it can be very nice. I work there, live in Bath.

Best areas to live in Bristol will depend on whether you're a singleton/young couple or have family. eg I lived on the waterfront for a couple of years, which is great until you need more rooms/gardens etc.

Avoid anything east of the M32, or the areas adjacent to the M5.

The rest of the city depends on budget really and picking your spots well. Some bits are rough, some bits are run down, some bits are edgy, but it's a mostly safe city.

If schooling is a concern you will need to pick very carefully as a lot of the state schools are really s**t and catchment areas are critical.

Shopping, restaurants and nightlife are all good. It's a pretty vibrant place. I haven't lived anywhere bigger, but it doesn't have that 'big city' feel, whilst at the same time having plenty to do.

Traffic is a complete and utter b***h within the city though. Where you choose to live will depend on where you'll be working and how you want to commute.

There are some nice enough sleeper towns south of the city, but if you want proper rural/village feel then you'll need to head further out into Somerset (and pay accordingly, or accept a long commute).

Posted By: CWC, Jan 21, 11:51:53