The city of Bristol is made up of a number of different neighbourhoods, each with their own unique characteristics and community amenities. This means that although most would put location at the top of their wish list when looking for a rental property, the degree of choice that Bristol has to offer can make those decisions much trickier.
To give you a helping hand on your search for a rental property in Bristol, we’ve put together this handy guide featuring our top tips, tricks and things to keep in mind.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Neighbourhood in Bristol
It can be hugely beneficial to put together a list of the qualities you want your next rental property to have, however it is surprisingly easy to overlook a number of key elements. Here are some of the things that we think you should consider when choosing your ideal home.
1. Commute Times
When it comes to commutes to work and/or school, the amount of time it will take each day really matters. It is important to factor traffic into the equation, so we recommend doing a test run to ensure that you’re choosing a neighbourhood that won’t make your daily commute feel like a huge chore.
2. Public Transport Connections
Public transport across Bristol tends to be very good, however it’s always worth checking the local bus routes and stations to ensure that your neighbourhood provides the connections you need to the wider city and beyond.
3. Local Amenities
From the weekly shop to green spaces, restaurants, shops and leisure facilities, there are many different amenities that you may want easy access to on a regular basis. We recommend taking time to think about whether you need a supermarket within walking distance or a swimming pool within driving distance, as this is all information that will help you to choose the right neighbourhood for your lifestyle.
An Overview of Popular Neighbourhoods in Bristol
Every neighbourhood in Bristol has its own unique qualities, but let’s touch on some of the city’s most popular areas and explain why they are so appealing.
1. Clifton
Clifton is consistently one of the neighbourhoods that features on the lists of people looking to move to Bristol. The area is known for its beautiful Georgian terraced houses and gorgeous garden squares, as well as being home to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Clifton Down, Clifton Cathedral, and Bristol Zoo.
The area is also home to an array of boutique bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes and independent shops that tend towards the luxury end. The good news is that most of the properties in this area are leasehold flats, so while there tends to be a lot of competition, this area of the city could well be your new home.
2. Bristol City Centre and Redcliffe
If you want to be in the centre of all the action, a rental property with an iconic BS1 postcode could be perfect for you. There is a surprisingly large variety of different properties in this area, with the most coveted being the brightly coloured Clifton Wood period terraces.
The harbourside area is known for its weekly food markets, award-winning galleries and plethora of bars, plus easy access to everything from yoga studios to pop-up restaurants. You’ll also have plenty of chances to get stuck into a number of activities, including rowing and paddle boarding on the River Avon.
3. Southville
This part of the city was overlooked for many years, however a decade of regeneration has helped Southville to earn the nickname “Bristol’s Notting Hill.” This south of the River Avon location is a stone’s throw away from the harbourside and has its own lively bar and restaurant scene.
Southville is an ideal choice for young professionals, couples and families alike, particularly as the area is within easy reach of a number of schools and family-friendly amenities. The area is also known for its thriving art scene, as it’s home to the Upfest live graffiti festival and popular arts venues including the M Shed, Spike Island, and the Tobacco Factory.
The Impact of Location on Rental Availability and Prices in Bristol
Both availability and price are two important things you’ll need to think about when planning your move.
Some of the most popular parts of the city, such as Clifton and Southville tend to see properties being snapped up very quickly, so if you’ve got your heart set on one of these areas, speed is going to be key. However, there are also a number of excellent Bristol neighbourhoods that offer a bit more breathing space to renters, which will afford you the time to think about your decision to ensure you’re making the right choice.
Similarly, prices for rental properties vary greatly across the city. Properties can command fairly high prices, with most currently available properties asking between £1,000 and £2,000 pcm at the time of writing. In the BS1 postcode, the average rent for a flat or apartment is £2,108 pcm. In the BS8 Clifton area of the city this rises to £2,227 pcm, whereas in the Southville BS3 postcode the average rent for a flat is £1,549 pcm.
Whether you’re finding your search overwhelming or you’re keen to obtain some advice from experts in the rental market in Bristol, Hopewell can help you to find your ideal property in the city. In addition to a deep understanding of the local property market, Hopewell has one of the most extensive listings of beautiful Bristol properties in sought after locations.
