Bristol

Bristol is located in the South West of the UK but it has great transport links throughout the country. It also has an airport close to the centre. Combining city and countryside living Bristol is one of the most popular cities for Londoners looking to escape. This Area Guide gives you an overview of this city and some of the best places to live in Bristol. Including, reviews from residents who own or rent in Bristol. 

4.55
Average Location Score

Excellent

69%

Very Good

22%

Average

7%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

1%

Best places to live in Bristol

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

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Colourful terraced houses in Bristol

Getting Around

Bristol is the wealthiest, happiest city in Britain, according to a survey by MoneySuperMarket. It outperforms other cities in terms of economy and quality of life. With the completion of the Bristol Arena, the high-speed rail reducing the time to London and the transformation of the harbourside, there is a lot going on. The city is made up of a series of areas, each of which has its own unique character.

Best places to live in Bristol

The top place to live in the city is Clifton. To live here you need plenty of spare cash, but if you love original Georgian homes this is the place to be. Redland is also a popular area and slightly more affordable. Both Clifton and Redland are popular with young professionals and are near Clifton Village which offers restaurants and independent shops. Clifton is the default option for many would-be movers with its architecture, shops, schools and outdoor space.

best_places_to_live_bristol_bench_overlooking_docks

If you want to be more central then explore the once-derelict Floating Harbour which is the heart of the city. With views of the harbour, the SS Great Britain and to experience Bristol maritime history this could be the location for you. Heading south towards the centre you will find a number of new developments. Spike Island, previously former docklands can be found between the Floating Harbour and the Cut. Here you will find Steamship House and Wapping Wharf one of the newest waterside developments, which are both great places to rent in Bristol.

“The area is well equipped with pretty much everything you need, lots of small independent shops and restaurants.” Andrew, Verified Resident of Wapping Wharf

“I like the location as it is easy to get around by foot. I dislike the fact that if I had a car there would not be any space as there is not enough car park.” Kristin, resident of Steamship house

Bristol Suspension Bridge at dusk

Outside of the City Centre

Further out Emersons Green and Downend are areas located just a couple of minutes from each other. Each offer easy access to the centre – 20 minutes in the car, 30 minutes by bus or 45 minutes cycling. Popular with families these are great suburbs with excellent schools. Each of which have access to the motorways and the ability to quickly escape to the countryside. Horfield is a good safe neighbourhood which offers plenty of great shopping and local produce. The commute to the city centre is within easy reach only a couple of miles away.

Hanham is perfect for families and the quiet life but closer to the centre than Emersons Green and Downend. But, a great place to rent in Bristol nonetheless and the property prices reflect this. Whilst there are not many new developments in this area you can find the Paintwork Apartments on the waterside just off the Bath Road between Hanham and the centre.

“We love that our children can play around this place and that we do not get to worry so much about them.” Nick, Verified Resident of Paintwork Apartments

Featured developments in Bristol

Paintworks Apartments, BS4

Paintworks Apartments, BS4

Verve
4.08 (14 reviews) 4.08 (14 reviews)
The Eye, BS2

The Eye, BS2

The PG Group
3.64 (7 reviews) 3.64 (7 reviews)
Finzels Reach, BS1

Finzels Reach, BS1

Cubex
4.58 (10 reviews) 4.58 (10 reviews)
Wapping Wharf, BS1

Wapping Wharf, BS1

Umberslade
4.20 (11 reviews) 4.20 (11 reviews)

Reviews in Bristol

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The design of communal areas is lovely and the rooftop garden is amazing in the summer.

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

Bristol is great. Useful having a shop and cafe downstairs. Super close to the station and to Cabot circus. Slight issue with it feeling less safe recently but on the whole it’s been brilliant.

Please review your development:

It was really lovely living here, the design of communal areas is lovely and the rooftop garden is amazing in the summer. The front of house staff are really really lovely and we’re always very helpful. They have been a highlight of living here. The gym is also a great bonus and I used the workspace every now and then.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The front of house staff are super helpful so don’t be afraid to ask them if you need help.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Any issues were sorted promptly. Sometimes had to wait a few days when things were busy but they always were great at fixing issues

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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An incredible place to live in Bristol

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

The location is ideal. You are close to nearly everything you’d want from train station to city to leisure to parks. However the only downside is there seems to be an increase is the presence of homeless people and anti social behaviour nearby. More options for cheaper and safe parking would be desired.

Please review your development:

The buildings themselves are stunning. The rooms are modern, the rooftop terraces are brilliant during summer and the gym is very good at no extra cost. The ability to rent private rooms for hosting is also a lovely option to have. Overall the development aspects are top notch.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

How hot the rooms get during summer. My flat gets to 34 and I have a difficulty cooling it down. I had to purchase an air con. The lack of nearby parking as well.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The responses have usually been very prompt and they are fairly quick to solving the issues. If the issues require more time it is made aware to us and if it affects our day to day then some form of compensation is usually given.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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Great experience!

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

Great location, close to Bristol temple meads, there are a few nice coffee shops and restaurants around and the center is a 20 min walj

Please review your development:

Place is well insulated, all high quality and modern! Lovely common spaces as well. Staff are responsive and friendly.

The couch can use changing. Not comfortable and slides down. You need to keep fixing it.

Overall good quality apartments and nice community.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The rent increases after the end of every contract. If you stay long enough, it adds up.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes, i had some issues with my heating where they sent a maintenance person to help.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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Great value apartments close to the city

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

Great range of coffee shops and bakeries around, and great transport links next to temple meads station

Please review your development:

Quality and design of the build is great and front of house and maintenance staff are very friendly and helpful. Facilities like the gym, communal areas and rooftop balconies are a great addition to the build. The interior design is great and better than most other options around.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The characters in the area can be questionable and it’s worth being extra vigilant

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

They are responsive and prompt to issues or problems

4
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
4
Management
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