What's going for it? When the revolution comes, it'll probably start here. The people of Stokes Croft have already re-enacted the storming of the Bastille, with a newly arrived branch of Tesco Express standing in for the benighted jail in last year's Battle of Stokes Croft. They live their ideals round these parts. What was a few years ago a scruffy lair of crackheads and clubs has been spirited into Bristol's Most Bohemian Neighbourhood, magnificently free of chain stores, alive with alternative ways of living, from the Classic's free shop (like an un-Multi-Coloured Swap Shop) to splendid gallery activists the Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft, who seem to want to go the whole Passport To Pimlico hog. Thing is, this isn't anti-capitalism old-style, with hair shirt and poor personal hygiene, but with sassy glamour. The streets are painted in vast, colourful murals. The local cinema, the Cube, might be a not-for-profit "microplex" collective circa 1975, but its seats are plush and it sells delicious homemade cola. And there's a pretty flower shop. (Flowers of Stokes Croft, we salute you! A revolution must have flowers.)

The case against Not for the Margots and Jerrys among you: the place has a certain urban oomph. A bit too cool for school: what if you're caught watching Take Me Out?

Well connected? Sell the 4x4 (imagine the shame); it's strictly walking or cycling round here. Bristol has a decent but could-be-better cycling strategy. Temple Meads station is a half-hour walk away.

Schools Primaries: Colston's, St Michael's on the Mount CofE and St Barnabas CofE are all "good", Ofsted says, with SS Peter & Paul RC "outstanding". Secondaries: Cotham is "outstanding". Plenty of local independents, too, such as Bristol Grammar and Colston Girls'.

Hang out at… A workers co-op, naturally. Thankfully, the Runcible Spoon has great (locally sourced, daily changing) food and staff.

Where to buy The neighbourhood lies between Kingsdown, St Paul's and Montpelier. It was first laid out in the 18th century, and Georgian streets, such as Somerset Street, survive, plus pockets of lovely houses. Generally posher and pricier west towards Cotham and the university, cheaper east to St Paul's.

Market values Semis, £250,000-£400,000. Town houses, £400,000-£800,000. Terraces, £250,000-£350,000. Flats, £100,000-£250,000.

Bargain of the week A project: seven-bed Georgian town house needing total renovation, £525,000, with Ashton Rose.

From the streets

Catherine Ford "Stokes Croft free shop always makes me laugh. Scuttle past the queues for the Canteen and head to the Bell – it's cosier and has better DJs."

Christine Boulton "Likes: the lovely folk at the post office. Dislikes: the lack of weekend policing – it's meant to be a non-drinking zone, but you'd never know it."

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