Before moving to Cardiff I didn’t know what to expect. Being from the north of England originally, I had never had the opportunity to explore south Wales properly so was keen to get to make the most of the area as much as I could.
I wondered how the city would feel, knowing that sometimes it can be overwhelming to come to a new place if you don’t know your way around. But with the help of Google Maps and some lovely strangers, it didn’t take long at all to get settled in. Reflecting on what it’s been like since moving at the end of 2022, and chatting to other people who have moved from England, it seems that it doesn’t take people long to fall for the Cardiff life. And I've noticed that there is a very real difference between how people spend their time here and in England.
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1. The Welsh language
I had never quite realised how vibrant the Welsh language was until I moved here. It's a huge part of people's lives and really shines through in the day-to-day. I wish there had been an option to be taught it in the English school I went to, because it's a beautiful language with such a rich history. It would be wonderful if more people could learn it. Luckily, all of my housemates speak Welsh fluently, and although they are happy to speak English with me, I love listening to them all speak the language to each other. Slowly but surely, they're helping me to pick up more and more phrases.
2. The nightlife
I think I underestimated how much people like to go out in Cardiff after living in Liverpool. But the Welsh really know how to have a good time.
3. The train to the beach in less than 20 minutes
In Cardiff, it's ridiculously easy to get to the beach, even if you don't drive. You can be by the sea in Penarth in 20 minutes from Cardiff Central which I thought was amazing and not something I've been used to before. It's easy to feel land-locked in lots of cities but Cardiff is unique in that sense. One minute you can be amongst the hustle and bustle and, the next, enjoying an ice cream on the pier, meaning you truly get the best of both worlds.
4. The lifestyle
On a similar note, I love the lifestyle people have here. It feels like there's more focus on getting outdoors and being in nature. Whether that's going for a walk on the beach or getting out to one of Cardiff's many parks, people's attitudes feel much more intentional when it comes to getting outside. Everyone is keen to travel out to different parts of the country, as well, if a good day out is promised!
5. The lack of hills!
This was a welcome change. I was born in Sheffield, which is built on seven hills, and it felt like you were doing a workout every time you walked to the shops. The good thing about Cardiff is that the city centre is almost completely flat, and you can stroll to different suburban areas with ease.
6. The houses have gardens
This was another thing I actually didn't expect, but as a renter I couldn't believe how easy it was to find outdoor space. Having rented in Liverpool and Bath before that, where it seemed there were more flats available than houses, it was amazing to see how many rented properties had proper gardens that make such a difference to your day-to-day life.
For the first time ever, all three of the houses I looked around before moving had gardens, and most of the people I know renting also have outdoor spaces they can enjoy. And they were all a decent size. This was not something I had ever expected to be able to afford when living in cities in my twenties.
7. Everyone is lovely
In a major city you can have the expectation that people are always going to be on autopilot and will have little time to bother with day-to-day niceties. But I can say for sure that Cardiff is the friendliest place I have lived in. You never feel like you're on your own, because, even when you take a train or sit in a coffee shop, everyone is up for a chat. There's a real sense that everyone knows everyone when you're walking around Cardiff market or the Arcades.
8. The architecture
There are so many beautiful buildings in Cardiff. And they all have so many different stories behind them. From the classic and historic ones like Cardiff Castle and the National Museum, to the newer structures, they all bring something unique to the Welsh capital.
9. The Welsh cakes
I never knew how much of an enterprise Welsh cakes are in Cardiff. In England, you can only find them hidden away in the bakery section of larger supermarkets, and lots of people have never tried them. But here, we love them. And my advice to anyone visiting is that if someone asks you if you want a Welsh cake, just say yes. And don’t ever try to compare them to scones.
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