New Market Street in Usk has been named the best street to live on in Wales for 2026, according to a new list compiled by WalesOnline. The list of the top 14 streets in the country was ranked using several metrics, with affordability within the context of the location being the main scoring criterion.
Other factors that contributed to the rankings included the built environment, heritage, visual aesthetics, accessibility to local amenities, views, and unique factors. Access to open spaces and the surrounding landscape were also considered, as were crime rates over the last five months and flood risk from sea and river, using data from police.uk and Natural Resources Wales.
New Market Street, Usk: The Winner
The Monmouthshire town of Usk regularly appears in lists of the best places to live in the UK, scoring highly on community, events, and local groups. New Market Street was chosen as the best street in the town because it is less busy, offers more choice of property, and is just as pretty as its neighbours. The central square and main shopping streets are just around the corner.
Usk is an expensive place to call home, with an overall house price average of £386,459 over the last year, over £180,000 above the Welsh national average. However, in New Market Street, the average is £207,667 due to the sale of flats at The Lawns, homes within a converted Georgian mansion. This allows potential buyers with a budget of around £199,000 to call the road home. Reported crime on the street was recorded as two instances over the nine-month period under consideration.
Other Top Streets in West and North Wales
In West Wales, Nun Street in St David's was highlighted for its quieter atmosphere compared to the main High Street, with some houses boasting views of St David's Cathedral from the rear garden. House prices there have an overall average of £245,000 over the last year, up 7% on the previous year. Castle Road in Mumbles was noted for its variety of house styles and prices, with an overall average of £280,000, and some homes offering sea views. Church Street and Picton Place in Narberth were also included, with terraces selling for around £200,000, though they are rarely on the market.
In North Wales, Rosemary Lane leading to Bryn Lane in Beaumaris was praised for its pretty character homes and a price lower than the town's overall average. Segontium Terrace in Caernarfon offers Grade II listed Georgian terraced homes with views of the castle, averaging around £280,000. Chapel Street in Conwy was noted for its cheaper terrace house prices, with the last sale in 2020 for £230,000. Leicester Terrace leading to Castle Hill in Denbigh offers an incredible view and more affordable prices, with the last home sold in May 2026 for £125,000.
Mid and South Wales Streets on the List
In Mid Wales, Belle Vue Terrace and Harbour Lane in Aberaeron were selected for their elevated position with views across the harbour, although affordability points were lost as double-fronted Georgian houses fetch over £700,000. Heol Y Dwr in Hay-on-Wye offers a more affordable option with flats occasionally available, the last one selling for £200,000 in July 2026. Marine Terrace in New Quay was chosen as a more affordable alternative to Rock Street, with two homes currently for sale at £285,000 and £385,000.
In South Wales, Church Street into College Street in Llantwit Major was included for its period properties and proximity to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Conway Road in Cardiff was selected for its mix of houses and flats, making it more accessible than its pricier neighbouring roads, with an overall average of £332,500 over the last year. Finally, Railway Terrace in Cwmparc scored the most points on affordability, with the last house selling for £72,000 in June 2025, significantly below the Welsh average of £171,000.
