Cardiff might not be as high on people’s lists of places to live and work as heavyweights like London or Manchester, but for those who do give the Welsh capital a chance, the city rarely disappoints.
However, as Cardiff-based solicitors who have served clients across South Wales for more than 20 years, we have seen first-hand why so many people choose to build their lives and careers in the Welsh capital. This experience gives us a unique perspective on what makes Cardiff such an attractive place to live and work
Cardiff combines the cultural infrastructure of a capital city with the pace of life of a much smaller town. With the Welsh mountains, coastline, and countryside a mere stone’s throw away, Cardiff can be an ideal choice for those looking for a home that gives them the buzz of city life with a laid-back vibe.
Whether you’re considering a move for work, lifestyle, or a combination of both, here are ten reasons Cardiff deserves serious consideration.
1. The cost of living is reasonable
Compared to most UK cities of equivalent status, Cardiff is an affordable place to put down roots.
Property prices, rental costs, and day-to-day expenses are all significantly cheaper than in Edinburgh and London, with the English capital said to be between 50% and 100% more expensive to live in overall.
With the uptick in remote and hybrid working, Cardiff offers London professionals a genuine opportunity to meaningfully improve their quality of life while not compromising on the amenities of a major economic centre.
2. The job market is expanding
Cardiff’s job market has diversified considerably over the past two decades and continues to do so. Some 211,000 people work in the heart of the city, with over 630,000 being employed within the wider region, across industries ranging from financial and legal to technology, fintech, and creative media.
Cardiff’s two universities provide a steady flow of skilled graduates who choose to stay in the city to pursue their careers, giving the capital a perpetually youthful vibe.
3. Cardiff is accessible
While remote and hybrid working look to be here to stay, many of us still need to head into the office at least a couple of times a week, and for those working in people-facing sectors like retail and hospitality, working from home is rarely an option. With that in mind, the fact that getting around Cardiff is manageable can be a real draw.
The Welsh capital is compact by capital standards, and many people live within cycling or walking distance of their workplace.
The city experiences less congestion than other capitals, and while its public transport network isn’t yet as smooth as London’s Underground or Edinburgh’s Lothian buses, plans are afoot to improve connections across the region, with the South Wales Metro rapidly increasing its reach and services all over South Wales.
4. There are hundreds of green spaces
Cardiff is often cited as having more green space per person than any other core UK city, boasting over 330 parks and gardens.
In the heart of the city lies Bute Park, a 56-hectare Grade I listed park sitting directly behind Cardiff Castle and through which the Taff River flows.
Beyond the city boundaries, the outstanding Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) are less than an hour away, and the Vale of Glamorgan coastline is closer still.
5. There’s a vibrant food and drink scene
Cardiff’s food and drink scene has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. While foodies were once stuck with a limited choice of uninspiring chain restaurants, they now have a genuinely exciting array of independent culinary offerings to explore.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to international street food stalls, the city ‘s eclectic food and drink scene is a clear reflection of its diverse population.
Admittedly, it might not quite be on par with London in terms of variety, but it’s a hugely impressive offering for a city of less than 400,000 people.
6. It’s great for culture, sport, and live events
Cardiff punches well above its weight when it comes to attracting world-class events. Between them, the city’s venues, such as Principality Stadium, Sophia Gardens, and the Wales Millennium Centre, frequently stage major events across sport, culture, and music.
Cardiff on event day is a genuinely one-of-a-kind experience. Thanks in part to its compactness, the events tend to take over the city, with visitors describing the experience as ‘brilliant’, ‘spine-tingling’, and ‘intoxicating’.
Locals are lucky enough to have all this on their doorstep and can immerse themselves in the carnival-like atmosphere before heading home to the sanctuary of their own beds.
7. It acts as a gateway to the splendour of Wales
Living in Cardiff means having the beauty of Wales at your fingertips.
Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, the Gower Peninsula, the Wye Valley, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park are all within easy reach for an invigorating coastal break or countryside retreat when you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle of city living.
8. It’s known for its friendliness
Cardiff is an incredibly welcoming city. We’re not just being biased – the capital’s friendliness is one of its most consistently noted qualities, remarked upon by visitors and residents alike.
In fact, Condé Nast Traveller readers named it the UK’s friendliest city in 2023, awarding it a near-perfect friendliness score of 97.78 out of 100, above Belfast, Manchester, and Liverpool.
A separate 2024 study found that 65% of Cardiff residents say they are friends with their neighbours, placing it among the UK’s top five cities for neighbourliness, too.
9. Cardiff Bay
We think Cardiff Bay deserves a special mention. This spectacular waterfront development is situated around a 200-hectare lake and is home to the Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd.
The area is a vibrant mix of independent restaurants and bars, activity centres, entertainment venues, and high-end apartments.
Not dissimilar to London’s Southbank, Manchester’s Salford Quays, or Dublin’s Docklands, Cardiff Bay has a decidedly chic, cultural vibe that gives it a European feel.
On a weekday morning, you might see locals jogging along the flat waterfront path or grabbing a coffee before starting work.
At the weekend, the area is a hub of activity, as revellers of all ages head to Mermaid Quay for a bite to eat and a few drinks.
The wetlands around the bay are a surprising contrast to the vibrancy, offering quiet walking paths and a dose of nature that feels a world away from urban life.
10. It’s a work in progress
Like any growing city, Cardiff has its challenges. Peak-time traffic can be heavy, and some regeneration projects are ongoing. However, most residents would agree that these issues are outweighed by the city’s affordability, friendliness and quality of life.
Cardiff is actively evolving, and the extensive ongoing development and regeneration projects promise to elevate this already lovely city into something truly spectacular.
For locals and newcomers, this means a unique opportunity to be part of Cardiff’s transformation and to help shape its future.
Whether you are moving for work, raising a family or simply seeking a better quality of life, Cardiff combines opportunity, culture, green space and excellent connectivity. It continues to evolve while retaining the welcoming character that has made it one of the UK’s most appealing cities.
If you’re planning a move to Cardiff and need experienced local solicitors, visit our Cardiff Head Office
Posted in News
