Single-family homes, townhouses and local restaurants all coexistalongside the Delaware River in Bristol, a city of almost 10,000 residents 20 miles north of Philadelphia. Bristol traces its roots back almost 350 years, and in the past operated as a hub of manufacturing thanks to the presence of shipyards, textile mills and more on the river. “It’s a very historic type of area, meaning things like a home façade can’t be changed,” says Jake Toyberman, an associate broker and Realtor with Homestarr Realty. “There have been numerous amounts of new construction and condo developments. You see some condos and rehabbed homes coming on.”
Today, Bristol has evolved into a bustlng city, complete with a vibrant downtown. Riverside parks host concerts and annual festivals while several main thoroughfares are lined with local restaurants and, throughout much of the city, older homes intermingle with contemporary establishments to give Bristol character and life. “The nice feature is you are close to the water,” Toyberman says. “It’s an up-and-coming area.”
With its proximity to the water its no wonder why residents love living in Bristol.
Enjoy the bounce houses at the Bristol Township Touch A Truck event in Bristol.
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Residential homes close to the river
Much of Bristol is residential, its houses intermingling with local restaurants minutes away from the riverfront. Its gridded streets are lined with a mixture of mid-century single-family homes and townhouses with a median price of about $350,000, a price point that is below the national median. “They’re all older homes, for the most part,” Toyberman says. “If someone’s really wanting to start out in an affordable area, this could be an ideal opportunity.” Single-family homes are mostly Cape Cods and ranch-style homes, with some split-levels, Victorians and colonial-styles mixed in, and most range from about $300,000 to $400,000. Townhouses typically cost between $250,000 and $350,000.
Residents can expect cold winters in the Bristol area, and the snowy season can last from November to March.
Enjoy the condominiums with a river view in Bristol.
Gaze upon the Row homes with covered porches in the Bristol.
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Local restaurants on several main streets
Close to the river, Mill Street and Market Street parallel each other southward to Radcliffe Street, which runs close to the riverside. Residents can find many local restaurants there as part of Bristol’s active waterfront area, ranging from international flavors and taprooms to casual cafes and breakfast spots. “The downtown has some vibrancy to it,” Toyberman says. “It’s definitely been picking up over the last few years. You have some older establishments, like dive bars, but you also have some newer establishments as well. It’s essentially an up-and-coming area.” On the east side of the city, Farragut Avenue is also lined with local stops, including several pubs. Grocery shoppers can head to several area markets, or to multiple nearby chain stores including Aldi and Giant.
Dog and Bull Brew and Music House has delicious craft beers in Bristol.
Order some lunch at one of the vendors in the Bristol Amish Market in Bristol.
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Exploring Burlington Island in the Delaware River
Bristol Township Municipal Park is close by and offers sports facilities, a splash pad, trails and a stage, which is fronted by an open field for concerts. Multiple small state parks and recreational facilities sit nearby, including the Grundy Ice Arena. Several trails run through the area, like the Bristol Spurline Trail that extends from Delaware Canal State Park, and the Silver Lake Nature Center encompasses over 450 acres of land north of Bristol. Burlington Island sits in the Delaware River just off the banks of Bristol. The island spans around 300 acres, and with almost a third of its acreage taken up by a small lake, is popular for recreation on the water or dry land. The river itself is a common site for recreation, as well.
Sit by the water and enjoy the view at Bristol Lions Park.
Walk along the paved walking path at the Bristol Waterfront.
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Annual festivities on the waterfront
Bristol Waterfront Park, known locally as the Wharf, is a hub for the city and its community. The Bristol Lions Club Summer Concert Series hosts a variety of bands at the Lions Park Gazebo on the Wharf’s grounds on many Sundays during the summer, and visitors can also fish, view monuments, eat outside and more at the park. Annual festivals, including Juneteenth and Celtic Heritage Day celebrations, take place at the waterfront park, as well. The borough also hosts a Sunday Stroll on many weekends, where locals can wander Mill Street and interact with vendors, listen to live music and more.
A nice turnout for the Bristol Township Touch A Truck event in Bristol.
Friendly vendors with creative crafts at the Bristol Borough Sunday Stroll in Bristol.
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A three-school pipeline for Bristol students
The Bristol Borough School District provides educational services to students in the area, scoring a B-minus with Niche. The district encompasses one elementary school, which earns a B-minus, one C-plus-rated middle school and one high school, which receives a B-minus. The private Our Lady of Grace Catholic School sits less than 10 miles north and scores an A with Niche. The Gene and Marlene Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks campus of Bucks County Community College sits just north of Bristol.
Keystone Elementary School is in Bristol offers a diverse academic cirriculum.
Welcome to Pennwood Middle School serving the Bristol community.
