Where to Live in Bristol
When it comes to choosing where to live in Bristol, you can’t really go wrong. There is no shortage of nice areas in Bristol, with every winding road and graffiti-covered corner overflowing with energy and creativity and its own unique spots to discover and avenues and parks to get lost in.
With so many wonderful places to discover, selecting the perfect one for your new home can be tricky. Here’s a complete run-down of the best places to live in Bristol to help you on your moving journey.
City Centre & Redcliffe, BS1
The beating heart of Bristol, the City Centre and Redcliffe are prime spots to live in Bristol if you enjoy being in the middle of the action. With the shopping hub of Cabot Circus directly on your doorstep, you can spend hours wandering around the brightly coloured streets before strolling to Castle Park or Queen’s Square to relax in the sun. For a bit of local history, check out the Brunel SS Great Britain on your way to the Floating Harbour, or visit the spectacular Bristol Cathedral.
St Paul’s, BS2
Home to the famous annual festival of St Paul’s Carnival, this cultural hub is the perfect place to live if you’re big on music, with some of the city’s best music venues and record shops on offer. You’ll also be within walking distance of Stokes Croft, one of Bristol’s most buzzing spots for stunning street art and quirky, independent shops to lose yourself in.
Southville, BS3
With the Spike Island creative hub and renowned live graffiti festival Upfest, Southville has quickly become known as one of Bristol’s top spots for the arts scene. The Tobacco Factory and M Shed are among some of the most exciting places to visit for Southville locals, which are also fortunately fun for all the family, as the neighbourhood is perfect for parents looking to raise their kids close to the heart of the centre with its close proximity to some of Bristol’s best schools.
Bedminster, BS3
A widely popular district in the south of the city, Bedminster is home to several of the most well-loved pubs and restaurants you can find in Bristol, as well as the community-led Windmill City Farm and the nearby Ashton Gate Football Stadium, home to the city’s own football club.
Brislington & Knowle, BS4
Located in the south-east of Bristol, Brislington and Knowle are the places to be if you’re a young professional looking to make your mark in the city. The creative business hubs Paintworks and Here can be found in these areas, overflowing with creative minds and a large expanse of networks to feed off of.
Totterdown, BS4
Home to the picturesque brightly coloured houses that make up one of the most recognisable snapshots of the city, Totterdown is a great place for young families to settle down in, offering several well-respected schools, a friendly, community atmosphere, and lots of interconnected links to the rest of Bristol.
St George, BS5
Home to a total of five schools, St George is also a terrific spot to live if you’ve got young kids or are wanting to start a family sometime soon, with the central St George’s Park offering a lush green space for little ones to run around in alongside its own skatepark, tennis court, and play area. The St George Community Centre also provides a wealth of fun activities to enjoy, as well as Bristol and Bath Science Park where you can discover science-related events and exhibitions.
Easton, BS5
The large expanse of Eastville Park could be explored for days on end, with the iconic Dower House, known locally as the ‘Yellow Castle’, peaking out in the middle of the wide green park. In the eastern side of the city, this area is one of the most sought-after spots to buy within Bristol, with several of Banksy’s most iconic works hidden amongst the gems of street art that dot every wall.
Montpelier, BS6
The perfect mix of creative culture and close proximity to the thriving nightlife of the city, Montpelier is widely popular amongst students and young professionals, with great links to the centre and its own Montpelier Station. Local festivals such as Montpelier Bean Feast and the creative hubs like the Montpelier Arts Centre give this district a distinct community appeal.
Cotham & St Andrew’s, BS6
A lush, leafy area with beautiful old residential architecture, Cotham and St Andrew’s are home to the University of Bristol, with several stunning spaces located in the area dedicated to the students. The pedestrianised Cotham Hill is also one of the best spots in the entire city to visit if you want to discover some of the most wonderful restaurants and bars the city has to offer.
Redland & Westbury Park, BS6
Redland and Westbury Park are popular areas for the students of the city. Explore the vibrant Whiteladies Road with its wide selection of boutique shops and cafes, or visit the historic St John’s Church for a cultural afternoon of soaking up the Gothic architecture.
Clifton, BS8
Bristol’s boujee headquarters, Clifton is often cited as one of the best areas to live in Bristol. Well-known as one of the most up-market spots for making your home within the city, Clifton offers an endless selection of luxury bars and restaurants alongside its own Clifton Village, one of the most stunning shopping quarters in the South West. Of course, the neighbourhood also houses the Clifton Suspension Bridge, undoubtedly one of Bristol’s most famous landmarks, which spans the length from the Avon Gorge to the River Avon.
Hotwells, BS8
Hotwells derives its name from the natural hot springs buried under the rocks of the Avon Gorge. Recent refurbishment has made this area newly popular amongst local residents, with several historic sites on its doorstep such as the Clifton Rocks Railway and the Bristol Observatory.
Failand & Leigh Woods, BS8
The cosy local villages of Failand and Leigh Woods sit just north of the city, with close links easily accessible so you can still enjoy getting out and about in the centre when you feel like it. Each residential area offers plenty of natural spaces to explore, including the Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve.
Henleaze, BS9
A northern suburb of Bristol with several local amenities on its doorstep, Henleaze is most famously known for its own Henleaze Lake, a flooded former quarry that now houses a popular swimming club for residents to enjoy.
Avonmouth, BS11
A suburb located on the outskirts of Bristol, Avonmouth is an affluent area for the city’s maritime economy, offering an excellent link for the export and transport of goods. The area looks out on two rivers: the north bank of the Avon, and the eastern shore of the Severn Estuary.
Bishopsworth, BS13
A suburb located in the south of the city, Bishopsworth was once a civil parish, becoming a part of Bristol during the early 1930s. The Bishopsworth Manor and Chestnut Court are among several of the area’s listed buildings, with the vibrant green space of Manor Woods Valley offering the perfect place to enjoy a breath of fresh air amongst the hustle and bustle of the city.
Kingswood, BS15
The perfect blend of modernity and history, Kingswood offers traditional market town roots mixed with new housing and local amenities, with Kingswood Park located in the heart of the area and great links to the city centre.
Fishponds, BS16
This area gets its quirky name from a time when Fishponds was a quarry district, which would be filled with water and used for fishing. Its vibrant high street, Lodge Causeway, offers a unique blend of suburban charm with a collection of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.
Portishead, BS20
A coastal town offering beautiful views of the surrounding rivers, Portishead is known and loved for its marina, lively music scene, and stunning walk spots, with a friendly local community and surrounding residential areas.
Keynsham, BS31
Located on the outskirts of Bristol, Keynsham is a charming residential town with a rich local history and easy access to both the city and the beautiful neighbouring Bath. The market town and the scenic River Chew are wonderful spots for local residents to explore.
Bradley Stoke, BS32
Situated in North Gloucestershire just next to Bristol, Bradley Stoke is home to a thriving local community with a family-friendly atmosphere and excellent transport links to the M4 and M5 motorways. Known for its Willow Brook Centre and outdoor nature reserve, this area is ideal if you’re looking for a spot to raise your children.
Long Ashton, BS41
A picturesque village nestled into the countryside surrounding the city of Bristol, Long Ashton is perfect for those seeking a simpler pace of life, with several tranquil spots of nature to enjoy and charming local pubs to visit in the evenings.
Are you searching for the perfect spot in Bristol to call your home? Our team of professional movers is here to help, with a complete, quality service guaranteed with every move. Whether you need office removals, packing services, storage removal services, or cleaning services, we’ve got the solution for you. Get in touch today to take the first step towards your new Bristol abode.