Bristol, located in the South West of England, is a city known for its sense of community, urban environment and thriving job market. It’s a city that bursts with creativity, innovation and a rich sense of history. Whether you’re drawn in by its picturesque harbourside, vibrant art scene or its beautiful surrounding countryside, the city is perfect for people from all walks of life. If you’re considering a change of scenery, Bristol should be at the top of your list!
In this article, we will highlight the top 10 reasons why Bristol is the perfect place for your next move.
Strong community spirit
Bristol boasts a strong community spirit. This is evident through active neighbourhood forums, support groups, local initiatives and collaborative projects. For example, community gardens and farming projects such as those led by the Bristol Food Network provide a space for residents to connect and work together.
The people of Bristol are also passionate about social justice, which is shown through the city’s rich history of protests and activism.
And let’s not forget about Bristol’s iconic festivals! Events such as St. Paul’s carnival brings the community together and celebrates the African Caribbean culture of Bristol.
Thriving job market
Bristol is known for its range of creative and innovative industries which include media, technology, aerospace and engineering. Major employers such as aerospace giant Airbus and financial service firm Hargreaves Lansdown have head offices based in Bristol.
The city is a hub for tech and creative sectors, with its growing number of business start ups and established businesses. Its diverse economy contributes to a stable job market, making it perfect for those seeking employment in Bristol.
Excellent education
Bristol is home to students from all walks of life, adding to its creative and diverse community. There are many top-rated schools and colleges that provide high quality education, as well as its universities. Educational centres such as the City of Bristol College, St Brendan’s Sixth form college and the South Gloucester and Stroud College are all highly rated institutes for young people, regardless of their ambitions in later life
The city is also home to a prestigious Russell Group Institution, the University of Bristol, which is one of the most popular and successful universities in the UK! Additionally, the University of the West England (UWE Bristol) is known for its strong educational approach and industry links, making sure those who graduate are prepared for their future roles.
Perfect for shopaholics
You’ll always have somewhere to go shopping when living in Bristol. From Cabot Circus to The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, it’s difficult to know where to begin! You’ll find all the big high street stores such as Primark and JD, as well as smaller, more independent ones – there really is something for everyone!
If that’s not enough, head over to Clifton Village where you’ll find posh boutiques, or take a trip from Stokes Croft to Gloucester Road and find yourself immersed in Europe’s longest street of independent retailers.
Vibrant food scene
From Michelin-starred establishments like Bulrush to beloved local eateries such as The Canteen, Bristol caters to all tastes and budgets. The city has a wide range of restaurants, cafes and street food markets offering many different cuisines.
The city’s commitment to sustainability is reflected through its growing vegan and vegetarian food scene, as well as its organic food markets. Popular spots include Koocha Mezze Bar, Root and Oowee vegan.
Rich history
Founded in the 11th century, Bristol quickly grew into a major port city. Historic landmarks such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and the 12th-century St. Mary Redcliffe Church reflect the city’s architectural heritage.
The SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner, now a museum ship, offers a glimpse into Bristol’s pioneering engineering past. The city’s historical significance is also evident in its Georgian and Victorian-era buildings, cobbled streets, and the vibrant Harbourside.
Sustainable living
Bristol was the first city in the UK to be named European Green Capital in 2015 as it is continuously striving to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy and enhance urban green spaces. The city encourages eco-friendly commuting with its extensive cycling infrastructure and numerous public transport options.
Initiatives like the Bristol Green Doors open homes project showcase energy-efficient home improvements. Bristol is also home to numerous community-driven projects, such as the Bristol Food Network. With a focus on recycling, waste reduction, and green building practices, Bristol continues to set an example for sustainable urban living.
Bustling nightlife
For the music lovers and party people, Bristol is the perfect place for you. There’s an abundance of vibrant and diverse clubs and bars, making sure there’s something for everyone. Venues such as Thekla and the O2 Academy host a range of live performances. Nightclubs such as Pryzm, Motion and Lakota attract all the dance enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing evening, there are numerous pubs and cocktail bars, such as The Apple and The Milk Thistle, which provides a cosy atmosphere if you want to meet up with friends or family.
A great lineup of events and festivals
There are so many different events and festivals that occur over the summer in Bristol. The Bristol Foodies Festival runs in May and features a ton of mouth watering food stalls alongside great bands and chefs. St Pauls Carnival showcases the best of Afro Caribbean culture in the form of music, dance, parades and food!
The Bristol Harbour Festival attracts over a million visitors every year. It includes music, dancing, a circus zone and more!
Now for Bristol’s most iconic event, the International Balloon Fiesta! The fiesta features over 100 hot air balloons from around the world which take to the sky in unison during the early morning or late afternoon. In addition to this incredible sight, the festival offers fairground rides, food stalls and live local performances.
Iconic art and culture
With its famous street art and cultural institutions, Bristol is the place to be for arts and culture lovers. Street art is a significant part of Bristol’s cultural landscape, with works by globally renowned artists like Banksy adorning its walls.
On top of the street art that enhances most walls and houses, Bristol is home to numerous museums and theatres. Bristol museum and art gallery showcases a range of art and natural history, the Arnolfini hosts cutting edge exhibitions and performances and theatre lovers can enjoy productions at the Bristol Old Vic, the Bristol Hippodrome and the Tobacco Factory.
How Aspire to Move can help
Thinking about making the move to Bristol? Aspire to Move is here to make the process seamless and stress-free. From identifying the best neighbourhoods to securing your ideal property, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
Don’t wait to start your new adventure, contact us today and
