Best Area to Live in Bristol and Surrounding Areas 2024
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Bristol is a bustling place to live, known for its maritime history, job prospects and thriving art scene. Living in Bristol provides endless opportunities for fun, nearby wonders of the UK and a vibrant city experience. With plenty of evolving places to choose from, picking the best area in Bristol for you can be challenging.
If you’re considering moving to Bristol and selling your current home, we’ve shared the best areas to buy a property quickly in Bristol.
7 Best areas to live in Bristol
Just a few short miles from the city centre, you’ll find an array of vibrant communities, each with its own unique charm. From the tranquil greenery of St George to the bustling creativity of Montpelier, there’s a neighbourhood in Bristol to suit every lifestyle.
Whether you’re drawn to historic architecture, a close-knit community or the buzz of trendy cafes and shops, Bristol’s neighbourhoods offer something special, here are the 7 best areas to live in Bristol:
1. St George - 2.7 miles from the City Centre
St George is a beautiful and tranquil spot in Bristol, recognised for its scenic green spaces, including St George’s Park. This area is becoming increasingly popular for families, young professionals and first-time buyers. St George boasts endless outdoor things to see and do, such as tennis courts, a skate park, parts and annual music festivals. There’s also the iconic Church Road, a recently developed area of quirky cafes, restaurants, pubs and independent shops.
Housing options are vast, from modern developments to period properties, suitable for varied budgets, with an average property price of £321,527.
As a promising spot to live, St George offers practical transport links to the city and a friendly community, combining city life and a village-like appeal.
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2. Bedminster - 2.4 miles from the City Centre
If living in a more traditional area of Bristol is your priority, then Bedminster may be the answer. This region borders the trendy Southville, featuring homes for all preferences, from flats to townhouses.
Bedminster has an old and new look with Victorian properties, suitable for renovation projects or new developments, ideal for the modern home buyer. Whether charming or sleek is your home vision, Bedminster has it all.
Bedminster has endless shopping opportunities and an art scene, attracting many artists and young professionals starting in the industry.
The average house price over the last year stands at £373,567.
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3. Clifton - 3.2 miles from the City Centre
As one of the most popular regions in Bristol, Clifton comes to mind for many when they’re considering a move.
Clifton is famous for its beauty, featuring picturesque garden squares, grand Georgian terraces and a social scene. With plenty of boutique bars, eateries and pubs, you’re spoilt for choice to keep busy.
Clifton is remarkable for its sights, including the Clifton Cathedral, Suspension Bridge, Bristol Zoo and the River Avon on your doorstep.
The top sights add to the overall busy appeal this Bristol region boasts. Home to many successful artists and architects, the desirable elements keep coming in Clifton.
Ideal for families, Clifton is within plenty of catchment areas for quality schools, from preschools to Catholic schools and universities. It’s promising for logistic reasons and a place where you’ll never get bored.
In Clifton, the average property price is around £443,969, as one of the most popular areas in Bristol. Due to popularity, leasehold flats are the most common place to live.
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4. Hengrove - 3.4 miles from the City Centre
The up-and-coming neighbourhood of Hengrove is the place to be if you want to be part of the area’s growth. Hengrove is a suburb between Whitchurch, Knowle and Bishopsworth and near the convenient Airport Road, a vital location to get around the city.
Hengrove is earning its name for brilliant amenities and a friendly environment, ideal for those new to Bristol. The area provides a peaceful escape from the main city centre with a hub for entertainment, from pubs, cinemas and shops.
Housing options can suit any way of life, whether you’re a family, a couple buying their first home or a young professional. The homes range from traditional terraced houses to modern developments with an average price of £309,530, making it an affordable option compared to other pricier areas within Bristol.
Hengrove may have exciting potential, but it’s also known for the great schools, including a primary and secondary school, and a strong sense of community wherever you are.
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5. Southville - 2.5 miles from the City Centre
Renowned as Bristol’s ‘Notting Hill’, Southville went unnoticed for decades until its regeneration in the 1990s into the vibrant hub it is today and a popular area with many. Southville celebrates all things creative with an emerging arts hub, independent bar and restaurant scene and art events.
Its central location means you’re a walk away from Bristol’s city centre and the Harbourside, providing convenience for work and entertainment. Southville also suits young families with a promising range of primary schools and a quality education.
Southville has a unique charm, colourful exterior and neighbourhood character you’ll love. The region’s near central location puts the average property price at £405,671. However, due to the increasing demand, the prices are also increasing.
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6. Redland - 2.7 miles from the City Centre
Esteemed for its popular accommodation with second and third-year university students, Redland is an affluent suburb in the north-central part of Bristol.
Featuring properties from the Georgian era, including Grade II buildings, you’re in your element if you love properties with historical character.
