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
Dottie Walker,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bristol, PA sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Bristol, PA over the last 12 months is $380,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 627 Pine Street, where classic Bristol Borough character meets an extensive, top-to-bottom transformation. This twin home was taken down to the studs, with the rear portion rebuilt to create a spacious, modern layout that is rarely available in the Borough. The bright, open main level flows from the living room into the dining area and beautifully finished kitchen, featuring white
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
Character, space, and location — this corner-lot home delivers all three. Step inside off the enclosed front porch and you're greeted by a living room with real hardwood floors and a fireplace with mantle that anchors the whole space. The dining room flows naturally into a nice sized galley style kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Three nice-sized bedrooms and an updated bathroom round out
CASH only sale! Investor alert!! This is a single family home with 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath on main floor. Basement is finished with a half bath. Looking for fast closing.
Welcome to 4627 Gary Drive, a beautifully updated ranch-style home offering comfortable one-floor living in Bristol Township. This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home features brand-new laminate wood flooring throughout the spacious living room and kitchen, creating a modern and inviting atmosphere.The updated kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample
Don't judge a book by its cover! This home is larger then it appears. Featuring 4/5 Bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Parking is located in the back of the home. As you pull into the HUGE driveway you will notice a wooden deck just ready for some hang outs. Go up and enter the Family room with lots of windows for amazing views. Continue through to the bright white kitchen with pass through to Living Room.
**Recent PRICE REDUCTION under $300k** Discover this fully modernized rancher in the heart of Bristol Township, offering stylish updates, effortless living, and a layout that works for today’s lifestyle. This beautifully refreshed home features 3 comfortable bedrooms and a full, updated bathroom, all designed with a bright, welcoming feel. Step inside to an inviting living space that flows into a
Welcome to 627 Pine Street, where classic Bristol Borough character meets an extensive, top-to-bottom transformation. This twin home was taken down to the studs, with the rear portion rebuilt to create a spacious, modern layout that is rarely available in the Borough. The bright, open main level flows from the living room into the dining area and beautifully finished kitchen, featuring white
The 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
421 Otter Street- Check Out This One of a Kind Four Unit Building with Four Detached Garages on a HUGE Lot! This is One of Four Multi-Unit Buildings Being Sold as a Bundle! With a Freshly Painted Exterior and Newer Roof and All Residential Units Rented, This is Truly Something You Don't Want to Pass Up On! This Building Shows two 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Units and 2 Two Bedroom 1 Bath Units. All Four
Janine Allan-DeCarloAnthony Messina Real Estate, LLC
An incredible opportunity along the Delaware River, this diamond-in-the-rough estate sale is ready for its next chapter. With the right vision and care 6514 can be restored to what it was meant to be, a true one of a kind. This property offers breathtaking river views and direct access, all in a prime location—close to the energy of Bristol, yet tucked away enough to enjoy peace and solitude.
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
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!
Welcome to Green Park Apartments, a comfortable and well-maintained community offering convenient living in a peaceful residential setting. Designed with everyday comfort in mind, Green Park Apartments provides thoughtfully laid-out homes and a welcoming atmosphere residents enjoy coming home to.Our apartment homes feature bright living spaces, functional floor plans, and generous
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
Updated row home in Bristol. 3 bedrooms 1 1/2 baths, Finished basement with 1/2 bath ... washer & dryer & a large area for storage. New heater , New central air, New water heater.... New kitchen and appliances, Updated bath, New floors , Laundry room & fenced in yard. Nice front porch, with new shrubs. No SmokingFirst & last month and security deposit. Background check... references. 1 year
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
Property Id: 2523469Step into this bright and inviting 1-bedroom, 1-bath loft apartment offering approximately 500 sq ft of freshly renovated living space in a quiet Bristol, PA neighborhood. Freshly painted with modern finishes and abundant natural light, this unit feels open, airy, and move-in ready.Inside, you'll enjoy:Hardwood-style flooringUpdated kitchen with appliances
Spacious 3-bedroom apartment featuring hardwood floors, new appliances, great natural lighting, and a welcoming front porch in the heart of Bristol. This spacious unit offers comfortable living with plenty of room to make it your own. Located just minutes from Bristol Wharf and the vibrant Mill Street district, you’ll enjoy easy access to restaurants, shops, and local favorites. Whether you’re
Charming 3-Bedroom Home for Rent Near a Serene Lake!Address: 16760 Riverview Circle, Bristol, PA 19007 Availability: August Move-In (flexible)Note: Section 8 Not Accepted---**Welcome to Your Dream Home!**Nestled in the picturesque neighborhood of Riverview Circle, this stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers modern living with the tranquility of
Come out and see this spacious, recently rehabbed home on a large lot. This one story home is perfectly laid out and features economical electric baseboard heat. Washer and dryer are included along with 3 window A/C units. Property also features 2 sheds in the back and driveway parking. Act now, don't delay! Unfortunately, landlord is not accepting vouchers/section 8 at this time. .
Melissa KitzmillerRobin Kemmerer Associates Inc
$2,300 per month
3-Bedroom Single Family Home in Bristol! Available Mid-September!
This 3-Bedroom/1-Bathroom Single-Family Home is located on a quiet, residential street in Bristol. Centrally located with plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment nearby, you will absolutely love this location. This stunning home is available NOW and ready for immediate move-in!Arrive at the home and immediately fall in love with the large front yard and well-manicured landscaping.
Beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1 full bath apartment located in the heart of Bristol Borough, PA. This second-floor apartment offers a fresh, clean, and updated living space with modern improvements throughout. The layout provides comfortable room sizes, a bright living area, and a functional kitchen space, making it a great option for someone looking for a well-maintained home in a convenient
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