one of the happiest places in Wales!
You won’t find a lively nightlife in Beaumaris, but the small university city of Bangor is only a 15-minute drive away.
Beaumaris sees many more visitors during the warm summer months as it is a popular tourist destination. The attractive location implies that property values tend to be higher on average than other areas of Wales.
Carmarthen (Caerfyrddin)
Wales’ earliest settlement offers a good lifestyle and proximity to the shoreline.
🏠 Population: 15,854 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Carmarthenshire Website | 👉 Browse Carmarthen Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
In your solo travel packing list, include some things you wouldn’t mind leaving behind like a top or some products. This way, if there’s barely any space remaining in your carry-on from shopping, you can exchange new items for old ones.
Carmarthen has suitable public transportation and road connections to other places in Wales. You can travel to lovely coastal destinations, like Pendine Sands, in under half an hour.
The county of Carmarthenshire offers residents a high quality of life with low crime, quality schools, and easy access to pastoral countryside surroundings.
Newport (Casnewydd)
A lively South Welsh city with quality amenities and excellent commuting choices.
🏠 Population: 159,600 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Newport Website | 👉 Browse Newport Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Newport is one of the largest cities in Wales and is well-connected to most of South Wales and Bristol by transportation. Many individuals, such as young professionals and families, opt to relocate to Newport due to its amenities and convenient geographic position.
Newport has a contemporary waterfront shopping center, diverse dining choices, and main street shopping.
Newport generally has fairly competitive pricing, however, it varies greatly between neighbourhoods. Neighbourhoods such as St Julian’s have larger properties and greenery, making them more desirable and expensive.
FAQs About Living in Wales
What are some family-friendly places to live in Wales?
Cardiff and Abergavenny represent family-friendly places to reside in Wales. Cardiff and Abergavenny provide good family-oriented activities and amenities. Cardiff even earned designation as the UK’s first Child Friendly City under the UNICEF initiative.
What are good places to live in Wales for young adults?
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Which part of Wales is best to live in?
The coast is the best region of Wales for living as it features scenic beauty and lovely coastal towns and cities with bustling main streets.
Is Wales cheap to live in?
The cost of living in Wales is cheaper compared to the UK average. On average, housing prices and living expenses in Wales are more affordable than elsewhere in the UK. However, Wales has not been immune to the rising cost of living crisis and prices have been increasing.
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I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the best areas to live in Wales. Check out some of the top sites to go to in Wales, to get a feel for Welsh day trips!