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Commuting to larger cities north and south of Bristol
Bristol Pike runs through parts of the city on the north side. Drivers can find on-ramps to Interstate 95 less than 3 miles away from central Bristol, while access points to Interstates 295 or 276 are both less than 5 miles west. Trenton is about 11 miles north and Philadelphia is just over 20 miles south, meaning both cities are within driving distance for commuters. “There’s easy living and amenities,” Toyberman says. “It has easy access to the highways up to New York, down to Washington, D.C. and to New Jersey. It’s very commuter-friendly.”
Bristol is also linked to Trenton and Philadelphia by a SEPTA station, providing rail transit to both cities. SEPTA also operates buses along multiple thoroughfares. “It’s centrally located, so you can just hop over to any point when needed,” Toyberman says. “It’s really a great location.”
Decreasing crime rates in Bristol
According to the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System, the Bristol Borough Police Department recorded slight decreases in both property and violent crime from 2023 to 2024.
Written By
Adam Cheek
Photography Contributed By
Mitchell Birnbaum
Video By
Daniel Willingham
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brandi Shaw,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bristol, PA sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Bristol, PA over the last 12 months is $380,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to the Condos at Radcliffe Court on the Delaware, Bucks County’s premier new-construction condominium community. This exceptional development features 96 affordable luxury residences and represents the largest residential development ever built in Historic Bristol Borough. Building upon an already successful townhome neighborhood, the Condos at Radcliffe Court uniquely blends small-town
Welcome to the Condos at Radcliffe Court on the Delaware, Bucks County’s premier new-construction condominium community. This exceptional development features 96 affordable luxury residences and represents the largest residential development ever built in Historic Bristol Borough. Building upon an already successful townhome neighborhood, the Condos at Radcliffe Court uniquely blends small-town
Welcome to the Condos at Radcliffe Court on the Delaware, Bucks County’s premier new-construction condominium community. This exceptional development features 96 affordable luxury residences and represents the largest residential development ever built in Historic Bristol Borough. Building upon an already successful townhome neighborhood, the Condos at Radcliffe Court uniquely blends small-town
Welcome to the Condos at Radcliffe Court on the Delaware, Bucks County’s premier new-construction condominium community. This exceptional development features 96 affordable luxury residences and represents the largest residential development ever built in Historic Bristol Borough. Building upon an already successful townhome neighborhood, the Condos at Radcliffe Court uniquely blends small-town
Welcome to 916 Jefferson Avenue, ideally positioned directly across from the neighborhood baseball field in Bristol Borough. This interior row home offers a spacious main living area with high ceilings that create an open, airy atmosphere throughout. Just off the kitchen, you’ll find a bright sunroom—perfect for additional storage. The home also features a one-car rear garage, providing
Welcome to the Condos at Radcliffe Court on the Delaware, Bucks County’s premier new-construction condominium community. This exceptional development features 96 affordable luxury residences and represents the largest residential development ever built in Historic Bristol Borough. Building upon an already successful townhome neighborhood, the Condos at Radcliffe Court uniquely blends small-town
Welcome to the Condos at Radcliffe Court on the Delaware, Bucks County’s premier new-construction condominium community. This exceptional development features 96 affordable luxury residences and represents the largest residential development ever built in Historic Bristol Borough. Building upon an already successful townhome neighborhood, the Condos at Radcliffe Court uniquely blends small-town
Welcome to the Condos at Radcliffe Court on the Delaware, Bucks County’s premier new-construction condominium community. This listing is for a fully finished move-in ready unit complete with a tremendous amount of upgrades just waiting for you to call this place home! This exceptional development features 96 affordable luxury residences and represents the largest residential development ever
Find your home in Silver Lake Reserve 55+, our new home community in Bristol Township, PA. This community offers the ideal setting for active adults looking for a comfortable, yet dynamic lifestyle. With its rich history, accessible location, and close-knit atmosphere, Bristol provides a welcoming environment for those looking to enjoy the next chapter. Our new homes offer 2 bedrooms and 2
Don't miss this opportunity! Calling all handymen and contractors! Cozy 3 bedroom, 2 full bath rancher in West Bristol. Main floor consists of 3 sizable bedrooms, full bathroom, living room and eat-in kitchen. From the kitchen, walk down the steps to a fully finished basement, laundry with basin, bonus room, and another full bathroom. Back upstairs, you can exit the kitchen into the breezeway and
Find your home in Silver Lake Reserve 55+, our new home community in Bristol Township, PA. This community offers the ideal setting for active adults looking for a comfortable, yet dynamic lifestyle. With its rich history, accessible location, and close-knit atmosphere, Bristol provides a welcoming environment for those looking to enjoy the next chapter. Our new homes offer 2 bedrooms and 2
