Area Guide: Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, located in the south of the country. A mix of towns, villages, countryside, and coast surrounds Cardiff. The city is only 30 minutes from Newport, and an hour from Swansea, making it a well connected location to live and work.

Property Types in Cardiff

The new homes in Cardiff offer something to suit everyone, and at all price points. You’ll find a mix of apartments and houses across the city, from small to large developments.

Many national house builders have developments in Cardiff, including Bellway and Persimmon Homes, as well as Welsh developers Llanmoor Homes.

Employment Opportunities in Cardiff

Cardiff offers plenty of employment opportunities thanks to its varied industries. As the capital of Wales, there are many headquarters based within the city. These include BBC Wales, the insurer Principality, as well as locations for PwC, GE and Legal & General.

Other industries within Cardiff offer excellent job prospects. Hotels, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues - as well as Cardiff University and other educational institutions - offer a wide range of employment opportunities.

Education in Cardiff

You will find some great schools in Cardiff, including Cardiff High School, Bishop of Llandaff Church In Wales High School and Radyr Comprehensive School.

For higher education, there is Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales. A wide range of courses is available across the institutions because of their individual histories and specialisms. Moving to Cardiff to attend University is an excellent choice!

Transport Links

Cardiff is served by many major roads and the M4 motorway, which passes the north of the city. The M4 starts in West London, and ends in Carmarthenshire to the West of Cardiff. This makes it easily accessible from across the south of England and Wales.

Cardiff train station is in the centre of the city. Routes serve most of Wales, as well as into England and beyond.

Cardiff also has its own airport located 30 minutes from the city. It offers international flights to Europe, as well as America, Australia, Dubai and many other locations.

Cardiff’s Restaurants & Bars

People know Cardiff for its great nightlife, with dozens of restaurants, bars, and clubs to enjoy. Along St Mary Street you’ll find plenty of popular venues including Metros, The Live Lounge, Clwb Ifor Bach and Mary’s. You can also visit more popular chains like Slug & Lettuce, Walkabout or Flight Club.

If you are looking for something to eat then head to familiar favourites like Turtle Bay, The Ivy, Côte and Wahaca. As well as Michelin star independent restaurants such as Asador 44, The Sorting Room and Thomas by Tom Simmons.

Sports & Entertainment in Cardiff

Cardiff is home to a number of professional sports teams. Catch Cardiff City FC play at the Cardiff City Stadium or Cardiff Rugby Club play at Cardiff Arms Park.

Large venues like the Principality Stadium hold many international sports tournaments such as the Rugby Six Nations. The stadium will also host the upcoming 2028 UEFA Euros. The Utilita Arena Cardiff hosts a plethora of sports events, concerts and exhibitions.

Looking for something a little more low-key? You will find escape rooms, mini-golf, cinemas and museums throughout the city.

Cardiff’s Culture & Landmarks

If you like theatre and the arts, you can visit some great places. Visit the New Theatre, the Wales Millennium Centre or the Chapter Arts Centre. These venues offer a range of shows and exhibitions to suit all tastes.

If you enjoy history, The National Museum Cardiff and the Museum of Cardiff are both free to visit. They offer programmes of events and exhibitions for all the family.

Cardiff Castle is in the center of the city. The castle has many things for you to see, like Roman Walls, museums and exhibitions. You can even have a wedding at the castle! Cardiff City Hall is another historic landmark, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens.

Other popular areas to live near Cardiff

Penarth

Penarth is a town located 3 miles south of Cardiff city centre at the southern end of Cardiff Bay. People consistently recognise Penarth as one of the best places to live in Wales.

Lisvane

Lisvane is a community to the north of Cardiff, located 5 miles north of the city centre. The village enjoys proximity to the city, with a beautiful rural backdrop, making it a great place to live.

Llandaff

Llandaff is a quiet residential area of Cardiff, and is known as the birthplace of children's author Roald Dahl. The city of Llandaff even has its own Cathedral dating back to 1107.

Dinas Powys

Dinas Powys is a town located 6 miles from Cardiff city centre, approximately halfway between Cardiff and Barry. Its name means "fort of the provincial place" and refers to the Iron Age hillfort which overlooks the village.