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. 

4.57
Average Location Score

Excellent

69%

Very Good

21%

Average

8%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

0%

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
3.44 (7 reviews) 3.44 (7 reviews)
Finzels Reach, BS1

Finzels Reach, BS1

Cubex
4.61 (8 reviews) 4.61 (8 reviews)
Wapping Wharf, BS1

Wapping Wharf, BS1

Umberslade
4.20 (11 reviews) 4.20 (11 reviews)

Reviews in Bristol

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Excellent staff team who are responsive, considerate and friendly.

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Sep 2021

Amazing access to Temple Meads railway station with 5 minutes from apartment to platform.
Easy 10 minute walk to the city centre for pubs and restaurants is also excellent.
Lack of local convenience supermarket (e.g. Tesco Express) is slight drawback.

Please review your development:

Excellent staff team who are responsive, considerate and friendly.
The on-site gym is far superior to others in hotels/apartments.
The team really put a lot of effort into residents’ social events.
The place is clean, modern and has a premium feel.
The 24-hour concierge is also excellent.
The rent is expensive, but you get a lot for your money and I felt very much at home at BMY.

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

The roadworks went on outside the apartment block for my entire 6 month tenancy, which I wished I’d known was going to happen. However, these are now coming to an end, so shouldn’t affect future residents!

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

Very promptly and efficiently. No issues with the service provided.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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Couldn’t be happier!

Review Date Jul 2021

Canons way really is one of the best places to live in Bristol. Being from Bristol, I know most of the central areas well and Canons Way is by far one of the best. It’s central location is just around the corner from harbourside, park street, central offices and also close to all amenities such as restaurants, gyms, cinemas etc. For such a central location, you’d expect the building to be really noisy but it’s far from it. All residents are incredibly considerate and it’s genuinely a fantastic place to be.

Please review your development:

Finding the perfect place is always difficult, and finding the perfect place in Bristol is even trickier. It’s such a sort after city and places fly off the market so quickly. A2 Domain and Abi in particular were outstanding however. Abi went above and beyond to make the experience smooth and easy and we really cannot recommend her enough. She’s approached every single step (and annoying question) with a huge smile and really made it seamless. The building and location sells itself, but with Abi and A2 domain, we jumped at the property as soon as we saw it!

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

Incredible security levels – your fob is needed on pretty much every door!

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

Always responsive and speedy in doing so, we have been happy so far

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
4
Management
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The perfect location!

Review Date Jun 2021

Lakeshore is situated in a fantastic location with an excellent range of local amenities such as Aldi, Boots, Home Sense and much more! Only a short drive away from the city centre!

Please review your development:

Lakeshore apartments are made up of an open-plan kitchen and reception room, a large double bedroom, a bathroom and an abundance of storage. Building management and property management cannot be faulted and queries and issues are always dealt with promptly

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

No windows so can get hot in the summer

If there is one thing you would change about your flat or property what would it be:

No windows in the property so it can get warm in the summer months

4
Facilities
3
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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A good place to live

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jun 2021

I think the area is good, not far walk away from the town centre, close to the river. I feel safe in the area.

Please review your development:

The design of the building is great, love the lay out of the flat and the roof top area, there’s so much space you can go and chill out. There’s plenty of things to do instead of staying inside the flat. There’s a gym and a common area and a pool table.

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

A good thing that I didn’t know before moving in is how Welcome everyone is.

If there is one thing you would change about your flat or property what would it be:

One thing that could help the accommodation is maybe having visitors parking so when friends and family come to stay there’s somewhere that easy to park.

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

Hello Chloe, thank you so much for your 5* review of Box Makers Yard. The apartments at Box Makers Yard are on average larger per sq ft compared to developments in the area to give you the extra space. It’s lovely to hear about the nice welcome you received, the team have been working very hard over the last 6 months with so many apartments moving in within such a short space of time. As it is a city centre location parking is limited, however there is 1 hr drop up bays near the property and Gardiner Haskins car park is only a few mins walk away. I hope you enjoy your time living here, thank you Gavin.

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