In 2014, Bristol was named the best city to live in – according to The Sunday Times’ ‘Best Places to Live in Britain List.’ But, what makes this city better than the other 63 locations the newspaper profiled?
Well, as The Sunday Times notes it boasts “one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, varied and beautiful housing stock, decent schools, buzzy culture and night life and access to some fantastic countryside”.
This wasn’t the first time Bristol came out on top of a list of cities either. In 2013, it was named Britain’s most liveable city, following analysis by Money Supermarket of the countries 12 largest. This was due primarily to having the highest disposable income growth and one of the lowest unemployment rates.
So if you aren’t already planning your move to Bristol, then here are 5 more reasons you should:
1. Perfect mix of city and countryside
Bristol provides you with the best of both worlds – a vibrant city that is big enough that there is plenty to see and do, but small enough that you don’t feel lost in the way you might in, say London. But head away from the centre, which itself has plenty of large open green spaces such as Brandon Hill – that provides incredibly views across the city – and you are surrounded by countryside.
It is also just 40 minutes from a beach in Weston-Super-Mare and under an hour from both modern Cardiff and historic Bath.
2. Proud history and culture
Bristolians are very proud of their history and all across the city you will find many nods to its past – a key landmark is The Clifton Suspension Bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, for example.
There are also numerous arts and culture venues in Bristol and the city is full to burst with creativity. Grafitti isn’t vandalism here it is art – and you will see the streets decorated with incredible pieces including those by famous street artist Banksy.
3. Strong sense of identity
Bristol has a strong sense of identity and supports everything and anything local – this is most apparent from the huge number of independent shops. Both Gloucester Road and Park Street, in particular, are lined almost end-to-end with independent stores (and restaurants) filled with quirky and interesting delights.
The city was also ranked among the 10 happiest cities to work in the UK and Jonathan May, chief executive of Bristol-based company Hubbub, said this is because it “has the buzz and culture of a big city while keeping the community feel of a friendly, close-knit town.”
4. You will NEVER be bored
To say Bristol is a fun city would be an understatement – in the same year it was named the best city to live in, it also made headlines for putting a giant waterslide on Park Street. The summer is so jam-packed full of incredible events from Love Saves the Day and Brisfest to the Harbour Festival and Balloon Fiesta – that you will never be short of something to do. It is also home to some incredible bars and clubs – including The Apple and Thekla, both situated on boats!
5. Excellent education opportunities
Whether you are planning to move there for your own education, or will inevitably start a family there, then you will be pleased to hear that not only have the cities secondary schools been named among the best in the country, but it is also home to two universities – including the University of Bristol, which has been ranked among the Top 20 in the UK.
This is a far from extensive list and when you move there you will see why!
