Colonial roots and coastal living in Bristol
In Midcoast Maine, the town of Bristol is situated on a peninsula on the shore of the Muscongus Bay. Bristol—previously named Pemaquid—was the site of several colonial wars and pirate attacks throughout the 1600s and 1700s. Today, Bristol is a quiet, coastal town with 41% of its population over the age of 65, significantly above the national average. The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score. “Taxes are really low in Bristol and in South Bristol, so that’s a really big draw,” says Randall “Randy” Miller, a real estate associate at Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, who sells in Bristol. During the summers, the town’s population swells with history buffs, beachgoers and lobster lovers who seek a quintessential Maine vacation. Throughout the year, local lobster fisherman unload fresh catches from their boats. “Bristol is not nearly as commercial as the Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor area,” Miller says. “It doesn’t empty out as much in the winter, but there are still some rental properties.” This Lincoln County community sits directly south of Damariscotta, where the nearest hospital is located, along with more restaurants and retailers.
Historic Fort William Henry and Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
Bristol has preserved several of its historic structures for visitors to explore. Fort William Henry, identifiable by its medieval-style stone bastion, was completed in 1692 to protect the English settlement from the competing French colonists and their Native American allies. The historic site, maintained by visitors’ donations, is also a picturesque picnic spot overlooking the water. At the southern tip of the peninsula, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, built in 1827 and painted white, overlooks the crashing waves. From May to October, visitors can climb to the top—a rarity for lighthouses in the region—and gaze out toward the horizon. The lighthouse is located next to an art gallery and the Fishermen’s Museum.
Bristol’s centuries of home styles
Bristol is a rural community where winding, private driveways branch off from tree-lined, country roads. Architectural styles span over 200 years, including cottages, Colonial Revivals and Cape Cod homes. Prices range from about $140,000 to $3.8 million, depending on factors like private waterfront access, square footage and acreage. Waterfront views are not restricted to million-dollar price tags; they are available at a variety of price points. The median single family home price is about $620,000. Bristol also has some land and lots for sale.
Hiking and swimming along Bristol’s coast
Bristol offers land-based recreation and public swimming spots. La Verna Preserve is a popular hiking spot with multiple trails that wind through the forest and lead to unique, striated rock formations overlooking the coast. Warmer summer temperatures mean locals can comfortably swim in the Bristol swimming hole, which is open to the public. Alternatively, a $5 entrance fee for adults and children over 12 grants access to the public beach at Pemaquid Beach Park from June through September. The park has beach equipment available for rent, as well as public restrooms and showers. It’s located next to a baseball field and campsite.
Fresh seafood and local businesses in Bristol
Foodies can find several bakeries and seafood restaurants in Bristol. Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf serves beer and fresh lobster rolls overlooking a working harbor; its raw bar and live music in the summer give the place a lively, laid-back vibe. Shoppers can head to C.E. Reilly & Son, a longstanding, independent grocer that’s been serving the community since 1928. More retailers selling essentials like groceries, hardware and pet supplies can be found along Main Street in Damariscotta.
High schoolers in Bristol have school choice
The AOS 93/Central Lincoln County School System, not rated on Niche, serves the area. Elementary and middle schoolers may attend Bristol Consolidated School; it’s the best public elementary school in the county and is rated A overall, according to Niche. Because there isn’t a designated public high school in the town, high schoolers may attend the school of their choice. High school students in Bristol qualify for Maine’s Town Tuitioning Program, meaning tuition is covered if they attend a private school like Lincoln Academy, an A-minus-rated private school in Damariscotta. This program is the second oldest school choice program in the United States.
Spread-out layout means driving is essential in Bristol
Bristol is a car-dependent area covering about 34 square miles. Bristol Road stretches the length of the peninsula, from the lighthouse at the southern tip, to Damariscotta, where drivers can pick up U.S. Route 1. Portland International Jetport is about 65 miles southwest, while emergency care at MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital is about 10 miles north.
