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09/03/21
Local insights

Where to Live in Bristol

Whether you're focusing your property search on lifestyle, transport links, schools or simply on the hunt for a great property, Bristol ticks all the boxes.

But it's a big city with lots of different areas to focus your search.

Here, we'll look at some of the best areas to live, run through some of the houses for sale in Bristol and take a look at the current property market in the city.


The cost of living in Bristol

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Bristol is 13.57% cheaper than living in London, with rental prices, on average, a huge 46% lower than the capital.


Average cost of a flat in Bristol

The average cost of a flat in Bristol as a whole over the past 12 months was £265,269.


Average house cost in Bristol

Terraced houses in Bristol averaged £323,867 over the past 12 months, while semi-detached properties averaged £354,382.

Those prices are 9% up on 2019 and 11% up on 2018, proving Bristol property remains both popular and well protected from economic uncertainty.

"Buyers coming into the South Bristol area in particular are confident that it's a good area to settle,” says Paul Goverd of CJ Hole Southville.

"It's a wide demographic, too - families, singles and older people.

"Prices haven't dropped since the EU referendum and we saw the same in 2008 with the last slowdown - South Bristol didn't really take a hit like the rest of the country.

"We're quite well insulated here and with house prices being lower than many other areas but the desirability factor high thanks to lots of Victorian and 1930s properties, there is potential for superb long-term growth.”


The best places in Bristol to live

Whether you’re a young professional looking to move to Bristol for work, or you’re a family buyer or renter looking at the city to put down some roots, Bristol has a number of great places to live…


1. Bradley Stoke, Bristol

Close to the M4, M5 and M32 motorways, Bradley Stoke is popular with commuters and lovers of green space thanks to its proximity to the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve.


Houses for sale in Bradley Stoke

Bradley Stoke is one of the newest areas of Bristol so is largely made up of 1980s and 1990s houses.

Take a look at the latest properties for sale in Bradley Stoke here.


Property prices in Bradley Stoke

The average price of a property in Bradley Stoke was £295,304 over the past year.


2. Bishopston, Bristol

North of Bristol city centre, Bishopston and nearby Henleaze are popular with families thanks to its great schools.

And if you're looking for a period family home, you're in luck - some of Bristol's best Victorian terraces and semis are in Bishopston.


Houses for sale in Bishopston

Among the large numbers of Victorian properties with stunning period features, the western side of Bishopston also boasts a number of large 1930s family homes alongside more modern flats and apartments.

Take a look at the latest properties for sale in Bishopston here.


Property prices in Bishopston

The average price of a property in Bishopston was £486,241 over the past year.


3. Downend, Bristol

Popular for its parks and open space, Downend is close to the M32 and M4 in the north east of Bristol.

Like many parts of Bristol, the area enjoys a host of independent shops and cafes along the popular Badminton Road.


Property in Downend

Well-presented Victorian terraces and larger 1930s and 1950s family homes are the order of the day in Downend, alongside more modern homes further out from the centre of the area. Take a look at the latest properties for sale in Downend here.


Property prices in Downend

The average price of a property in Downend was £331,416 over the past year.


4. Living in Southville, Bristol

One of Bristol's most popular areas, Southville is a mere 15-minute walk into Bristol city centre and close to Temple Meads station for rail services to London.

With the River Avon running north of the area and the open space of Victoria Park to the east, it's no surprise that Southville is quickly becoming a place where buyers lay down roots.

"South Bristol is also a lifestyle choice for many," says Paul Goverd of CJ Hole Southville, "with North Street and its cafes, delis and lots of local independent shops."


Property for sale in Southville

If you're keen on a quaint Victorian terrace then Southville is the place to look.

Some more modern properties are also available, mainly in nearby Bedminster, while some period properties have been converted into flats.

Take a look at the latest properties for sale in Southville here.


Property prices in Southville

The average price of a property in Southville was £401,993 over the past year.


5. Kingswood, Bristol

On the eastern tip of Bristol and close to the Cotswolds, Kingswood is another Bristol hotspot favoured by families for its parks and period properties.

Close to major roads for access to the city centre, Kingswood also has a leisure centre, with swimming pool and a gym.


Houses for sale in Kingswood, Bristol

Quaint Bristol period terraces dominate in Kingswood, although there are also more modern properties available and flats.

Take a look at the latest properties for sale in Kingswood here.


Property prices in Kingswood

The average price of a property in Kingswood was £256,507 over the past year.


6. Redfield, Bristol

East of Bristol city centre, Redfield's parks are almost unrivalled in Bristol.

St George's Park to the north east and Netham Park to the south are glorious open spaces to explore and enjoy.

The area is also only a stone's throw from Lawrence Hill train station for access to Bristol city centre and Bristol Parkway.


Property for sale in Redfield

Redfield is a hotspot for Victorian period homes.

Take a look at the latest properties for sale in Redfield here.


Property prices in Redfield

The average price of a property in Redfield was £249,112 over the past year.


7. Clifton, Bristol

Bristol life is probably most perfectly encompassed in Clifton, where streets filled with chic boutiques and cute cafes attract homebuyers and renters in equal measure.

Bristol Zoo and the Clifton Suspension Bridge are iconic landmarks nearby.


Clifton property for sale

As well as the traditional Victorian and Edwardian properties Bristol is known for, lovers of Georgian architecture should start their search in Clifton.

Take a look at the latest properties for sale in Clifton here.


Property prices in Clifton

The average price of a property in Clifton was £545,090 over the past year.


8. Westbury-on-Trym

Around four miles north of the city centre, Westbury-on-Trym has more of a village feel than its Bristol neighbours.

Close to The Downs, Westbury-on-Trym is perfect if you like getting out and about - but boasts some stunning properties, too.


Houses for sale in Westbury-on-Trym

The area is superb for 1930s family homes, but also has a lot of smaller period properties in the main conservation area in the centre of the village as well as larger villas. Take a look at the latest properties for sale in Westbury-on-Trym here.


Property prices in Westbury-on-Trym

The average price of a property in Westbury-on-Trym was £471,765 over the past year.


Further reading…

If you’re looking to buy a new home in Bristol this year, take a look at these 10 questions you should definitely ask your estate agent.

And if you’re a first-time buyer looking to get a foot on the property ladder, a Help to Buy equity loan could be an option for you – we explain everything you need to know about the equity loans here.

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