Bristol is a bright and bustling city overflowing with culture. It’s easy to see why people flock here to start their new adventure. From the busy harbour to the peaceful Clifton observatory and everything in between, this incredible city has something for everybody.
At We Buy Any Home, we understand that finding your perfect place is about more than just bricks and mortar— it’s about finding a community that feels like home. So, let’s dive into what Bristol has to offer in terms of quality of life and help you decide if this is the right place for you.
What is the quality of life in Bristol?
Bristol has a high quality of life owing to the beautiful green spaces, economic opportunity, and a plethora of cafes and bars. If you move to Bristol, you might enjoy:
- Historic attractions – These include the SS Great Britain, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and more.
- Scenic walks – Stroll through Bristol’s old town, down the harbourside, or through Leigh Woods for a chilled Sunday afternoon.
- A first-class education – Aside from the range of excellent primary and secondary schools, there are two universities and a range of university-level colleges. These will help further your and your family’s education and open doors to exciting career opportunities.
- Economic opportunity – Bristol has a diverse economy with strengths in sectors such as aerospace, creative industries, technology, and financial services. It’s the perfect home for new graduates, those established in their careers, or anyone looking for a change.
- Community spirit – Smile, and the world will smile back— or at least they will in Bristol! Bristolians are known for their friendly attitudes, warm welcomes, and strong sense of community spirit. Whether you’re a newcomer to the city or a lifelong resident returning home, you’ll quickly find yourself embraced by the tight-knit communities of Bristol.
Is it worth living in Bristol?
It’s definitely worth living in Bristol. There’s plenty to do and see between the trendy bars, scenic walks, excellent schools, and more.
Plus, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of greatness. Banksy, Stephen Merchant, Maisie Williams, John Cleese, and J.K Rowling have all lived in Bristol at some point! There’s no coincidence that these stars flocked to this creative and sociable city.
So, whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Clifton, soaking up the sunshine at Ashton Court Estate, or enjoying a night out in the bustling harborside, Bristol offers something for everyone to enjoy.
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 situated 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 located on the outskirts of Bristol and has several beautiful walks nearby. While it offers a quieter atmosphere and proximity to green spaces like Horfield Common, it also contends with its fair share of issues, including an average of 5.7 burglaries and 46 violent and sexual offences per 1000 people.
- Whitchurch Park – While Whitchurch Park boasts a family-friendly atmosphere and easy access to amenities like shops and schools, it also experiences higher-than-average levels of antisocial behaviour and vehicle crime. As a result, it’s worth carefully considering whether Whitchurch Park aligns with your safety and lifestyle preferences before deciding to live here.
Are people in Bristol friendly?
When it comes to friendliness, Bristolians take the cake! Known to say “Good morning!” to strangers or strike up a conversation in the pub, you’ll never be short of a friendly smile or polite conversation in this charming city.
So, if you’re ever feeling lost or lonely, rest assured that the friendly folks of Bristol are here to brighten your day and make you feel right at home.
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 the cities, so the fact that Bristol experiences a lower-than-average crime rate speaks to its general safety and security. Of course, some areas may feel more unsafe than others, but generally, Bristol is a safe city to live and raise a family.
Why do people move to Bristol?
People move to Bristol for various reasons, each finding their unique draw to this vibrant city. Here are some common reasons why people choose to make Bristol their home:
- Job opportunities – It’s not all about London or Manchester if you’re trying to grow your career as a young person! Bristol offers excellent career development opportunities to anyone in the aerospace, technology, finance, or creative industries.
- The quality of life – Bristol offers its inhabitants an excellent quality of life. With ample green space, a great social scene, and a thriving cultural landscape, Bristol provides a well-rounded lifestyle that many find appealing.
- Great transport links – Bristol Temple Meads is the changing point for thousands of trains that travel all over the UK. Whether you’re headed for a weekend in Devon, a trip to London, or even a weekend in Scotland, there’s a journey for you from Temple Meads!
- Community spirit. It’s common for Londoners to move to Bristol after becoming disillusioned by the big city. Bristol has all the bustle and hub-ub of London with the added charm of friendly conversation and smiling faces. Plus, it’s only a few hours on the train if you ever want to go and visit!
Bristol Pros
Beautiful homes
From charming Victorian terraces to modern riverside apartments, Bristol boasts diverse architectural styles and housing options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re searching for a cosy cottage on the outskirts of a sleek city-centre penthouse, you’ll find plenty of stunning properties in this vibrant city.
What’s more, when it comes time to sell, We Buy Any Home is your best friend. We will buy your Bristol flat, house, or commercial property with cash in as little as 7 days. If you want to sell your current property to move to Bristol quickly, get your free, no-obligation cash quote here.
The arts
Bristol is known for its connection to the arts. As the hometown of Banksy, you can find his iconic street art scattered throughout the city, adding a creative and thought-provoking flair to its streets. But Bristol’s artistic influence doesn’t stop there.
The city is also home to a thriving arts scene, with a diverse range of galleries, theatres, and performance spaces showcasing the work of local and international artists alike.
Green spaces
Bristol has beautiful green spaces, including the Ashton Court Estate, Avon Gorge, and Leigh Woods. Perfect for a Sunday stroll or a dog walk!
Bristol Cons
Cost of living
Bristol does experience a higher-than-average cost of living and many expensive houses. However, this results from the high quality of life the city offers.
Crime rates
Although Bristol’s crime rate is lower than the national average, some areas have a higher-than-expected level of violent crime, which may deter home buyers.
Traffic congestion
As in many cities, Bristol experiences heavy traffic, particularly during rush hours. This can lead to frustration for residents and visitors alike and longer commute times.
