Bristol is often heralded as an up-and-coming and exciting place to live, filled with culture and opportunities to socialise and get more out of life. Whether you are moving due to the thriving city vibes or a new job, here are some of the elements you should think about and look into when you are planning a move to Bristol.
Job Opportunities
There is no point in moving to a city if you will be unable to sustain a life there or if this will put you at a financial loss. This means that before you even look at houses, you need to consider the job opportunities that Bristol offers. Luckily, Bristol is one of the top cities for jobs in the UK, providing you with a wealth of chances for development and career progress. However, this all depends on the industry you work in as well as your salary expectations. Even if you have found a job that appears to be perfect for you, it is still essential that you look into factors such as commuting time and parking before you sign any documentation associated with this job. It is also important that you ask questions about work/life balance, or else you might live for years within Bristol without seeing much of it.
The Outdoors
When you are moving to an urban area, you might not often think about the areas of natural beauty that might be close by, and you might not expect them, either. Outdoorsy people often gravitate to the countryside. However, this does not have to be the case, and it is possible to enjoy the best of both worlds. Bristol is a city with many routes to the outdoors, meaning that you always have access to an escape from reality and a breath of fresh air. This can also keep you active, make you more appreciative of nature and allow you to let off steam after a hard day at work. There are many nature reserves and parks around Bristol, so you can enjoy exploring local habitats and spotting wildlife even if you do not have the time to go on a weekend retreat. This means you should spend some time looking for nature walks Bristol, especially if you have a family or like to exercise regularly.
Your Social Life
Your social life is likely to blossom when you move to Bristol, which has a wide variety of venues, restaurants and bars to choose from, depending on your socialising style. Not only this, but there are many societies in and around Bristol that will allow you to get stuck into crafts, theatre or sports. Although it might take a little bit of research and confidence to find out about these groups, they will help you make new connections in your area and allow you to enjoy an outlet outside of work.
The Facilities
On a more practical level, it is essential that you have some knowledge of the different facilities that are available to you when you move to Bristol. For instance, if you have children, you should think carefully about the different schools in the area and look at the Ofsted reports that have been written about them. As well as the official rankings, you might also talk to other parents about their first-hand experiences of the schools in question, as different schools can be right for different kids. As well as this, it is essential that you know all about the medical facilities in your suburb or local area, such as the hospitals and doctor’s surgeries, or else you might find that you come unstuck when you are ill and need to speak to a medical professional. It is also vital that you look into public transport if you do not have a car of your own, as you might be reliant on this to get anywhere.
Crime Levels
Rather than hoping for the best, you should take steps to protect yourself and your family, as well as your assets and possessions. The best way to do this is to check the crime levels not only in Bristol as a whole but in the area where you are planning to live. This will mean you can relax at home and outside your house and not be constantly on edge for fear of criminal acts such as vandalism. This can also help you feel calmer about allowing your kids to walk to school or play with their friends in outside areas. You can look at crime statistics by finding online crime maps.