Considering the quality of housing and the historical significance of properties, Redland sits at the higher price market with an average cost of £563,393.
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7. Montpelier - 1.9 miles from the City Centre
One of the fastest-growing popular areas of Bristol for buyers and renters from outside Bristol is Montpelier. As a prime area for nightlife and an eclectic community of creatives, Montpelier is great for enjoying inner-city activities.
Montpelier has a younger crowd appeal, considering its amenities, but there are benefits for families and older people moving to the region, such as excellent schools.
There are various properties, including the stunning Grade II listed Georgian terraces. Property prices are on the higher end, on average at £497,525.
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What is the richest part of Bristol?
Henleaze takes the crown as Bristol’s richest neighbourhood. This desirable suburb boasts a high average household income of approximately £60,000 annually (before taxes). While its wealth translates into higher property prices and living expenses, Henleaze also offers a blend of history, convenience and community.
Charming architecture & amenities
Henleaze’s residential streets showcase a fascinating mix of architectural styles. You’ll discover rows of charming Edwardian houses, particularly in its southern areas, along with pockets of 1970s housing.
Henleaze Road features essential shops like a Post Office, while a library, cinema and supermarket are easily accessible on Northumbria Drive.
Community & lifestyle
Families and those seeking a sense of community will appreciate Henleaze’s schools and churches. Church halls double as social hubs, hosting concerts, plays and local events.
Henleaze’s affluence means it might not be the most budget friendly option for those seeking affordable housing.
Is Bristol, UK expensive to live?
New figures reveal Bristol is the second most expensive city in the UK for single residents, and the most expensive major city outside of London. This means not only are living costs high, but wages are lower, reducing spending power.
The study considered rent, bills, groceries and general living costs for single people renting one-bedroom flats near the city centre across 20 UK cities. London surprisingly took the top spot, with Bristol closely following at an estimated monthly cost of over £3,075.
Why is Bristol so pricey?
Bristol’s high costs mirror London’s, and the culprit is a surge of students and workers returning post-COVID, which has created a housing demand exceeding supply, pushing rents upwards.
Stokemont, a chartered surveying firm, suggests rents are already dedicating up to 35% of their income to rent, with this figure potentially rising if the trend continues.
But, there is hope on the horizon. Bristol is experiencing a residential development boom, particularly in the city centre and south of the river in Bedminster. Thousands of new flats and student accommodations are either under construction or planned.
While this might not offer immediate relief, it could ease pressure on housing availability in the long run.
Where are the rough areas of Bristol?
Like any city, Bristol has areas with higher crime rates than others. Many of these areas may be underfunded, or have high population densities which make it difficult to police properly:
Bristol City Centre (Overall crime rate: 476 per 1000 People)
Bristol’s bustling heart offers bars, clubs, history, diverse food and shopping. The old city’s vibrant marketplace adds to the atmosphere. But, violent and sexual offences are the most prevalent here (137.9 incidents per 1000 people).
Hotwells & Harbourside (Overall crime rate: 336.9 per 1000 People)
The scenic area, with landmarks, Georgian houses and popular pubs, attracts a younger crowd of professionals. Burgly and violent.secual offences are significantly higher than the city average (13.3 and 123.6 incidents per 1000 people respectively).
Lawerence Hill (Overall crime rate: 202.9 per 1000 People)
Marked by 1960’s tower blocks, this area faces issues like underpass flooding. It also has pubs, an escape room and a climbing venue near the station. Violent/sexual offences (69.7 incidents per 1000 people) and burglaries (9.4 per 1000) are notably higher than the Bristol average.
Is there poverty in Bristol?
There is poverty in Bristol, with 15% of Bristol residents (roughly 72,300 people) live in the 10% most deprived areas in all of England. This includes a concerning number of children (17,900) and older adults (7,600).
Within Bristol, three areas face the most significant deprivation: Hartcliffe & Withywood, Filwood and Lawrence Hill. These areas have a total of 41 neighbourhoods classified among the most deprived 10 nationally.
Fuel poverty has also disproportionately impacted Bristol residents. An estimated 25,240 households struggle to afford adequate heating (12.8% of the city) which is slightly higher than the national average (13.1%).
Food insecurity is another concern. On average 8% of Bristol households experience moderate to severe difficulty accessing food. This number drastically increases to 16% in the most deprived areas.
Is crime bad in Bristol?
Bristol city has made progress to improve its crime level in some areas, but challenges remain. Crime rates remain higher than desirable and disparities based on socioeconomic factors are a major concern.
Overall recorded crime decreased slightly (53,900 vs 54,100 incidents) in comparison to the previous year. Also, fewer people report feeling personally affected by fear of crime. However, crime rates remain higher than in recent years.
