Beautiful and historic – town named best place to live in Wales
THE ANNUAL “best places to live” list has 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 guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each fantastic places to live in 2023. 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.
Top of the pile in Wales is Ruthin, Denbighshire. The Sunday Times judges praised the community for its historic town, medieval and Victorian buildings, atmospheric setting surrounded by the Clwydian hills, as well as its community hubs and excellent schools.
They also said there are all kinds of interesting independent businesses in the town. It was joined in the top seven in Wales by a Gwynedd seaside resort.
Judges loved Barmouth for its famous viaduct and stunning mountain backdrop. They said it is rapidly turning from a “kissme-quick holiday getaway to a sophisticated coastal retreat”.
Wadhurst in East Sussex was named the overall winner of Best Places to Live in the UK. The 72 locations across the UK will be released online this morning and an abridged version will be published as a magazine supplement on Sunday.
Helen Davies, the editor of Best Places to Live 2023, said: “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.”
Kim Kinnaird, the director of Halifax Mortgages, who sponsor the list, said: “At Halifax, we know it’s where you live that really makes somewhere feel like ‘home.’ What people look for when choosing where to live is a very personal choice. We know
that the housing market can sometimes feel daunting when there are so many locations and things to consider. But looking at these fantastic locations is a great start, with options for different budgets and family situations, alongside an exciting blend of urban and rural living.”