Bristol is undoubtedly one of the best cities to live in the UK. It is in a good location, has excellent schools and many areas to choose from which means that it has plenty to offer. If you are looking for great career opportunities, or you want to live in a thriving city that is going through rejuvenation, then Bristol might be the place to live. Whether you live in the city and are looking to move to a new area or you want to move into the city, our guide is going to explore all the best things about this wonderful city and why it might be a good idea to live there!
What Kind of Career Opportunities are Available in Bristol?
Bristol offers wide and varied career opportunities as it is home to a range of industries that offer something for everyone. The city attracts many businesses ranging from start-ups to industrial businesses, IT, Technology, and retail. Near the city centre, you will find the 70-hectare Urban Enterprise Zone and which has attracted a wide range of businesses, giving people access to high salaries and career opportunities. You also have large shopping centres, ports, and universities that provide a variety of careers. Overall, there are not many other areas of the UK that offer excellent career opportunities like Bristol.
What are the Schools Like?
As expected, Bristol has a huge choice of schools, as there are more than 129 schools throughout the area for younger children. This included infant schools, junior schools and primary schools. When it comes to secondary schools, there is also a wide choice for those who are looking for general education through to specialist education such as music. There are also many private schools and those offering education to those with special needs.
For those who are moving into university, there are two located in Bristol. This includes the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol.
Best Schools in Bristol
Bristol contains a plethora of excellent schools. Primary and secondary education in both the public and private sectors excel on an annual basis. Here are a select few from the many available across the city;
- Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital: The most prestigious school in Bristol is Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital, with regular appearances at the top of education audits and rankings.
- Clifton College: This renowned college always performs well and is regarded as an excellent facility for a cross-section of different study options for students to excel.
- Bristol Grammar School: With an extremely high standard of education and an illustrious reputation, Bristol Grammar School is one of the best choices you could make for schooling in the city.
How Good are the Transport Links?
The great thing about Bristol is that it has excellent transport links due to its location. You will find that access to the M4 and the M5 is easy as Bristol is connected by the M49. This makes it possible to enter Wales or head east towards London via the M4, or you can head north or south using the M4. The city also has excellent train links, with Bristol Parkway being the main station in the city, where you will find access to a range of train services including the Great Western Lines and other links.
Bristol also boasts its own international airport, which means that you can catch both domestic and international flights that leave daily, making it possible to connect the city with other parts of the UK as well as overseas. Within the city, there is an excellent bus system, making it easy to move between areas while also making it easy to move around the city centre.
What is the Cost of Living in Bristol?
The average cost of living in Bristol is £1251. This actually places it in the top 7% of the most expensive cities in the world. The median after-tax salary is £1794, which is sufficient to pay for living expenses for up to and including 1.4 months.
Handy Guide to Living in Bristol
Bristol has consistently been ranked as one of the top cities to live in the UK due to its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and excellent quality of life. Some notable recent accolades include being named as one of the “coolest” cities in the UK by The Guardian, and being ranked as one of the top 10 cities in the UK for quality of life by The Sunday Times. Additionally, Bristol has been recognised for its green spaces, with several parks and nature reserves being named as some of the best in the country.
Reasons to Live in Bristol
History
Dating back as far as 1051 in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle listings, Bristol has a rich heritage and eventful history since its early days of trading as a port in conjunction with importing and exporting goods from Ireland. Its famous sea trade has continued to grow from its inception as the once narrow and small-scale harbour has been developed through the years.
Culture
Standing at 89 meters, the tallest building in the city is St Mary Redcliffe. Once described by her majesty Queen Elizabeth as ‘the fairest, godliest, and most famous parish church in England’, it is the third-tallest parish church in the United Kingdom. Bristol is one of the few places to have its own currency after the ‘Bristol Pound’ was launched in 2012.
Shopping
St Nicholas Market is regularly acclaimed as one of the best markets in the UK and is home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol. Just off the M4/M5 interchange is The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, and there are a host of other shopaholics’ dream destinations to uncover in the shopping capital of the South-West.
Food
You’ll never be short of options for a snack on the go or a quick bite to eat in Bristol. This city is a street food extravaganza and will dazzle you with its comprehensive list of varieties and delicacies. St Nicholas Market, for example, hosts more than 20 food stalls.
Countryside
Bristol is home to some of the most luscious greenery and beautiful countryside scenes you will ever come across. Parks, fields, and hillside views are all spectacular and inspirational in their own way. For example, The Avon Gorge is one of the most significant botanical sites in the UK. The Bristolian gorge has 27 extremely rare plants and is the habitat of certain specimens of trees that cannot be found in any other global climate.
Transport
Flying to over 115 destinations, in over 34 countries, and handling over 8.2 million passengers, Bristol Airport is the fastest-growing regional airport in the UK. Bristol Temple-Meads and Bristol Parkway train stations are two of the busiest in the country outside of London, providing regular, essential access to all areas of the country for thousands of commuters and visitors each day.
Things to Do
Bristol is the city of surprises, and anyone can find something to their individual taste, no matter how niche or mainstream their interests may seem. You can choose from;
- A jam-packed family day at the zoo
- Divulge in diverse arrays of street food in the markets
- Hot-air balloon rides
- Romantic meals
- World-class sporting events
- Banksy street art tours
- Underground gigs
- Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Bristol Balloon Fiesta
- Brunel’s Great Britain
- Cribs Causeway
- Museums
- Stunning greenery
- Art galleries
- Historic houses
- Year-round events calendar
Final Thoughts
This city is literally bursting with character, and once unleashed you will fall in love with it. Bristol is more than ready to inspire you with its unique street food, spectacular sights, and famous cider establishments. With retail giants on hand, all you ever need within walking distance or a short ride on the frequent public transport that flows through the busy streets, moving to Bristol will be a choice you will never regret.
If you are looking to move home to Bristol, we can manage your move and help you to move to the home of your dreams in a stress-free and hassle-free way. Get in touch with us today to find out more about why we are the right fit for you.