What Is Living In Newport Like? A Guide To Newport
Last Updated December 2024
Newport is a city in Wales; it is situated on the River Usk and is 12 miles northeast of Cardiff. Newport is the third largest city in Wales.
Is Newport a Nice Place to Live?
Is Newport nice? Newport, Wales, has recently been named as the 3rd best place to live in the UK, offering enviable views and gentle rolling hills. The high-street features Victorian buildings with all the shops, eateries and takeaways you’d expect to find on a high-street. There has been some redevelopment in recent years; £100 million was spent on developing Friars Walk, a retail and leisure scheme that opened in 2015.
There is a good selection of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues including; theatres, cinemas and a bowling alley. If you like to get outdoors then the Brecon Beacons is only 30 minutes away, as is the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding National Beauty.
Newport Population
Newport has a population of 159,600, according to the 2021 census, this is an increase of 9.5% from the last census in 2011.
Is Newport a Safe Place to Live?
Newport is recognised as the most dangerous major town in Gwent with a crime rate that is 76% higher than the regional crime rate. In 2023, the overall crime rate in Newport was 148 crimes per 1,000 people.
Newport Weather
As the locals will tell you, it rains a lot in Newport and is very windy due to prevailing winds and its lovely costal location with a broad, sprawling, sandy beach! However, these fluctuating winds and rain mixed with occasional bursts of hot weather can wreak havoc with your doors and security.
Winter in Newport, Wales
From December to the end of February, the weather in Newport is cold, wet, windy and chances of snow! Average temperatures are between 6-9°C.
If you’re looking to move to Newport, this can affect your home security. Wooden doors in particular can suffer in the cold weather, as it causes the wood to expand, frame to shrink and metal parts of the door to stiffen. During the winter, burglars have more opportunities to attack as they have the cover of darkness to hide in, you can eliminate this with outdoor security lighting. Christmas is also targeted as people have increased valuables in their home and are away visiting family.
Newport was Gwent’s most dangerous major town in January 2024 for burglary with 53 crimes taken place during this month.
Spring in Newport
The fluctuating temperatures in spring mean your doors can suffer from both shrinkage and expansion during this period. Paired with spring showers, it’s a good idea to check them over regularly such as if your doors are properly aligned and the start of a new season is the ideal time to remember to lubricate your locks, remember to use graphite powder rather than traditional WD40 which can cause a sticky residue build-up and further complications.
Summer in Newport
As a new season approaches, it’s time to service your doors with graphite spray in and around the locking mechanisms and ensuring the hinges, handles are working as they should. The longer, lighter and warmer evenings are a good excuse to install any new outdoor security cameras and lights as well as increasing the security on your shed or any outbuildings.
With the summer sunshine, brings more festivities to the city! Take a look at the guide on Visit Wales for some top things to do in June! You can expect temperatures to be around 20°C.
Autumn in Newport
Weather in autumn gently starts cooling down in Newport, it is a good time of year to watch the sunset down on the beach and on the mountains with the autumn colours aglow!
As darker evenings slowly start approaching, it is important to be vigilant about the security of your home as opportunistic thieves have the cover of darkness to attempt burglaries. Once the clocks go back, burglaries spike by more than a third!
House Prices in Newport
In Newport the average price for a property is £251,650, which is 8% down on the previous year.
- Terrace houses sell for an average of £199,375
- Semi-detached houses sell for £215,828 on average
- Detached houses sell for £331,829 on average
Renting in Newport
The average rent in Newport is £743 per calendar month, with a rent growth of 11.5%.
Best Areas to Live in Newport
Bassaleg
You’ll find Bassaleg about 2 miles North West of Newport, there are good schools and transport links here, which make it a desirable place to live. You can get to central Cardiff via train in about 20 minutes, which is great for those commuting for work.
Average property price: £198,963
Caerleon
Located on the northern outskirts of Newport, there is a lot of historical significance in Caerleon. It’s the location of a notable Roman legionary fortress and an Iron Age hill fort, as well as lots of beautiful untouched countryside. You will also find some good transport links here, to Cardiff and Bristol, the M4 is also very close by.
Average property price: £228,168
Ponthir
Less than 6 miles south west of Newport city centre, new housing estates have been built around an older village. The town has everything you could want; pubs, local shops and a doctor’s surgery. This is a great place for young couples and families looking to live in a village environment, is boasts several playparks, nurseries and lots of open green spaces.
Travelling in Newport
The city of Newport is extremely accessible and many people commute to Bristol. They have transformed the railway station that provides great access to the expansive transport network. 79.6% of people in Newport live within a 200 metre walk from a bus, train or tube station.
Closest Airport
The nearest airport to Newport is Bristol Airport which is 18.7 miles away. Other nearby airports include Cardiff which is 19.8 miles away, Birmingham which is 80.9 miles away, London Heathrow that is 110.3 miles from Newport and London Luton which is 114.7 miles away.
Newport’s Closest Hospital
The closest hospital to Newport is The Royal Gwent Hospital, which is located at Cardiff Rd, Newport NP20 2UB.
What are the School’s like in Newport?
