'Best place to live in Wales' with a charm that sets it apart

A thriving community, welcoming locals, independent businesses and pretty streets - Joanne Ridout discovers what makes Narberth such a special place to reside

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IT'S a place where it takes 30 minutes to walk down the pretty high street because everyone knows everyone else and stops for a chat - that's Narberth, crowned by our website WalesOnline as the best place to live in Wales.

The criteria included an emphasis on independent food and drink eateries, unique independent shops, the built environment and aesthetics of the location, the surrounding landscape and ease of access, the strength of the community, events, groups and things to do, the local crime rate, access to transport links, and house prices compared to the Welsh national average - plus our local knowledge.

What makes Narberth stand out from the crowd? Ask any resident and most will say the same thing - the supportive and thriving community from original residents to newcomers, as well as businesses and locals welcoming visitors with a friendly atmosphere which keeps them coming back.

Some coast and country towns and villages struggle to keep going, let alone thrive, when the majority of the tourists have disappeared for the winter but not in Narberth, according to some residents, who are not surprised to discover we have named it the best place to live in Wales.

Hilary, who lives in the town centre, is originally from West Berkshire and decided to move hundreds of miles to start a new life in the bustling Welsh town of just 4,100 people, according to the 2021 census.

She says: "I haven't regretted it at all because you walk around, bump into people on the street, start chatting, make plans to meet and that connection expands outwards as the local people are so very welcoming.

"Everyone says good morning to the people who live here, we go into the shops and they know us because we support local businesses on a wet Wednesday in February when nobody else does.