The third largest city in Wales, and one of the closest Welsh cities to England, Newport is a sprawling city that sits in the middle of a large rural area. It continues to expand rapidly in most directions, and new housing developments continue to pop up, making it an easy place to find a variety of fairly priced homes. The City itself is not particularly cultural or vibrant, but large regeneration projects mean that it should become a more exciting place to live in the near future. Its close position to Cardiff, and substantially cheaper prices for both buying and renting make it an attractive prospect despite its shortcomings. A central railway and nearby motorway mean it's an ideal place for those working in other nearby towns. It's also easy to reach Newport from surrounding outlying villages.
The more upmarket parts of the city include Christchurch, Caerleon and Langstone, where prices are a little higher, but communities are more welcoming and crime rates lower. Caerleon is very close to the university site so can attract a young drinking crowd.
In Duffryn, Ringland and Somerton prices are lower, homes smaller, and the crime can be a little more frequent.