Bristol one of UK’s top 10 ‘most desirable cities’ to live in, according to Google searches

Bristol has been named one of the top 10 most desirable cities to live in the UK, a new study has found. According to the home insurance company Comparethemarket, the city is one of the most-searched places on Google by Brits seeking to relocate.

It’s no surprise that Bristol made the list. With its ‘city by the sea’ feel thanks to its historic harbour, along with a thriving food and party scene and focus on all things green, Bristol remains a popular choice for people looking to uproot.

Based on Google search volume across a year (between December 2021 and November 2022) for terms related to living and relocating to a certain location, Bristol ranked ninth with 11,540 searches, close behind Sheffield, another eco-conscious city, with 11,960 searches.

Birmingham, Bradford, Nottingham, Liverpool and Leeds all ranked higher up the list - could it be down to their cheaper property prices? But it was London that took the top spot, despite being by far the most expensive UK city to live in, with 33,700 searches.

The second spot goes to Manchester, with 19,910 searches throughout the same period. The study said as the music capital of the UK while boasting a large number of job opportunities, particularly within the fashion industry, it is no wonder that it is an ideal location for professionals.

Meanwhile, the UK’s third most desired city to live in is Birmingham, with 17,780 people searching for moving-related terms each year. The study attributed Birmingham’s popularity  to its football teams and its retail attractions.

The study said: “Home to numerous football teams and one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, Birmingham has broad appeal. This multicultural city also offers a wide variety of award-winning restaurants in a range of different cuisines.”

The top 10 most desired cities to live in the UK

These are the 10 most desired cities to live in the UK, according to Comparethemarket.

• London: 33,700
• Manchester: 19,910
• Birmingham: 17,980
• Liverpool: 17,960
• Bradford: 13,130
• Leeds: 13,050 
• Nottingham: 12,440
• Sheffield: 11,960
• Bristol: 11,520
• Glasgow: 10,780