Estate Agent Canton

Living in Canton: Why this cool, creative neighbourhood is one of the UK’s best places to live

Overview

Named the third coolest neighbourhood in the UK by Time Out in 2025, Canton has truly cemented its reputation as one of Cardiff’s most vibrant and desirable places to live. Just a short stroll from the city centre, this thriving suburb blends Welsh heritage, creativity, and community spirit in perfect balance. Blending the old with the new, it offers a variety of amenities such as well-loved restaurants, independent shops, and green spaces, and is also the proud home of Welsh football. With excellent transport connections to the city centre, it's a convenient choice for commuters. Known for its vibrant community events and deep local pride, Canton appeals to young professionals, first-time buyers, and families alike, all while preserving its rich historical character.

Why Move to Canton?

Living in Canton offers the best of both worlds — a strong sense of community alongside a lively arts, food, and culture scene. Once seen as a throughway for football fans, Canton has evolved into a hub of independent businesses, sustainable living, and local pride. The area attracts young professionals, creatives, and families drawn to its mix of Victorian homes, green parks, and modern lifestyle.

History & Background

Canton, known historically as "Canton Cross," has roots dating back to at least 1250. It was once the most significant market district in South Wales, serving as a hub for livestock and fresh produce trading. The name "Canton" likely derives from the nearby Canna brook in Pontcanna (named after St. Canna) and the word 'Ton', meaning farm or meadow, possibly referring to 'St. Canna's estate'.

Things to Do & Local Amenities

Canton offers a variety of attractions and amenities:

• Chapter Arts Centre: Cardiff’s creative heart, offering art exhibitions, indie films, and community events.
• Corp Market: Based in the old Corporation pub, this exciting new indoor market brings together independent traders, food stalls, and a bar under one roof — a must-visit for locals and newcomers alike.
• Victoria Park: A much-loved green space with play areas and open lawns perfect for families.
• Cardiff City Stadium: Home of Cardiff City FC, adding to the area’s energetic atmosphere.
• Capital Shopping Park: A retail park offering a range of shopping options.

Bars, Restaurants, Cafés & Pubs

Canton’s food and drink scene rivals anywhere in the city. Local favourites include The Lansdowne for hearty pub meals, Crafty Devil Brewing for craft beers, and Outpost for brunch and cocktails. Around Cowbridge Road East, you’ll find a growing mix of independent cafés, bakeries, and world cuisines.

• The Lansdowne: A red-brick pub with wooden booth seating, vintage artwork, and a selection of lagers, ales, and British cuisine.
• Canton Cross Vaults: A well-rated pub offering a traditional atmosphere.
• Crafty Devil Brewing: A local brewery known for its craft beers.
• Outpost: Warehouse-inspired venue, open for brunch, lunch, and evening meals with a variety of cocktails and wine.

Community Events

Canton hosts various community events throughout the year:

• Scavenger Hunts: Engaging activities like "The 6000-Year-Old Capital" and "Bank Heist - Cardiff" offer fun ways to explore the area.
• Local Markets and Festivals: Regular events provide opportunities to experience local culture and community spirit.
  

Hidden Gems

Discover some of Canton's lesser-known attractions:

• The Bone Yard: A unique setup of shipping containers housing independent businesses, offering a creative space for locals and visitors.
• Corporation Yard: A vibrant venue featuring street food, live music, and events.
• Roma's Café: Known for its toasted jerk chicken wrap, a local favourite.
  

Property & House Prices in Canton

Canton’s property market is one of Cardiff’s most in-demand, with average house prices around £328,000. The area offers everything from characterful terraces to modern apartments — a great investment for buyers looking for long-term value in a sought-after postcode.

As of the latest data:

• Overall Average: £328,176
• Terraced Properties: £325,804
• Semi-Detached Properties: £442,222
• Flats: £179,700

These prices represent a 3% increase over the previous year.

*Information gathered May 2025

Average Rental Prices

Rental prices in Canton vary:

• Flats: Monthly rents range from £600 to £1,200, depending on size and location.
• 1-Bedroom Flats: Approximately £850 per month.
• 2-Bedroom Flats: Around £1,100 per month.

*Information gathered May 2025

Commute to City Centre & M4

Canton offers convenient transport links:

• City Centre: Approximately 10 minutes by bus or a 30-minute walk.
• M4 Motorway: Accessible via the A470; exit at Junction 32 and head south towards the city centre.
• Public Transport: Cardiff Bus services, including routes 1 and 2, provide connections to various parts of the city.

Healthcare in Canton

Canton offers several healthcare facilities to cater to the needs of its residents:

• Meddygfa Canna Surgery: Located at 27 Wyndham Crescent, this GP practice provides a range of medical services, including seasonal flu vaccinations.
• St David’s Court Surgery: Situated at 68a Cowbridge Road East, this surgery offers general medical services with disabled access.
• Riverside Health Centre: Found on Wellington Street, this centre provides community nurse treatment clinics, dietetics, and speech therapy services.

For specialised or hospital care, residents can access:

• University Hospital of Wales: Located in Heath, Cardiff, it offers comprehensive medical services, including blood tests for outpatients.
• University Hospital Llandough: Situated in Llandough, it provides various healthcare services, including outpatient blood tests
• Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals: These private hospitals offer a range of medical services and are accessible to residents seeking private healthcare options.

Schools in Canton

With top local schools such as Ysgol Treganna and Radnor Primary, Canton is ideal for families. Its diverse, welcoming atmosphere and regular community events make it easy to feel at home.

Primary Schools:

• Ysgol Treganna: Located on Santorium Road The school is a caring and inclusive community that promotes pupils’ Welshness and personal, emotional and social development.
• St Mary's Catholic Primary School: A voluntary aided Roman Catholic primary school located in the heart of Canton, offering education to children from various backgrounds.
• Severn Primary School: Situated on Severn Road, this school provides a nurturing environment for primary education.
• Radnor Primary School: Located on Radnor Road, it offers comprehensive primary education to local children.
• Kitchener Primary School: Found on Kitchener Road, this school serves the community with a focus on inclusive education.
• Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch: A Welsh-medium primary school on Lawrenny Avenue, providing education to a diverse student body from Canton and surrounding areas.

Secondary Schools:

• Cantonian High School: An English-medium mixed comprehensive school with a sixth form, offering education to students aged 11-18.
• Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr: A Welsh-medium comprehensive secondary school serving a wide area of western Cardiff, including Canton.

*For more detailed information on school catchment areas and admissions, you can visit the Cardiff Council Schools page.

Summary

Canton is a sought-after suburb of Cardiff offering a vibrant lifestyle and strong investment potential. With a blend of character properties and modern developments, it's ideal for first-time buyers, young professionals, and families. The area boasts excellent transport links, local schools, green spaces, and a thriving food and arts scene—making it a well-connected, community-driven location with lasting appeal.