Welcome to this 3 bedroom 1 and 1/2 bathroom single family home located in the Bristol section of Bucks County. This home features updated bathroom and kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Conveniently located on the 1st floor is 2 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, on the 2nd floor is a large main bedroom with 1/2 bathroom. This home is located close to I-95 and PA Turnpike, with easy access to
Welcome to 509 Pond st, this is a newly renovated end of row in one of the hottest spots in bucks county! Bristol Borough is rapidly developing with new construction, freshly done renovation and tons of money pouring into the community! A short walk to Mill st with tons of restaurants, bars and shops! Now on top of all that this home has been beautifully renovated with all new LVP flooring,
Burlington, a 1,500 square foot twin ranch villa, offers open-concept living with two sizeable bedrooms, two full bathrooms, den, and a two-car garage. Upon entering the home through the private, side front door, you step into the spacious living and dining area that flows nicely into the functional kitchen with well-appointed cabinetry and countertops, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula
Welcome to the Condos at Radcliffe Court on the Delaware, Bucks County’s premier new-construction condominium community. This exceptional development features 96 affordable luxury residences and represents the largest residential development ever built in Historic Bristol Borough. Building upon an already successful townhome neighborhood, the Condos at Radcliffe Court uniquely blends small-town
Bristol Gardens is under new management! Every apartment has undergone a complete renovation and features stainless steel appliances for a sleek and contemporary living space! We are located next to everything you need or want! Bristol Gardens is only twenty minutes from Center City and South Jersey. Take a tour today!
Now available — 2-bedroom, 1-bath second-floor rental in sought-after Bristol Borough. This spacious unit offers comfortable living with ample room throughout. Close to local shops, restaurants, parks, and transportation. Convenient location with everything you need nearby. Schedule your tour today!
Welcome to Delaview Apartments! Our convenient waterfront property puts you exactly where you want to be, surrounded by stunning views and a peaceful setting. We offer our residents the finest in modern amenities, including upgraded kitchens, renovated bathrooms, and a private balcony or patio with every unit. With a wide variety of apartment designs, Delaview Apartments has a living space for
Three bedroom, one full bath ranch style house with full basement. Oil heat. porch, large rear yard. Off street parking. Recently renovated: Laminate floors, updated kitchen, with microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator. Washer/dryer hookup in basement with wash/dryer.
Welcome to Green Park Apartments, your new home in the heart of Bristol, PA. Our community offers a range of updated units, each designed with modern living in mind. For your convenience, we provide onsite laundry facilities, ensuring your laundry days are hassle-free. Safety is our priority, and with our advanced camera security system, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected. We also
Completely renovated rental in desirable Bristol Borough. Everything is brand new — be the first to live in this custom-renovated home.A covered front entry leads into a spacious living room with laminate hardwood flooring and ceiling fan. The eat-in kitchen features white cabinetry, marble backsplash, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and access to the rear yard. The first
Monica FloresKeller Williams Real Estate-Langhorne
Welcome home to 807 Merlin Street, in the Bath Addition Section of Bristol Township, and just one block away from 235-acre Silver Lake Country Park & Silver Lake Nature Center as well as Lower Bucks Hospital. Get ready to enjoy this remodeled home which features an updated and upgraded kitchen, bath, HVAC, flooring, trim, paint, and much more. Fenced yard, storage in both the basement and outdoor
Jonathan GeftmanAmerican Dream Realty Service Corp.
Now Leasing: Brand New 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments!The Lighthouse on Norton Avenue is a 55+ rental community in Bristol, Bucks County, PA. The community offers both affordable and market rate apartments, mostly comprised of 1 bedrooms with a few 2 bedroom options as well. The spacious open floorplans offer plank flooring throughout the living and dining areas, carpeted bedrooms, and large
Welcome to 5609 Toga Street! A new construction 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath rental home nestled in Bristol PA. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a bright, open-concept living area that seamlessly flows into a luxurious kitchen. The kitchen features a built-in island, sleek granite countertops, and brand-new stainless steel appliances, perfect for entertaining! Theres also sliding glass doors open
Come experience the New Attitude of Levittown Trace Apartment Homes. You'll love living in your apartment home and enjoy amenities like the professional service-oriented staff. Our beautiful garden apartment homes are situated amidst 22 landscaped acres in the heart of Bucks County. You will not have to travel far to get to major shopping areas and restaurants, major highways and schools. We're
Welcome to 244 Cedar Street, a beautifully renovated home in the heart of Bristol Borough, just one block from the waterfront. Fully renovated in 2023, this spacious residence blends modern updates with an unbeatable location in one of the area’s most vibrant communities. The main living space features durable laminate flooring and a bright, open feel, while the washer and dryer are conveniently
Zasha RiddickKeller Williams Real Estate-Langhorne
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