SO, where's the best place in Wales to live?

It's Ruthin!

That's according to the Sunday Times Best Places to Live.

The Sunday Times judges praised Ruthin 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 report states: “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.

"The market hall is the place for food and craft markets and pop-up restaurants, a disused bank has been converted into a repair cafe 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.”

READ MORE: Ruthin Gaol to re-open to visitors after two years

Six other locations in Wales are featured in the comprehensive guide.
Published by The Sunday Times, it includes 72 locations across the UK and is released online today.

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.” 

Wadhurst in East Sussex was named the overall winner of Best Places to Live.

It was praised by judges for its “good schools, convenient transport connections, an amazingly well-stocked high street and stunning scenery”.

They said that it offers “pretty much everything needed for modern life in miniature”. 

This year’s guide – the 11th – features more new entries than ever before.

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. 

The sponsor, Halifax, has provided the average house price for each location.

Kim Kinnaird, the director of Halifax Mortgages, 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.” 

Ruthin pipped Abergavenny, Barmouth, Cardiff, the Gower peninsula, Narberth and Solva on the Welsh list.