pros and cons of city living... ??? thinking of a move back

[hippy3]

So my husband and I are thinking of a move back to Wales... BUT I have heard the school competition is fierce. I am worried as I we have twin boys that will be just hitting 3 when we are thinking of moving back.,,,

Areas I am looking in are Llandaf, Whitchurch, Llanishen, pontcanna and Rhwibina(?think that how you spell it?),

someone said Roath but I have seen it seems really studenty and I just dont fancy having a house full of students next to our family home. ! ...are these ok areas...? anyone have any advice on schools in any of these areas...

We live on Dorset at the moment and we love it here but we want to be closer to family for support and I loved growing up in Wales and my other half is an avid mountain biker..we would love the kids to get involved in sports like that.... any tips... will be Greatly recieved..many thanks....:)

Also house prices are much cheaper, I just could not believe how much Cardiff has changed over the last few years !!!

all good areas also consider Penylan.
I love Cardiff been here over 20 years.
Any questions feel free to ask.

If OH is a mountain biker, look at Tongwynlais. It's a village, but in Cardiff boundary (close to Whitchurch and Rhwbina), right on A470 and M4 for commuting, and right on Taf trail/ close to Forest Ffawr for walking /cycling. Or if you want more rural again, Pentyrch / Gwaelod y garth.

The Tongwynlais primary school is fab. DD started this year in nursery class, and good secondary catchment. Downside is primary school is very popular - DD should have started inb january (term after 3) but had to wait til Sept as no places. However, I think they've increased the intake this year, so maybe problem won't be so bad in future. I'm nervously awaiting results of application to reception!

Roath is nice if you want city living - close to nice parks, walkable into city centre, lots of nice shops, cafes etc. I loved living there in early 20s. It just depends what you are loking for - there is the chance you could be next door to students, depending on the street. You'd also want to look at school catchments, as variable round there. Pen y Lan kind of conects to Roath but less studenty (and I think Cardiff High Catchment, which is great, but check that). Whitchurch is nice - a proper community in its own right with lots of shops and amenities and decnet schools, as is Rhwibina. Don't know the other areas you mentioned as well, but all nice enough. A few friends with young children live in the Heath area and love it, although possibly less community feel, but good transport into town, schools, close to plenty of amenities and nice traditional housing if that interests you.

Good luck with the move. I love Cardiff!