Bristol is a bright and bustling city overflowing with culture.
It’s easy to see why people flock here to start their new adventure. It has something for everybody.
Let’s dive into what Bristol has to offer.
Pros of living in Bristol
Economy & job opportunities
Bristol has a diverse economy with strengths in many sectors. Aerospace, creative industries, technology, and financial services are particularly popular.
It’s the perfect home for new graduates and those established in their careers.
Good educational institutions
There is a range of excellent primary and secondary schools in Bristol. And many sixth-form colleges.
There are also two universities:
- The University of Bristol
- The University of the West England (UWE)
Besides these, there are a range of university-level colleges.
Quality of life
Bristol offers its inhabitants an excellent quality of life.
Bristol has ample green space, a great social scene, and a thriving cultural landscape, which give it a well-rounded, appealing lifestyle.
It’s perfect for students and young professionals. And an excellent place to for those raising families, too.
Culture & arts
Bristol is known for its connection to the arts. As the hometown of Banksy, his iconic street art is scattered throughout the city.
It also has various galleries, theatres, and performance spaces. And it’s full of historical sights and museums, including:
- SS Great Britain
- Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
- The Clifton Suspension Bridge
And more.
Community spirit
It’s common for Londoners to move to Bristol after becoming disillusioned by the big city.
It has all the bustle of London with the added charm of a friendly community spirit. Plus, it’s only a few hours on the train if you ever want to go and visit!
Bristolians have a reputation for being friendly and community-minded. They say “Good morning!” to strangers or initiate a conversation in the pub.
So, you’ll never be short of a friendly smile or polite conversation in this charming city.
Scenic walks
There are many great walks in Bristol, including the old town, the harbourside, and Leigh Woods.
Whether you’re interested in beautiful architecture or natural scenery, there’s something for you.
Beautiful homes
Bristol has diverse architectural styles and housing options.
These include Victorian terraces, modern riverside apartments, cosy cottages and sleek city-centre penthouses.
Green spaces
Bristol has beautiful green spaces, including:
- Ashton Court Estate
- Avon Gorge
- Leigh Woods.
These are all perfect for a Sunday stroll or a dog walk!
Cons of living in Bristol
Cost of living
Bristol does experience a higher-than-average cost of living and many expensive houses. This comes from the high quality of life and demand to live in the city.
Crime rates
Bristol’s crime rate is lower than the national average. However, some areas have a higher-than-expected level of violent crime.
Traffic congestion
As in many cities, Bristol experiences heavy traffic, particularly during rush hours. This can frustrate residents and visitors alike.
Is it worth living in Bristol?
Most people should find Bristol somewhere worthwhile to live in.
There’s plenty to do and see, including trendy bars, scenic walks, excellent schools, and more.
Notable Bristol residents
The following famous cultural icons have lived in Bristol at some point:
- Banksy
- Stephen Merchant
- Maisie Williams
- John Cleese
- J.K Rowling
It’s no coincidence that these stars flocked to this creative and friendly city.
Where not to live in Bristol?
It’s not all sunshine and roses in Bristol, and like any city, there are a few areas you may want to avoid. These include:
Easton
Easton is in the heart of Bristol. Its central location makes it great for public transport links.
However, it experiences a higher-than-average crime rate of 112 crimes per 1,000 people. For this reason, we recommend avoiding Easton.
Horfield
Horfield is on the outskirts of Bristol and has several beautiful walks nearby.
It offers a quieter atmosphere and proximity to green spaces like Horfield Common.
It also contends with its fair share of issues. This includes an average of 5.7 burglaries and 46 violent and sexual offences per 1000 people.
Whitchurch Park
Whitchurch Park has a family-friendly atmosphere and easy access to amenities.
Unfortunately, it also experiences higher-than-average levels of antisocial behaviour and vehicle crime.
As a result, it’s worth carefully considering whether you want to live in Whitchurch Park.
What is crime like in Bristol?
At the time of writing, the average crime rate in Bristol is 33.6 crimes per 1000 people.
This is significantly lower than the average crime rate in the UK, which was 75.88 per 1,000 people in 2023.
Crime tends to be higher in cities. So Bristol’s lower-than-average crime rate speaks to its general safety and security.
Of course, some areas may feel more unsafe than others. Generally, however, Bristol is a safe city to live and raise a family.
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