If you’re thinking of relocating, check-out our top 5 reasons why you should move to Bristol. 

Bristol has a stellar reputation for offering everything a big city has whilst staying a small, accessible city. It’s an incredibly vibrant and eclectic city - whether you’re looking to buy your first property or searching for the perfect place to raise your family, you’ll find many things to love about Bristol. 

Whether it’s the multi-coloured houses, the flocks of hot air balloons, rolling green spaces or the impressive harbourside which brings everyone together during the summer months, there are endless reasons to make this city your new home.

Bristol’s mission to be green.

Bristol is a place where people care about green energy, sustainability and best practices when it comes to protecting our environment. As a member of Bristol’s community, you’ll find numerous charities and opportunities for you to get involved and make a difference. 

Bristol was the first British city to be named European Green Capital due to the city’s innovative responses to urban environmental challenges. The city has a commitment to clean transport and energy, and was even an influence on international policy at the UN climate change summit (2015) in Paris, sharing best practice and presenting ambitious sustainable action.

Bristol’s fun festivals and community events.

When the sun hits the streets, Bristol comes to life. There’s a strong sense of community here with various outdoor events - there’s something for everyone! 

• Keep the kids entertained with the Balloon Fiesta: Head up to Ashton Court Estate to catch the beautiful grand launch of the balloons or dangle your feet over the edge of the harbourside and watch as they float overhead. 

• Proudly celebrate Bristol’s African-Caribbean culture at St Paul’s Carnival! Live music, dancing, processions and food stalls take over the neighbourhood, St Paul’s, and the area comes alive with drums, colours and various stages.

• Bristol is famed for its colourful and creative street art! Pop along to Upfest which is Europe's largest Street Art & Graffiti festival. It’s a multi-venue urban festival which celebrates the city’s artists. Watch live graffiti, peer at funky street art... and maybe you’ll spot Banksy in the crowd! Did you know he’s Bristol born and bred with various pieces of art sprayed on Bristol’s buildings?

• Need more festivals? Well, there’s also Bristol Pride, cider festivals, craft beer festivals, food festivals, a chocolate festival, film festivals, the list is endless. 

Explore it all and more over on Visit Bristol. It's safe to say, you’ll always find something to do when living in Bristol.

Bristol is the shopping destination of the southwest.

From the large shiny Cabot Circus shopping mall to vintage shops that pepper Park Street, Bristol’s shopping scene is incredibly diverse and keeps the street style fresh and inspiring. 

Explore the longest road of independent shops, Gloucester Road, and shop local designers, artists and secondhand treasures. Wander Broadmead shopping district and Cabot Circus for a huge collection of high street and designer stores. 

And don’t forget about the various small independent shops sat in the shipping containers of Wapping Wharf, nestled in between trendy coffee shops and craft beer pubs.

Dog-friendly Bristol.

With various rolling green spaces and a plethora of eateries and watering holes that allow furry friends inside, Bristol is as dog-friendly as you can get! 

Explore Purdown, Oldbury Court, Leigh Woods and Trooper’s Hill for fantastic walking. And when you get hungry, take your pooch into quality pubs like Left-Handed Giant, The Christmas Steps, The Dark Horse, The Lazy Dog and The Old Market Assembly to name a few!. 

There are too many to mention so be sure to check out more Bristol dog-friendly hot spots here.

Bristol is incredibly accessible.

Bristol serves as the hub of the southwest with both a large airport and train station connecting you to the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond! 

Busy Bristol Airport sits just on the outskirts of the city whisking millions of people to various destinations all year round. There’s a handy shuttle bus that weaves its way through the heart of Bristol, making it incredibly quick and easy to get to the airport. 
Bristol Temple Meads train station is the hub of the southwest - there are many fast routes to get you the length and breadth of the country. And you can even catch a little ferry to get to the train station from the city centre. Adventures are always a possibility here.