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How it rates

Bristol is the West Country's biggest urban centre. Its laid- back atmosphere attracts young professionals and creative types who give the city its reputation for innovation. Sixties' blocks interrupt the Georgian terraces, adding a touch of brutalism to the attractive hilly streets.

Architectural gems

Brunel's engineering coup, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, opened in 1864 and stretches majestically over the Avon Gorge. St Mary Redcliffe is a striking example of 14th-century artistry. Bristol Cathedral has pretty side chapels and Saxon carving, and The Lord Mayor's Chapel is worth a visit for the stained glass alone.

What's new

Castle Wharf is the first phase of the Finzels Reach urban renewal project. The six-acre site will contain 85 flats, all of which will have views of Castle Park, the city or the Floating Harbour. It is scheduled for completion in 2010; prices from £199,950 for a one-bedroom apartment and £269,950 for two beds. Cabot Circus is a well-designed city-centre project.

Contact Hamptons International for both (0117-302 0100).

Travel

Trains from Bristol Temple Meads to Paddington take about 1hr 45 min. Bristol is well linked by road: the M5 leads to the Midlands and the South West and the M4 to London and Wales. There is also an international airport.

Quality of life

Cool and genteel with an urban edge. The multitude of hip happenings on offer from across the cultural spectrum means that Bristol residents need never be bored. There are elegant Regency streets but also a number of big housing estates blighted by social problems.

Population

410,500 people, including 25,600 students, according to the Office for National Statistics. Bristol has a city-centre workforce of 91,100, 20 per cent of whom commute on foot or by bicycle.

Smartest streets

Bordering the Downs, Clifton and Clifton village are the two best areas. Houses are large and set apart from the city. The converted docks have some smart new flats.

Restaurants

Bell's Diner in Montpelier is quite special - an organic bistro in a Fifties-style shop. Riverstation has a young crowd and balconies by the water. Deason's serves high-end British food with an Asian influence.

Nightlife

The Bristol Old Vic theatre is renowned for the quality of its productions, and the Hippodrome is a huge venue for mainstream shows. Cornubia is a sweet little bar and Thekla is a club on a moored trawler.

Education

Bristol University is ranked tenth in The Times Good University Guide 2009, doing particularly well in the graduate prospects category. Clifton College is an excellent school; 10 per cent of its leavers go to Oxbridge each year.

Working life

Thirty-one per cent of jobs are in finance, IT and business, followed by 27 per cent in public services and 22 per cent in distribution, hotels and restaurants. The Nineties' music scene has given way to graphic art and new media as the city's occupations with the most street cred. BBC Bristol is a major employer.

Upside

It combines the buzz of a big city with a relaxed Somerset attitude. The live music scene is still going strong for those keen on hearing local acts. Bristol Zoo Gardens is a conservation park and At-Bristol offers a mishmash of facilities including an interactive science museum.

Downside

A survey conducted by Bristol City Council found that local people were frustrated by the following, in order of irritation: traffic congestion, poor public transport and high pollution levels. The latter had risen in residents' concerns since the 1990s, along with crime and begging.

At a glance

6% - The fall in house prices in Bristol over six months

90% - The percentage of the asking price achieved in Bristol

16.6 - Average number of viewings per sale in Bristol

Source: Hometrack

1936 - The year that the blackcurrant cordial Ribena was first made in Bristol

11,500 - The number of vehicles that cross Clifton Suspension Bridge each day

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