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
Christine Mantwill,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bristol, PA sell after 34 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 $377,500, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
THIS IS A WOODED HOMESITE! 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
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 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.
Welcome to 238 Cleveland Street — a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse thoughtfully updated. This Home offers modern living with classic character in the desirable Harriman section. Step inside to find an open, light-filled layout with hardwood-style flooring throughout. The main level features a spacious living area, a fully updated kitchen with white shaker cabinets, quartz
Proudly introducing 2903 Glenrich Ave, a spacious Colonial offering the layout and features buyers are looking for, with some hard-to-find extras in Bristol Township. A striking foyer entrance leads into formal living and dining rooms providing great flow for everyday living and entertaining.The eat-in kitchen is both functional and inviting, featuring granite countertops, a decorative
Monica FloresKeller Williams Real Estate-Langhorne
Welcome to 1047 Harrison Street in Bristol — a beautifully updated expanded Cape that offers space, versatility, and some seriously unique features.This well-maintained home is in great shape and completely move-in ready. Inside, you’ll find a flexible layout with two bedrooms on the first floor and two additional bedrooms upstairs, making it perfect for a variety of living situations.
Charming Colonial in Desirable Landreth Manor — 4 Bed, 2.5 Bath Come see this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Colonial in the highly sought-after Landreth Manor section of Bristol! Situated on over one-third of an acre, this home offers more than 1,800 square feet of comfortable living space at an affordable price.Step inside to find brand-new granite countertops, a stylish new
Welcome to beautifully fully renovated home offering modern design, functionality, and abundant natural light throughout.This spacious property features 4 bedrooms and has been thoughtfully updated with high-end finishes. The home showcases elegant ceramic flooring throughout and a stunning European-style kitchen equipped with brand-new appliances, sleek cabinetry, and a contemporary design
Unlock the potential of this thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath twin home, ideal for both personal residence and investment that is nestled in the charming community of Bristol Borough. Whether you're seeking steady cash flow or a place to call home, this property offers the best of both worlds. This inviting home features the warmth of hardwood floors throughout on the lower level,
Trista FactorHomeSmart Nexus Realty Group - Newtown
Handyman Special — Instant Equity Opportunity! Welcome to 523 Swain Street, nestled in the heart of Bristol Borough. This spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is bursting with potential and ready for your finishing touches. Whether you’re an investor, flipper, or handy homeowner, this property offers a fantastic opportunity to build instant equity. The main level features a bright and open living
Highway Commercial Opportunity on Route 13. Zoned HC – Highway Commercial, this versatile property sits on a 0.25‐acre lot directly off Route 13, offering exceptional visibility and access. With two entrances and ample on‐site parking, the layout supports a wide range of commercial uses. The property also includes 11 exterior security cameras, 6 TVs used as security monitors, and all supporting
Welcome to this truly wonderful single-family home offering space, versatility, and modern updates throughout! Perfectly suited for today’s lifestyle, this move-in ready property provides a flexible layout ideal for multi-generational living or extended guest space. The first level features a huge family room with direct access to the rear yard—perfect for entertaining or relaxing. This level
Calling all investors! This home is ready for your personal touch. With opportunities to do a light renovation and keep as a rental or do a full rehab and sell for a profit! Showings are limited please call selling agent for availability!
Welcome to 576 Bath Street, ideally located in the heart of historic Bristol Borough. This well-maintained interior row home combines classic charm with everyday functionality, offering a spacious and thoughtfully designed layout. Enter into a generously sized living room that flows seamlessly into the formal dining area and kitchen, creating an inviting space for both relaxing and entertaining.
Welcome to Property A: this recently remodeled, two-level, four-bedroom, two-bathroom twin-property with a private driveway, large yard and private laundry has it all. Almost 1,800 sq ft. of light-filled living spaces, you have one front-facing bedroom on the main level (off the kitchen) that can also be used as an office or flex space, with an adjacent full bathroom. The open-concept living room
Welcome to this recently remodeled, two-level, four-bedroom, two-bathroom twin-property with a private driveway, large yard and private laundry room. Almost 1,800 sq ft. of light-filled living spaces. On the main level (off the kitchen) is a bedroom that can also serve as an office or flex space, along with an adjacent full bathroom. The open-concept living room area flows seamlessly into the
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!
Spacious 3-Bedroom Home in Bristol! This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home boasts a spacious floor plan spanning three stories and is just minutes from Bristol Wharf and Mill Street with its many restaurants and shops. The kitchen features new countertops, and the home showcases wood floors throughout, adding warmth and charm. Additional highlights include a separate washer and
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
This detached 4‐bedroom home sits in a quiet, tucked‐away neighborhood and delivers way more space than you’d expect. The layout is generous, the rooms are legit full‐size, and the classic kitchen brings that original charm that’s ready for your personal touch. The real standout is out back: a great rear deck overlooking a cool outdoor space—perfect for relaxing, grilling, or hosting. It’s the
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
Excellent value & opportunity to rent in historic Harriman/ Bristol Boro! Landlord pays gas heat, water, sewer & trash! Available April 1st! 1 bed/1 bath 110% move-in ready very clean 2nd floor twin! Clean & bright large eat-in kitchen w/ wood grain flooring! Sunny main living area! Modern full bath! Bedroom w/ ceiling fan! 5 storage closets! Abundant street parking! No smoking. No pets. Tenants
Breathtaking views as you walk into the modern open floor plan featuring hardwood floors, crown molding, recessed lighting, and custom woodwork. Each unit boasts approximately 2,500sq ft of finished living space spread across 3 floors with unobstructed views of the Delaware River! An abundance of light flows through beautiful large windows featuring transom accents. Gorgeous custom floor to
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
This impressive 1 bedroom unit features an open floor plan, 10’ feet ceilings, hardwood floors throughout . The open-concept design is curated for seamless entertaining, with a layout that effortlessly flows from the kitchen to the living area. The Living Area has an abundance of natural light through the large windows. The unit have LED recessed lighting throughout, electric heater, central
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