Violence (18,000 incidents), theft (10,600 incidents), and public order offences (7,400 incidents) are the most common crime types.With residents in the most deprived areas of Bristol experiencing significantly higher crime rates and a greater fear of crime.
While recorded hate crimes have decreased slightly, they are still higher than in recent years with racial prejudice (71%) being the main motivating factor.
What is the best place to invest in Bristol?
Bristol’s growth offers exciting potential for investors or potential buyers looking to hold and sell property in Bristol. Here are a few areas to consider:
Temple Quarter:
This large-scale development near Bristol Temple Meads station promises 11,000 new homes, retail/leisure units, and 17,000 jobs over the next 20 years.
Filton Airfield:
The old Filton Airfield is set for a major transformation into a new suburb with 2,675 homes, shops, services and even a 16,000-seater concert venue using the iconic Concorde hangards. This unique development could offer diverse investment opportunities.
Student housing demand:
Bristo’s large student population (around 50,000) from four universities creates a strong rental market. Popular student areas include Clifton, Redland, Cotham, St. Andrew’s, Filton, Fishponds and Horfield.
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is also on the rise with the University of Bristol’s planned £300 million compass and potential student expansion further increasing demand.
What are the best up and coming areas to buy in Bristol?
Rightmove’s recent study spotlights five Bristol neighbourhoods as some of the UK’s top property hotspots. These areas boost strong sellers’ markets, making them prime locations for buyers seeking a competitive edge:
St George: This neighbourhood takes the crown with an impressive 80% of homes listed in 2023 sold subject to contract (SSTC).
Bishopston: Close behind with a 79% SSTC rate.
Horfield: Holds strong at 77% SSTC rate.
Fishponds: A competitive 76% SSTC rate.
Bedminster: Closes the Bristol top five with a 73% SSTC rate.
Where should I buy a property in Bristol?
The best area to live in Bristol is down to your circumstances, stage in life and what you’re looking for in terms of amenities and nearby attractions. Bristol and surrounding areas boast countryside appeal, city living and a gorgeous community you’ll fall in love with.
For city convenience
As a lively city hub, being near the city centre can be essential for those moving to Bristol. Accessing the city centre is simple from many regions across Bristol, such as Southville, St George, Bedminster and Montpelier.
For young families
If you have a young family, Bristol is a gorgeous place to set your roots for your little ones. With the choice available, the most suited areas with excellent schools range from Hengrove, Clifton, to Southville.
For first-time buyers
Purchasing a home for the first time can be exciting, especially if you’re a young person setting your roots somewhere new. Bristol is recognised with flourishing spots for young professionals and creatives, whether you’re starting your own business or climbing the corporate ladder.
If you’re looking for your first home, the cheaper yet accessible areas include St George, Hengrove and Bedminster. If you have a higher budget for your first property, Montpellier can also be a consideration.
For affluent living
Bristol boasts gorgeous scenery, attractions and historic buildings, ideal for that affluent living environment. If you are looking for a wealthy area with stunning period properties, then Montpelier, Henleaze, Clifton and Redland may be for you.
Where should I move to in Bristol?
Bristol offers a diverse array of neighbourhoods with their own unique character, here are the best and worst areas to move to in Bristol:
Popular & affluent
Clifton: Picturesque, elegant and family-friendly. Expect Georgian grandeur, top schools and close to iconic sights.
Henleaze: Bristo’s wealthiest suburb with spacious homes, leafy streets and excellent amenities for a comfortable lifestyle.
Redland: Period charm with a touch of student energy. Pricier, reflecting its popularity.
Vibrant & central
Montpelier: Eclectic & lively. A favourite with young creatives, offering nightlife but with higher prices to match.
Bristol City Centre: The bustling heart of it all. Variety and convenience but be aware of higher crime rates.
Challenging but with potential
Hotwells & Harbourside: Scenic, yet contending with higher burglary and violence rates.
Lawrence Hill: Facing socio economic challenges but has local character and some amenities.
Up-and-Coming
Hengrove: Good schools, community fees and more affordable prices draw families and first-time buyers.
Bedminster & St George: Gaining traction, offer a diverse mix with a vibrant local scene.
For investors
Temple Quarter & Filton Airfield: Major development projects could spell future appreciation potential.
What’s the best way to sell and move to Bristol?
If time isn’t a major concern and your house is market-ready, a reputable estate agent can help you secure the best price for your property. Consider both local estate agents with knowledge of your current area and Bristol-based estate agents who can streamline your search for a new home.
Or alternatively, when a quick, hassle-free sale is your priority, companies like ours can be your solution. We offer fast valuations and can complete the process within days. This might be the ideal path if your property needs repairs or if you have urgent need to relocate.
If a fast, stress-free sale aligns with your goals, fill out your postcode below for a no-obligation valuation and learn how we can streamline your move to Bristol.
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