I’ve got no desire to compare Newport to Cardiff as Cardiff is a lovely City with a lot going for it.
You are pretty much wrong on every count you’ve mentioned though.
3 nice parks in Newport.
No Bay or Waterfront sadly, there was talk of an Usk barrage which was sadly scuppered.
There has been a student population in Newport for decades. The art college particularly was pretty well thought of I believe.
Alt-y-Ryn, Christchurch and Caerleon are nice enough areas.
There is a Civic Centre behind the train station.
There is an albeit dilapidated Castle on the outskirts of the City Centre.
An historical Cathedral in the City Centre and if anybody could be arsed to look above the facias of the pound shops, they would see lovely architecture.
20 Years ago, Newport Town Centre was vibrant in the day and night.
Sadly, it’s no longer what it was although people are making efforts despite the woeful council.
Newport has held The Ryder Cup and a NATO Conference…both pretty big deals.