A guide to the best places to live in England has named 20 areas within an hour of Bristol. However, just one area of Bristol made it onto the list.
Whether it is a place in the countryside or in a small town, there are plenty of factors that can influence where to live, including price and convenience. A new guide released by upmarket lifestyle site Muddy Stilettos has mapped ‘the top 300 places to live in 2025’ based on ‘insider knowledge’, and there are plenty of West Country areas to make the cut.
The lone Bristol area to make the exclusive list was Southville. The report said: “A vibrant area in the centre of Bristol, south of the river Avon, with a former tobacco factory turned arts-space-cum-theatre-cum-bar, at its heart.” It also made the list in 2024.
Southville’s average property price, generated over the course of the past year, shows that the house price in the area comes to an average of £406,293. When compared to Bristol as a whole, the average house price was £379,921.
The 20 areas within an hour of Bristol named within the best places to live have varying average house prices, but 11 of these areas have a cheaper average house price than Bristol. As all the areas are within an hour of the city, it could provide a great opportunity to live in a commuter area whilst working in Bristol.
By using data from Rightmove looking at the average house price of an area, using statistics from the last year, we have rounded up the best areas to live and the average cost of a house there.
Gloucestershire
Cheltenham
Travel time from Bristol: One hour
What the guide says: “Cheltenham Spa gives you one of the poshest postcodes in Glos, with top-drawer schools, leafy Regency streets and an arts, culture and shopping scene to rival the capital.”
Average property price: £405,934
Cirencester
Travel time from Bristol: One hour
What the guide says: “With butterscotch buildings and acres of stately parkland Cirencester is sky high on the des res hit list. It might have a price tag to reflect its brilliant schools and bucolic setting – but it’s oh so tempting.”
Average property price: £392,901
Dursley
Travel time from Bristol: 46 minutes
What the guide says: “This under-the-radar market town has a lot going for it, from an arty community and thriving high street to lush countryside walks, all with great commuter links.”
Average property price: £300,596
Lechlade-on-Thames
Travel time from Bristol: One hour
What the guide says: “Looking for the rural dream but with brilliant connections back to London still? Lechlade is a classy choice with great eateries and nature-infused days out.”
Average property price: £570,133
Minchinhampton
Travel time from Bristol: 50 minutes
What the guide says: “Boasting an idyllic setting, a stand out pub and cafés and strong family-centric feel, this market town minutes from a stunning National Trust Common is a hot new contender on the 2025 Muddy watch-list.”
Average property price: £526,080
Stroud
Travel time from Bristol: 53 minutes
What the guide says: “Searching for a proudly independent town with a strong arty and foodie scene and a bucolic backdrop? Then Stroud is a strong contender (shhh, just don’t tell everyone else).”
Average property price: £374,248
Tetbury
Travel time from Bristol: 45 minutes
What the guide says: “Adopt that virtual curtsy – Tetbury has serious royal swagger. But that’s not all. This thriving market town has pretty lanes packed with boutiques and amazing antique shops as well as a buzzing cafe culture and arts scene.”
Average property price: £421,544
Somerset
Bruton
Travel time from Bristol: One hour
What the guide says: “The Notting Hill of the South West has more than its fair share of cultural highlights, great food and famous people.”
Average property price: £378,950
Castle Cary
Travel time from Bristol: One hour
What the guide says: “Enjoy all that this pretty South Somerset town has to offer and Bruton’s culture/foodie scene on the doorstep (but without the price tag to live there).”
Average property price: £370,467
Chew Magna
Travel time from Bristol: 25 minutes
What the guide says: “The largest village in the gorgeous Chew Valley, with characterful houses, fab places to eat; the peaceful Chew Valley Lake in one direction and cosmopolitan Bristol in the other.”
Average property price: £627,917
Clevedon
Travel time from Bristol: 35 minutes
What the guide says: “Independently minded, lively little seaside town overlooking the Bristol Channel and beyond, with elegant Victorian villas, indy shops and eateries, possibly the country’s prettiest pier – and only 15 miles from Bristol.”
Average property price: £368,298
Frome
Travel time from Bristol: One hour
What the guide says: “The community-minded town’s packed with arty, artisan indy businesses and cafés, and hosts the best street market in the West.”
Average property price: £346,845
Glastonbury
Travel time from Bristol: One hour
What the guide says: “The unique town that gives its name to the famous music festival, has quirky independents, one of the most iconic landscapes, and an alternative vibe.”
Average property price: £276,603
Larkhall
Travel time from Bristol: 36 minutes
What the guide says: “A quirky, cool urban village in north east Bath where you can walk into the centre of the city in one direction or out into the countryside in the other.”
Average property price: £456,617
Wells
Travel time from Bristol: 55 minutes
What the guide says: “England’s smallest city is fast becoming the South West’s go-to place for festivals with annual food, comedy, theatre and literary fests.”
Average property price: £334,364
Wiltshire
Bradford on Avon
Travel time from Bristol: 50 minutes
What the guide says: “A gorgeous historic town packed with fairytale cottages, this is your nirvana if you’re after indie shops and eateries, canal and river life and a speedy route into Bath.”
Average property price: £458,195
Chippenham
Travel time from Bristol: 40 minutes
What the guide says: “This former weaving town is commuter friendly and is surrounded by more TV and movie backdrops than you can shake a selfie stick at.”
Average property price: £301,031
Corsham
Travel time from Bristol: 45 minutes
What the guide says: “Only 10 miles from oh-so popular Bath, Corsham is just as pretty but significantly more affordable. It’s a real gem of charming Georgian buildings, cobbled streets and parkland, making this historic market town the perfect spot to call home.”
Average property price: £361,827
Malmesbury
Travel time from Bristol: 41 minutes
What the guide says: “If you’re after quaint with all the trimmings, Malmesbury offers dreamy houses, history, plenty of indie shops and foodie finds.”
Average property price: £373,564
Sherston
Travel time from Bristol: 40 minutes
What the guide says: “A picture perfect Cotswolds village with a cracking pub, vibrant social calendar and community spirit.”
Average property price: £624,208
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