From the rich, diverse history that has shaped it, to an impressive modern-day regeneration that has helped to redefine it, there are so many reasons why Bristol has regularly topped the polls as the UK’s best city to live in. Located in the South-West of England, the appeal of Bristol includes its history, reflected in architecture, old and new, a thriving economy that includes industry leaders as diverse as Aerospace and Aardman Animations, an exciting cultural and creative diversity, surrounding areas of natural beauty, and most importantly, numerous attractive residential areas that make it such a popular place to settle in.
Bristol dates back to Roman times when the original settlement was built around the River Avon; the area is still surrounded by beautiful countryside, with the county of Somerset to the North and Gloucestershire to the South. With Wales virtually on its doorstep, and an unspoilt coastline around 30 minutes away, Bristol is a great place to live a healthy lifestyle. For lovers of city life, Bristol not only boasts an exciting shopping hub but also a vibrant nightlife that reflects its cultural diversity.
But it’s the range of impressive, characterful suburbs that continues to attract new residents, whether it’s the quiet, picturesque streets of Clifton, ideal for family life, or the more vibrant Montpelier, a popular draw for the young professional. The considerations in choice are far and wide, with schools, crime rates, and green space up there alongside cost of living, access to travel networks, and amenities. But whatever the requirement, the residential areas of Bristol have so much to offer; here are just five of the many areas that represent the best of the city’s places to live.
Clifton
It’s easy to see why Clifton is the most expensive neighbourhood in Bristol, with its streets of beautiful Georgian and Victorian townhouses and superb views of the spectacular Clifton suspension bridge spanning the River Avon. Seen as an affluent area because of the property price-tags, the benefits of living there suggest the expense is justified, with high-performing schools and low crime-rate drawing families to Clifton. As well as the famous bridge bearing its name, Clifton has several other notable landmarks within its boundaries including the Clifton Observatory, Bristol Zoo, Clifton Cathedral and a vast section of the Bristol University campus. Given the fine array of pubs, bars, and restaurants on offer, and its close proximity to the City Centre, it’s unsurprising that Clifton is such a highly sought-after area in the Bristol property market.
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Redcliffe
Actually situated in the city centre of Bristol, Redcliffe is the amazing redevelopment of what used to be the commercial hub between the floating harbour and the River Avon. The warehouse development flats are predictably highly-priced, not least because of their proximity to the many bars and restaurants gracing this showcase part of the city. But being at the heart of Bristol’s nightlife is not the only reason for Redcliffe being so attractive to young professionals; with Temple Meads railway station located nearby, the work commute is perfectly accessible and convenient. And don’t rule out the appeal of Redcliffe for families too – the schools here are some of the best in Bristol and with attractive landmarks of historic interest, such as St Mary Redcliffe Church, dating from the 12th Century adding class to the area, Redcliffe is much more than your standard waterfront development area.
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Totterdown
If you’ve searched online for Bristol, the chances are you’ve seen photos of Totterdown already, the area being famous for its rows of brightly coloured houses on the steep hill rising from the mouth of the River Avon. It’s renowned as being an ‘artsy’ neighbourhood in the city, not least because it’s home to The Paintworks, a complex of creative and design-based businesses. Originally built around the Railway Industry in the nineteenth century, modern Totterdown is much more affordable than both Clifton and Redcliffe, with the properties being mainly smaller Victorian terrace houses lined up along narrow streets. Most popular with younger families, the area’s amenities are more geared towards its typical residents with it being a hotbed of independent businesses such as shops, restaurants, and cafes, and with its very young residents in mind, specially built parks and playgrounds.
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Southville
One of Bristol's neighbourhoods most dramatically transformed by the regeneration that started in the 1990s, properties in Southville are now in high demand by young families looking to relocate to the city. Situated south of the River Avon, the area is only a short walk from the harbour in the City Centre. The transformation of the old Will’s Tobacco Factory into an Arts and Theatre hub has proved to be the catalyst for Southville becoming such a popular destination for incomers to Bristol. A thriving social and arts scene with independent bars, restaurants, and galleries has seen Southville flourish so successfully, it has been often likened to Notting Hill in London. But it has more than that; several highly-rated schools in the area have attracted young families to Southville. There’s a vibrant community atmosphere as well as an air of modern creativity. In a city recognised as home to the World’s most famous street artist, Banksy, many other artists have made Southville their home too.
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Montpelier
Together with its close neighbour, St Paul’s, Montpelier has become something of a Bohemian epicentre in the heart of Bristol, with a super-cool urban vibe due to a multi-cultural, eclectic community of creatives. Boasting beautiful Georgian terraced properties costing far less than those in the more affluent parts of the city, Montpelier is very popular with the younger Bristolians in love with the inner-city life on offer. There’s a wealth of independent cafes, restaurants, and shops providing a unique community feel to the area. But again, it’s not just young professionals who are attracted to this city suburb, as many families take advantage of the lower property prices to gain access to the highly-rated primary and secondary schools in Montpelier. So much so that it has become one of the most popular areas for buyers and renters moving into Bristol.
With several more districts following suit and benefiting from continued regeneration in the Bristol area, the choice for incomers to the city is wider in the most desirable sense. This is a city that continues to go from strength to strength in the competition for young families and professionals to call home.
