The annual 'best places to live' list has just been revealed by The Sunday Times for 2023 and it includes seven locations in Wales, with three places making their debut on to this annual list.
The comprehensive guide, now in its eleventh year, comprises a list of 70 locations, is an annual assessment of the best places to live across the UK.
The Sunday Times' expert judges have visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street. You can sign up to our Amazing Welsh Homes newsletter here.
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Helen Davies, the editor of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2023, says: "When times are tough, where we live matters more than ever. Attractive surroundings, good neighbours and a comfortable home are the best defences when the stresses of modern life seem overwhelming.
"This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2023 from Orkney to Felixstowe, the Chew Valley to Manchester city centre. Whether you’re downsizing, trading up or getting onto the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you."
Seven Welsh places are included on the list in a random order, but when isolated to just our nation and not the UK as a whole, the judges have chosen an overall winner. Surprisingly for many people last year's winner Llandeilo does not appear at all on the 2023 list. See the 2022 list here.
If you live in one of these areas why not let us know what it's like to live there in the comments section below?
Winner: Ruthin, Denbighshire
This characterful and charming town has climbed from number four in the 2022 list to the top spot for 2023. The Sunday Times judges praised Ruthin in Denbighshire for its historic town, medieval and Victorian buildings, atmospheric setting surrounded by the Clwydian hills, as well as its community hubs and excellent schools.
The judges stated that this beautiful, historic corner of the Vale of Clwyd provides the very best of small-town living. It may look sleepy from the outside, but scratch the surface and it’s a hive of activity.
Highlights mentioned include the market hall for food and craft markets and pop-up restaurants, a disused bank has been converted into a repair café and the old courthouse is now a visitor hub and co-working space. There are all kinds of interesting independent businesses, producing everything from ice cream to roads.
Six other Welsh places were added to the list after Ruthin, not in any particular order but as worthy communities to be highlighted as thriving, inviting and a wonderful place to call home.
The other Welsh places to make the list (in no particular order):
Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
This market town has always been popular as a place to call home and once again features within this annual list of the hot spots of places to live in Wales.
The judges state that from the scenery to the high street and a busy community eager to get involved in everything from choirs to litter picks, there’s something to admire everywhere you turn, adding: "This is a proper market town which along with the food festival and the many excellent restaurants, makes this a particularly good spot for anyone keen on eating well." You can join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
Barmouth, Gwynedd
The morphing of this attractive coastal town from a 'kiss-me-quick' holiday getaway into a more a sophisticated coastal retreat has gone gone unnoticed by the judges, with comments including 'it is beautiful resort, with its famous viaduct and stunning mountain backdrop and now a great place to enjoy the scenery all year round, helped by an influx of interesting shops and restaurants, such as the beachfront Celtic Cabin, which serves the best street food in the country'.
Pontcanna, Cardiff
The thriving, affluent suburb in the capital that has it all, from easy access to the city centre, parks and posh schools to the boutique shops and eateries nestled within its pretty period streets, Pontcanna regularly appears in the best and trendiest places to live lists.
The judges were impressed with the city as well as this hotspot within it, saying: "Small, friendly and unpretentious, Cardiff is the UK's most likeable capital city. Leafy Pontcanna is our favourite neighbourhood in the Welsh capital, thanks to its combination of beautiful parks, elegant Victorian terraces and some exceptional independent shops, cafes and restaurants as well as easy access to the city centre."
Gower Peninsula
With over 70 square miles of prime scenic seaside and gorgeous inland landscape, Gower is worth its place on the list based on its beauty alone, but it has even more to offer than its beaches, cliffs and moorlands.
The judges were thrilled by the busy hive of community projects - village shops, organic farms and much more, adding: "From the coast at Caswell Bay and Langland to village life at its best in Llanmadoc or Llangennith there's something for everyone - especially families who can enjoy the outdoor lifestyle while keeping Swansea on the doorstep."
Narberth, Pembrokeshire
The 2020 overall winner still maintains a presence on the list, and rightly so according to the judges, describing highlights such as "an exciting new food hall and a new café that offers mental-health support are just the latest additions to a town centre that punches far above its weight. Easy access to Pembrokeshire’s spectacular beaches, a swimming pool, lively community centre and a strong cultural offering add to the appeal".
Solva, Pembrokeshire
The location is beautiful, but it’s the community spirit that earns this village its spot. The judges mention Bayview Stores, the brilliant village shop that became a lifeline during lockdown, to the annual fireworks display or the Solva Edge festival, saying: "There's a rare determination among the population to take care of each other and keep Solva buzzing all year round."
Solva keeps popping up on lists regarding the best places to live in Wales, and in January 2023 the pretty village made it onto the list of 'poshest Welsh villages' - find out more about that here. The reason why it is such a fabulous place to live can be explained by the local residents, read what they have to say here.
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