Is Bristol The New London? 3 Reasons For The Rising Interest In This South West England City

Picturesque scenery, innovative and growing industries, and a haven for culture are all words that best describe Bristol.

Whilst some might question what Bristol is known for, the city continues to expand, welcoming new residents and visitors every year.

The rich history, vibrant music and arts scenes, and Victorian properties are more elements that help to form this beloved city. It is reasons such as these, amongst others, why more people are deciding to swap London life for a new life in Bristol.

So, is Bristol the new London? Here are three reasons for the rising interest in this south west England city.

Start Of Successful Businesses

London is viewed as the birthplace of many well-known start-ups and successful companies. The successful history, mixed with its easy access, has led to the rise in new businesses choosing London as the place to establish their roots. However, what many business leaders will find with setting up a company in the capital are the costs. Unsurprisingly, London is more than just an expensive city to live in. Setting up a company and helping it off the ground will also be costly.

This is why looking elsewhere to start a business is worthwhile. Across the UK, plenty of other growing cities are beginning to rival London regarding accessibility, culture and opportunities for companies to grow. Included in this list is Bristol. Throughout the years, countless companies have established their business in Bristol. Whilst they might have moved on, these companies’ history and origins are deeply ingrained in the city. For example, the history of Amos Beach, a commercial interiors company, found its footing in Bristol. You can find out more about Amos Beech and its history on its website. Whilst they may have relocated to Scotland, their story starts in Bristol. This is often the story for many thriving companies.

Thriving Industries To Join

On the topic of work, Bristol is home to numerous growing industries. Each one is becoming more in demand as technological advancements continue to shape the way we live. In Bristol, some of its thriving industries include aerospace engineering, creative media, electronics and technology – all of which are some of the largest sectors in the world. Within each of these industries, someone can progress in their role and potentially move into higher positions.

For those looking to start a career, Bristol could offer plenty of opportunities to help you get your foot on the ladder. These industries continuously evolve to keep up with emerging developments and changing times. As these industries grow and evolve, new opportunities become available, meaning new roles become available that need to be filled. This shows opportunities for career growth and demand for the skillset you likely will possess. If these industries are the most appealing to you, perhaps Bristol might be a city worth considering.

Cost Of Living

One of the most heavily discussed topics recently is the cost of living. Many people across the UK are making lifestyle changes to ensure they have enough to see them through these cold, dark months. Some are cutting back on luxuries, while others might consider where they live. Living in London is known for being an expensive city to live in. Bristol’s prices might be higher than most UK cities, and they do not rival the prices for entertainment, housing or food and drink in the capital.

These slightly lower costs entice many living in London to consider switching. Bristol has many of the same amenities as London, but living costs are a little more friendly to a person’s budget. With many leading industries having a solid base in Bristol, individuals looking to start a career in one of these sectors can do so, knowing that living costs will not be as eye-watering as those in London.

Should a person decide to go on a return visit to the capital, commuting between London and Bristol is just more than a 90-minute train journey that can take them from Bristol Temple Meads to Paddington station. From either station, plenty of transport options will be available to take them to their desired location.

Bristol vs London

Of course, there will be those who still favour the capital over the south west England city. However, the number of people taking a leap and choosing to relocate from London to Bristol is rising. This is visible in the demand for houses in Bristol. It seems this demand appears not to be slowing down anytime soon either. It continues to rival London in culture and opportunities but is a little more affordable than the big city lifestyle. Bristol might be an option worth considering if you have been interested in leaving the capital life behind.