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. 

4.56
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
4.57 (10 reviews) 4.57 (10 reviews)
Wapping Wharf, BS1

Wapping Wharf, BS1

Umberslade
4.20 (11 reviews) 4.20 (11 reviews)

Reviews in Bristol

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Great place but break ins

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2024

Great building great location, love the area and amenities. Had a few problems with homeless people entering the building and stealing parcels. And sleeping in parcel room and bike lock up

Please review your development:

Love the flat it’s very bright and beautiful with large floor to ceiling windows. 5 minute walk into the city Centre very close to a lot of shops. Pubs and restaurants. Only problem is that we have homeless people breaking in and stealing parcels and then sleeping in building

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

Lack of parking in the area is annoying if you own a car

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

We have had a problem with our bathroom tile almost two years ago and still not been sorted properly

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
5
Value
2
Management
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The building is modern and the design is essential but smart

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2024

The range and quality of local shops, restaurants, bars at Harbourside is wide, including Tesco, Costa and some restaurant chains. The location is great and the view is lovely. The convenience and availability of transport links is a plus and Invicta is very close to the city centre. It is quite busy over the weekend and it is quite expensive.

Please review your development:

The building is modern and the design is essential but smart. It is perfect if you like a minimalist style. Apartments have a great view on the harbours and it is close to local shops, restaurants, bars as well as Millennium Square. The location is great for young professionals and the area is very lively. Management is fine but there is ongoing maintenance work and it is expensive.

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

The rent is very high and significantly increased overtime

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

The building management responded to any problems or issues I have raised, but sometime with some delay.

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
3
Value
3
Management
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My first & very well loved home in Bristol

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2024

Extremely convenient location (< 10 minutes to bars, restaurants, pubs, shops, parks...) you can't be in a more prime spot! Temple Meads is about a 10 minute walk away and nearby bus stops which have great links into Bath, and further out neighbourhoods of Bristol. Anything you need in the centre, you can 100% walk there - not a problem! The area is on the whole a very tame. quiet place to live as during the week it is predominately workers who are pacing (as you are situated very near the financial/TV/banking offices). However, occasionally on the weekends you get hen & stag do's passing through to get to the centre from the local hotels and train station. These can be quite disruptive! Bin collections are always done well & on time, zero traffic noise as it's a pedestrianised area, and parking availability is discussed with the development as it is underground! All in all love living here!

Please review your development:

The internal property management team are absolute stars. Couldn’t have lived here without them – always attentive, kind and considerate! The team always make the effort to put on events, community get-togethers and ensure we are all aware of any updates, maintenance or disruption.

The design and overall facilities of the property are fab – great space to hang out with friends, hire out for larger parties or simply for yourself! I have lived here for approaching 4 years and during that time, the space has got a little more tired, but still is clean and well-kept condition!

The downside has been the surrounding buildings’ scaffolding and work. It’s very disruptive and doesn’t make the area look very nice or appealing (compared to what it used to be, anyways!)

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

A lot of people keep themselves to themselves – wish there was more opportunity, lead by the property management, to create a Whatsapp group where people can chit-chat and form friendships! Sometimes in-person parties can be quite intimidating to some OR people don’t go.

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

Always quickly, kindly and informatively! Never had a problem at raising any issues regarding my property. There has been a bit of miscommunication and radio-silence from the wider Grainger team when moving out though.

5
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
3
Value
3
Management
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Amazing

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2024

there’s nothing bad about living in box makers yard and the staff was like a family especially for Hayly and James

Please review your development:

everything is amazing about the design you feel like you at home and facilities especially that there is a gym and a private room to rent if you have visitors and it’s safe i never felt that i need anything more.the property management was very helpful and professional

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

I wished to know about there is 2 rooftops at there

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

They are very professional and the issue doesn’t take long time for them to do it.

5
Facilities
5
Design
4
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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