Buying a house in Bristol

neobrainless

Hello, I'm just wondering what Bristolians are around who could maybe give me some tips as to areas to look at...

I'm early twenties and looking to buy my first house, I'm on a lowish budget (~110-130k). I'm not TOO fussed about being close to the centre, as anything fun worth making it to I'll make it regardless! At the moment it looks like some of the best bargains are in Southmead (which I understand to be dodgy in places, but possibly some ok bits on the edges? Talked to someoen at work who used to live there and seemed to think it's not bad if you're in the right bit) and Shirehampton, which seems inexplicably cheap for some of the houses I see available - is there some dirty secret out there?! Or is it just a pain for commuting to the city centre? I work out of town, so it's not an issue for me - and I cycle everywhere so traffic doesn't bother me too much anyway!

Any tips would be great, thanks!

casualwalks

Shire is on the very edge of Bristol and not much going on. For that budget you could look at St George's, Easton (I live in Easton and love it- that is probably a bit low for Easton but you might find a fixer-upper!),, Lawrence Hill, Barton Hill, Redfield (these are all very close to the city center). Further from the city centre are Lawrence Weston, Knowle (only some bits), Hartcliffe, Withywood. All these areas are affordable in your budget, but spend time in each. There are good and bad things about all of them. Although, out of all of the places above I would personally only live in Easton or St George, a bit more going on in these areas, but again its all up to an individual.

flutter_2

just to add an opposing view, I would not live in easton if you paid me. Southmead and Shirehampton much better options!

flutter

antrobus

neobrainless wrote: »

... At the moment it looks like some of the best bargains are in Southmead (which I understand to be dodgy in places, but possibly some ok bits on the edges?

You'll find that estate agents call the OK bits Westbury-on-Trym.

neobrainless wrote: »

.. .. Shirehampton, which seems inexplicably cheap for some of the houses I see available - is there some dirty secret out there?!

Some of it is on top of the A4 Portway, and some of it is underneath the M5, so some of it is pretty cheap.

flutter wrote: »

just to add an opposing view, I would not live in easton if you paid me.

And it would have to be a substantial sum. The crime level is over ten times what you'd find in Shire. People get shot in Easton.

tiff

How about Brislington? You can walk to the city centre, easy access to the M32, a retail park, supermarkets etc

neobrainless

Thanks for the replies people!

I did just start to notice the Southmead/Westbury cross over tonight, actually! I am mostly looking for north-east-ish Bristol for work, without going all the way out to Patchway as I don't really want to be THAT far out of town.

Looks like that's rest of my weekend sorted - checking out some of those recommended areas and catchign some sun!

Thanks again!

casualwalks

antrobus wrote: »

And it would have to be a substantial sum. The crime level is over ten times what you'd find in Shire. People get shot in Easton.

Each to their own. But I might point out one of the highest profile murders in Bristol's recent history occurred in Clifton the most affluent area. I love the multicultural presence in Easton (I've also lived in St Paul's had loved it there as well!) Shire's a bit too sleepy for me but everyone has their preferences.

casualwalks

Oh don't rule out Lockleaze! My better half grew up there. My brother in law lives in Southmead and really likes it, that's why I'd say spend time in each place to get a feel for what you like.

Leven

It would be easy to cycle to central Bristol from Shirehampton, nice flat run straight into Bristol along the Portway. I am Bristolian and have never heard anything bad about Shirehampton, so I reckon its well worth considering.

neobrainless

Glad to hear no-one (so far) immediately saying 'RUN FOR YOUR LIFE FROM SOUTHMEAD!' as there are what look like decent bargains down there... Lockleaze is definitely on my list, though there's not much available at the moment.

Thanks

hamsterfan1

My son lives in Bedminster & loves it - handy for the centre & temple meads