From gorgeous Georgian buildings to a long and illustrious history as a spa town, it’s no wonder that Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also a great place to live, with stylish homes, a thriving town centre, acres of countryside surrounding the city and, of course, those famous Roman baths. In this guide, we’ve got everything you need to know about moving to Bath and why this Somerset destination should be high up on your list of places to call home.
A brief history of Bath
Bath was built by the Romans to use bathing complexes after the city was founded on natural hot springs. Throughout history, the baths have played a pivotal role, and it became known as a spa town in the 17th century when claims were made for the curative properties of water from the springs. Bath was designated a World Heritage Site in 1987.
Where is Bath?
Bath is the largest city in the county of Somerset and is located in the valley of the River Avon. It’s just under 100 miles away from the west of London, 40 miles from the Cotswolds and 11 miles southeast of Bristol.
Moving to Bath
There are period homes aplenty, from 18th and 19th-century mansions to terraced houses and converted flats. North of the city is where you will find the suburbs, which offer historic villages with charming homes.
Buying in Bath
The average house value in Bath is £506,669, with actual paid prices considerably higher at £520,420. Expect to pay an average of £784,985 for a detached home, £488,122 for a terraced house and £368,558 for an apartment.
Bath property prices are much higher than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last five years, house prices have increased by 9% and 47% in the last 10 years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Bath, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Bath
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £900 per month in Bath, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £1,400 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,600 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Bath, you can expect to pay the same as the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £12, while a cappuccino is about £2.75 and a pint of milk is £0.90p.
Utility bills are similar to the nationwide average: electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal cost an average of £154 (UK average £155). Broadband is about £31 per month.
Living in Bath
Open spaces
Bath’s smaller size means there’s a distinct lack of parks in the city. This isn’t really an issue, however, as it’s surrounded by the Somerset countryside; it’s known for being one of the best places to live in terms of natural beauty. Plus, the rolling open spaces of the Cotswolds are 40 miles away via car.
Transport links
Bath is well served by public transport, with Bath Spa train station offering services to London Paddington every half an hour. There are also trains to Bristol taking just 15 minutes. Drivers will enjoy proximity to the M4, which gives them a direct route into London.
Shopping
The Southgate Shopping Centre has you covered with high street essentials, while Walcot is an alternative area with independent shops and a weekly flea market. And don’t forget to spend some time strolling down Bath’s cobblestone streets, admiring the many shops around the city.
Eateries
Bath is full of flavours, from international cuisines to local dishes ready to make your mouth water. Menu Gordon Jones is a stylish restaurant offering a modern European multi-course tasting menu. The Circus Restaurant, set in a classic Georgian building and serves seasonal British food, is also a popular spot for diners.
Nightlife
As with any major city, Bath has its fair share of nightlife options. There are plenty of pubs and bars around the city where you can enjoy a few drinks and catch up with friends. Then there are places like Moles, an underground live music venue and nightclub, and Khoosoosi with its vaulted cellars and terrace overlooking the weir.
Art & culture
Culture vultures will spend some time at the Victoria Art Gallery, a public art museum opened in 1900 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. The Fashion Museum also features collections dating back to the 1960s – one of the most iconic times for fashion in the UK.
Things to do
If you’re moving to Bath, one of the first things you should do is visit the iconic Roman Baths. A wander down the famous Royal Crescent is also a must. Built between 1767 and 1775 by John Wood the Younger, the landmark is arranged around a lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park. It encapsulates the tidiness and picture-perfect aesthetics found all around the city.
What’s not to like?
Anyone looking to live in a large bustling city with plenty going on might be left disappointed by Bath as it’s more of a large town than a city in reality. Still, it’s hard to make a case against anywhere that looks this good.
Who lives there?
Bath has a population of about 88,000 and a median age of 41.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 32mbps in Bath, which is quite a bit slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
Crime rates in Bath average 2,400 per year and lower than the national average of 10,000.
Everything you need to know about moving to Bath
Get a rounded opinion about the homes in Bath with Move iQ’s property report, which provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Bath. All you need is a postcode!
Last Updated: November 4th, 2021
