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. 

4.61
Average Location Score

Excellent

71%

Very Good

22%

Average

6%

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
4.12 (14 reviews) 4.12 (14 reviews)
The Eye, BS2

The Eye, BS2

The PG Group
3.24 (7 reviews) 3.24 (7 reviews)
Finzels Reach, BS1

Finzels Reach, BS1

Cubex
4.54 (10 reviews) 4.54 (10 reviews)
Wapping Wharf, BS1

Wapping Wharf, BS1

Umberslade
4.20 (11 reviews) 4.20 (11 reviews)

Reviews in Bristol

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Local Convenience

Review Date Oct 2022

Convenience of location for as mentioned above as well as the Harbourside walks so small children may cycle, We the Curious, the Aquarium, etc.

Please review your development:

A choice had to made quickly of all that had been seen in various areas of the city. So it was settled that modern architecture and amenities, big picture windows, South orientation, the water-front, no street in front, food shop, and Stark’s Fitness.

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

No one from the lettings company were present when moving in or a couple of days later to introduce any resident to the ‘How to’ and where to get help/advice.

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

Bristol is the city of “We don’t care” so the proverbial ‘kicking the can down the road’ is fully effective. Strip lighting our for months, very rusty gas pipe in the underground carpark is 😱, leaky balconies creating cascades of water on the facade,…

3
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
3
Value
3
Management
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Manager Response

Thank you for your feedback, much appreciated.

Great but could be perfect

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2022

Shops and services around the area is great as everything is very close. Downside will be the noise as it is in the city centre.

Please review your development:

Perfect location and premises. Needs to be more secured and managers need to have better communications with residents. Facilities are nice. Gym is nice but needs more equipment. Climbing wall still not available. Best factor, location. Worst, noise.

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

Utility bills company and council tax band. Wi-Fi providers also.

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

They need to find a way to communicate better with residents

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
3
Management
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Good facilities and helpful staff but could be improved

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2022

There is limited parking availability but it is next to a park. Close to amenities and close to the train station. There is some antisocial behaviour and I have noticed that bikes have had their wheels stolen.

Please review your development:

The facilities are good and the staff are helpful. However, the climbing wall on-site still hasn’t been opened yet, which is frustrating as it was one of the reasons I picked this development. The property would also benefit from a delivery notification system as I would have no way of knowing I had a package if I wasn’t expecting one.

There is also the issue of Community Utilities which has not been helpful or responsive in issuing energy bills.

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

They offer discounted deep tissue massages which is something I did not expect

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

Not to my knowledge. They seem to be understaffed h

4
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
4
Management
User submitted image of Castle Park View, BS2
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Really good

Review Date Oct 2022

Very convenient and nice. Sometimes a bit scary with the drunks nearby but all in all can’t beat the city life

Please review your development:

The building is beautiful and the location is awesome! Some of the staff could take a lesson in customer service, and the etiquette of management. The maintenance could be better as well. There are problems that could be addressed in a timely fashion but never completed.

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

I wish I knew the stove was unable to be used without certain pot and pans

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

Usually fast, some of the are very kind and helpful

4
Facilities
4
Design
4
Location
3
Value
3
Management
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