In Newport 10.9% of homes are situated close to a primary school that Ofsted have awarding an ‘Outstanding’ rating to. This standard remains high for older children as well; the A-Level pass rate in Newport is 97% with 76.3% of students getting an A*-C grade, which is much higher than the Welsh national average
History and Landmarks
Houdini got in trouble in Newport
The most famous magician that ever lived had a love for Newport, Wales. He started his very first international tour in Newport in 1905. Houdini may not have been the most popular with the local police, as he showed them up by escaping, completely naked, from the cells. He returned a few years later and jumped handcuffed from Newport Bridge, thousands of people descended on the city to watch him. After all this, Houdini was summonsed to appear in front of the magistrate for obstructing a public highway, but he walked away without even a fine.
Newport Castle
Newport Castle is a ruined castle; it was built in the 14th century by Hugh de Audley, with the intention of managing the crossing of the River Usk. The castle was also used to house the administrative offices for the collection of rent and dues from local tenants. It has been a grade 2 listed building since 1951. Although it has been closed for a few years due to safety concerns, it is still a dramatic landscape for a walk or picnic.
Universities in Newport
The world class University of South Wales is the closest university to the city and has a campus in Newport.
Eating and Drinking in Newport
1. BAR.CODE
Cocktails and avant-garde street food, this trendy new bar is great for those looking for a bit of a fun night out with their acquaintances. It is ran by the former staff at the once was The Pod, who are all full of fresh ideas and determined for their business to thrive!
2. Gem 42
This is a great place to take your loved ones for something extra special. Think delicate, exquisitely designed plates with seasonal menus, inspired by Italian, French and Japanese cultures.
3. Hatti
One of the best Indian restaurants in the area who locate their seasonal flavours from around the world! You can dine in or takeaway too!
Shopping in Newport
Friars walk is a £100m shopping complex in Newport. There are several levels and you will find a mix of high-street shops, eateries, soft play areas and even a cinema and bowling alley. The car park holds 350 cars and there is a 1000 space car park over the road at Kingsway. The complex is only a short walk away from the high-street, so you can find everything you need in one place.
Hotels in Newport
The Priory Hotel
You’ll find The Priory Hotel on Caerleon on the River Usk. The hotel was originally a Cistercian monastery and dates back to 1180. The hotel has been modernised, but many of the original period features have been left untouched. Each room comes with a flat screen TVs and private bathrooms. Breakfast is provided in the Oak Panel room and they have a fantastic a la carte menu for evening meals, if the weather is good enough you will be able to sit in the garden to enjoy your meal.
The Old Barn Inn
The Old Barn Inn is known for its delicious food and fantastic rooms. You can enjoy, Welsh breakfasts, romantic dinners and al fresco dining. Expert chefs use local ingredients to bring you exceptional dishes, as well as local ales, beers and wins to choose from. You will find Egyptian sheets and free Wi-Fi in every room. The Brecon Beacons are an hour away and the M4 is easily accessible.
Coldra Court Hotel by Celtic Manor
Set on the outskirts of Newport, Celtic Manor is located on Langstone just off the M4. You will find a restaurant and leisure facilities such as a swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Each room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen television and tea and coffee making facilities. What sells this hotel over some others is the smoke house and grill restaurant, it features a timber smoked oven and specialises in Southern style BBQ food. There’s a great patio for pre-dinner drinks and sofas to relax on with a coffee.
Top 10 Things to do in Newport
- Newport Castle
- Newport Transporter Bridge
- The Market Hall
- St Woolos Cathedral
- The Wave
- Chartist Graves
- Newport Museum and Art Gallery
- The Brutalist Civic Centre
- Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths
- Westgate Hotel
Need a Locksmith in Newport?
When moving into a new home changing the locks is vital as you never know how many keys are out there and risk the keys falling into the wrong hands. Arrange for a Newport Locksmith to come and fit a new lock the day you get your keys to provide you with peace of mind. We at Keytek® Locksmiths Newport provide a professional local mobile Locksmith service complying with British Standard and Home Insurance policies to ensure your home is as secure as can be! What’s more is all our customers benefit from a FREE home security check on site to ensure your home is as secure as can be!
There are many other things you need to consider when moving home so check out our Moving Home Checklist to help you along the way! Once you’re in, consider improving the security of your home further still by checking out our Ultimate Guide to Home Security here!
View our Keytek® Locksmiths Newport page to find your local Locksmith today or call us on 01633 749383!
Jessica Davies
Jessica brings over six years of specialised expertise to Keytek's comprehensive UK location guides, combining meticulous research with genuine local insight. As the architect behind Keytek’s area profiles, she delivers essential intelligence on house prices, crime statistics, schools, and community character—everything you need to know about the city or town. Armed with a photography degree from the University of Brighton and an exhibited portfolio, Jessica approaches each location asking, "What would it be like to live here?" This perspective transforms dry statistics into lived experience, revealing not just what places cost, but what they truly offer. Since 2019, Jessica has partnered with Keytek®'s security professionals, weaving real-world safety expertise into every guide. Her work addresses practical realities: Is this neighbourhood genuinely safe? What security considerations matter? How does local infrastructure support daily life? From bustling cities to quiet villages, Jessica's field research uncovers authentic local character. Her commitment to accuracy and on-the-ground investigation has established her as a trusted voice—helping people navigate different locations across the UK and home security with complete confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newport a Nice Place to Live?
Yes! Newport, Wales, has recently been named as the 3rd best place to live in the UK.
Is Newport a Safe Place to Live?
Per annum, the crime rate in Newport is 34.8, which is higher than the national average.
What is the Population of Newport?
Newport’s population is estimated to be approximately 317,707.
What are the Schools like in Newport?
Schools in Newport are generally considered strong. Around 10.9% of homes are situated close to a primary school that has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating.