Looking for the best places to live near Bristol with easy commutes and stunning surroundings? We’ve refreshed our list with the latest top 10 Towns & Villages to live in 2025. You can view our 2022 guide here. The towns and villages that made it into our Top 10 offer a mix of affordability, amenities, and connectivity—ideal for families, professionals, and retirees in the hybrid work era.
Why Move Outside Bristol in 2025?
With Bristol’s average house price at ~£366,000, nearby areas provide better value and space. Recent rankings highlight improved rail links (e.g., Keynsham’s 8-minute trains) and sustainable developments, making these spots even more appealing. We’ve updated our alphabetical list based on 2025 data, retaining classics like Chew Magna while adding rising stars like Keynsham and Nailsea.
With over 40 years of local insight and 20 years assisting clients, Fox Davidson’s team has curated this list using fresh client feedback, property data, and expert guides.
The Best Places to Live Near Bristol (2025)
1. Backwell
Why Backwell? A family favourite 9 miles from Bristol, Backwell boasts Ofsted “Outstanding” schools and countryside walks near Tyntesfield House. It’s praised for its balance of rural charm and quick access. New: Taylor Wimpey’s Rodney Road development approved in January 2025 for up to 65 homes, including affordable options.
- Distance: 9 miles
- Commute Time: 22 min (car), 47 min (cycling), 13 min (train via Nailsea & Backwell)
- Average House Price: £562,636 (Rightmove, up to Sep 2025)
- Detached: ~£655,193
- Semi-detached: ~£501,681
- Terraced: ~£359,278
- Why It’s Great: Strong schools and steady demand; prices stable despite a 6% YoY dip.Ready to move to Backwell? Contact Fox Davidson for expert mortgage advice tailored to your budget.
2. Bradford-on-Avon
Why Bradford-on-Avon? This Wiltshire gem, 12 miles from Bristol, features historic bridges, artisan shops, and Tithe Barn. It’s ideal for culture lovers with easy Bath access. New: Tithecote Manor development offers modern homes with commuter links.
- Distance: 12 miles
- Commute Time: 25 min (car), 1 hr (cycling), ~20 min (train via Bath)
- Average House Price: £450,000 (Zoopla, up to Sep 2025)
- Detached: ~£600,000
- Semi-detached: ~£420,000
- Terraced: ~£350,000
- Why It’s Great: Heritage charm at a premium; 5% YoY growth reflects popularity.Find your Bradford-on-Avon home with ease.
3. Chew Magna
Why Chew Magna? Sunday Times’ South West winner for 2025, this Chew Valley idyll (9 miles from Bristol) offers lakeside serenity, gastro pubs, and artisan vibes. New: High Street footway upgrades enhance pedestrian access.
- Distance: 9 miles
- Commute Time: 22 min (car), 55 min (cycling)
- Average House Price: £566,354 (Rightmove, up to Sep 2025)
- Detached: ~£934,988
- Semi-detached: ~£468,333
- Terraced: ~£412,333
- Why It’s Great: Top-ranked for wellbeing and green spaces; 13% YoY dip but resilient premium appeal.
4. Chipping Sodbury
Why Chipping Sodbury? A market town 12 miles north, it blends high street buzz with Cotswold edges and good schools. New: Cotswold Homes’ developments add sought-after family homes.
- Distance: 12 miles
- Commute Time: 25 min (car), 1 hr (cycling), 22 min (train via Yate)
- Average House Price: £380,000 (Zoopla, up to Sep 2025)
- Detached: ~£500,000
- Semi-detached: ~£350,000
- Terraced: ~£280,000
- Why It’s Great: Affordable heritage spot; 4% YoY rise signals value.
5. Clevedon
Why Clevedon? Coastal allure 14 miles west, with Victorian pier and seafront walks—MoneyWeek’s top Bristol commuter. New: Seafront revisions from February 2025 improve traffic flow.
- Distance: 14 miles
- Commute Time: 30 min (car), 1 hr 15 min (cycling), 34 min (train)
- Average House Price: £424,367 (Rightmove, up to Sep 2025)
- Detached: ~£611,682
- Semi-detached: ~£434,441
- Flats: ~£288,211
- Why It’s Great: Seaside lifestyle with solid links; steady 2% YoY uptick.
6. Keynsham
Why Keynsham? MoneyWeek’s #1 Bristol commuter (6 miles south), with high street growth and dual Bath/Bristol access. New: Co-working spaces and cycle upgrades support hybrid workers.
- Distance: 6 miles
- Commute Time: 15 min (car), 40 min (cycling), 8 min (train)
- Average House Price: £390,613 (Zoopla, up to Sep 2025)
- Detached: ~£500,000
- Semi-detached: ~£380,000
- Terraced: ~£320,000
- Why It’s Great: Ultra-convenient and affordable; 7% YoY growth.
7. Long Ashton
Why Long Ashton? Garrington-ranked near Bristol (4 miles), with Ashton Court parks and woodland escapes. New: 2025 Local Plan protects green spaces from expansion.
- Distance: 4 miles
- Commute Time: 13 min (car), 21 min (cycling)
- Average House Price: £594,947 (Rightmove, up to Sep 2025)
- Detached: ~£798,309
- Semi-detached: ~£531,310
- Terraced: ~£403,650
- Why It’s Great: Rural feel close to city; 5% YoY increase.
8. Nailsea
Why Nailsea? Expanding commuter hub 8 miles west, with strong schools and high street cafes. New: 400+ homes south of Nailsea approved for 2025, plus Wolvershill new village nearby.
- Distance: 8 miles
- Commute Time: 15 min (car), 45 min (cycling), 15 min (train via Nailsea & Backwell)
- Average House Price: £370,000 (Zoopla, up to Sep 2025)
- Detached: ~£480,000
- Semi-detached: ~£350,000
- Terraced: ~£290,000
- Why It’s Great: Growing amenities and value; 6% YoY rise.
9. Portishead
Why Portishead? Marina town 12 miles northwest, with boutiques and woods—Zoopla favorite for affordability. New: Portway Park & Ride remodel completed September 2025; rail reopening eyed for 2028.
- Distance: 12 miles
- Commute Time: 25 min (car), 55 min (cycling), ~20 min (train from 2028)
- Average House Price: £410,352 (Rightmove, up to Sep 2025)
- Detached: ~£575,824
- Semi-detached: ~£426,696
- Flats: ~£243,589
- Why It’s Great: Waterfront appeal; modest 2% YoY growth.
10. Yate
Why Yate? Practical town 12 miles north, with shopping parks and trails—MoneyWeek’s affordable pick. New: Enhanced bus links via Southmead to Bristol.
- Distance: 12 miles
- Commute Time: 25 min (car), 1 hr (cycling), 22 min (train)
- Average House Price: £309,542 (Zoopla, up to Sep 2025)
- Detached: ~£400,000
- Semi-detached: ~£300,000
- Terraced: ~£250,000
- Why It’s Great: Budget-friendly with good links; 3% YoY uptick.
Why Choose These Locations in 2025?
From £309k in Yate to £594k in Long Ashton, these spots undercut Bristol’s average while offering top commutes and new builds like Nailsea’s expansions. Rankings from Zoopla and Sunday Times emphasise value, green spaces, and connectivity.
Ready to Find Your Dream Home?
Fox Davidson specialises in mortgages for these areas—whether a coastal spot in Clevedon or village life in Chew Magna. For more insights on the best places to raise a family or enjoy the quiet life outside of Bristol please do get in touch. Contact us now or call 0117 989 7950
Explore More:
- Bristol market insights on our blog.
- Sources: Rightmove/Zoopla (Sep 2025 data); Zoopla, MoneyWeek, Sunday Times, the Fox Davidson team.
