$708,479Average Value$464Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Bristol’s historic harbor-front core
Bristol’s center overlooks Bristol Harbor on the town peninsula’s west side. “This used to be a blue-collar town, but it’s waterfront, so now it’s considered the new Newport,” says Lisa Foster-Pacheco, downtown local and Realtor with Re/Max River’s Edge. She says Bristol’s history and New England aesthetic is especially on show here, where the country's oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration takes place every summer. Since 1785, Downtown Bristol has drawn thousands to celebrate Independence Day. Today’s festivities begin on Flag Day in June with a marathon race and continue through July 4th with carnivals, field-day games and concerts, ending with a huge firework display over the harbor. “Bristolians are really proud of their town,” says Allison Dessel, a Realtor with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International who has nearly a decade of experience working with local clients. “It’s the juxtaposition of walkability and historical features. There’s a strong sense of community spirit,” she says, adding that the view of the water is spectacular. “Looking out into the harbor is good all seasons. There’s magic on the water.”
Town center Colonials and cottages
“It’s definitely a smattering of different styles,” Dessel says, describing downtown’s housing stock. Large Colonial homes built in the early 1800s as single-family homes are now converted multifamily homes, typically selling for between $387,000 and $750,000. True single-family Colonials and Cape Cod cottages range from about $375,000 to more than $665,000, while condo units go for between $270,000 and $600,000. “Days on the market are slim to none right now,” Foster-Pacheco says, referring to the length of time homes stay on the market before going under contract. “The lack of inventory in Bristol is wild,” she adds, observing that having so few homes for sale is part of why they sell so quickly. “But it’s also the charm. People call it a Hallmark town for a reason,” she says.
Independence Park and Colt State Park offer waterfront recreation
The 464-acre Colt State Park is west across the harbor from downtown. The waterfront park’s rocky shoreline offers scenic views of Narragansett Bay. The breeze off the water draws visitors to the park’s open fields for kite flying; in the winter, folks flock to those same fields to snowshoe and cross-country ski. Bristol Town Beach is a sandy, swimmable beach just north of Colt State Park’s boat ramp. Bike paths link the state park and town beach to Independence Park, on downtown’s north side. The 4-acre harbor-front park is the head of the East Bay Bike Path, which runs nearly 15 miles north to India Point Park in Providence. Independence Park also hosts the annual “Last Night” fireworks show and Rhode Island Philharmonic concert on Labor Day. Foster-Pacheco says one of the best things about Downtown Bristol is that there’s always a free concert or activity happening, whether at Independence Park or the Bristol Town Common, about half a mile southeast. Town Common also has a playground and pickleball courts. “Blythewold Manor offers a lot of summertime activities like outdoor concerts and tea times, as well,” Foster-Pacheco says, referring to a historic mansion on downtown’s south end.
Waterfront dining and boutique retailers
Downtown Bristol’s eclectic food scene includes popular waterfront spots like The Beach House, known for upscale American fare, and inland mainstays like Roberto’s, an Italian eatery. Foster-Pacheco says one of her favorite waterfront restaurants is The Lobster Pot, which serves modern New England dishes. And she says true locals go to The Casual Inn for homestyle Portuguese food. “It’s an old, hidden secret, off the beaten path, so only locals know about it.” Tucked away on Franklin Street, The Casual Inn is just three blocks east of Hope Street, the heart of Downtown Bristol’s commercial district. As a nod to the town’s historic July 4th celebration, Hope Street’s center double lines are red, white and blue instead of the traditional yellow. Boutique retailers like Beau Bleu and Epilogues are scattered between coffee shops like Folklore Provisions and bars like Aidan’s Pub. For groceries, there’s a Clements’ Marketplace in the Bristol Shopping Center just north of downtown.
Bristol-Warren Regional School District, Roger Williams University
Bristol-Warren schools serve downtown students. The district allows school choice, meaning parents and their kids can apply to any school in the system, regardless of their address. Many go to either Colt Andrews or Guiteras between preschool and fifth grade. Both elementary schools earn B-plus grades from Niche. Kickemuit Middle and Mt. Hope High, the district’s only middle and high schools, both get Bs. Mt. Hope offers a dual enrollment program in partnership with Roger Williams University, a private university at the south end of the Bristol peninsula. Roger Williams’ Juris Doctor program is the only law school available in the state.
High walkability, quick car trip to Providence and Newport
While downtown is walkable, Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, or RIPTA, offers bus transportation around Bristol and the surrounding region. The buses pick up from stops along Hope Street, also called Rhode Island Route 114, which runs the length of Bristol’s west side. The main road runs south across the Mount Hope Bridge to Aquidneck Island. Newport, at the far south end of Aquidneck, about 15 miles away, is just a 40-minute drive with no traffic. Providence, the state capital and a regional employment hub, is in the opposite direction. Heading north up Route 114 through Warren to Interstate 195 in Massachusetts, the nearly 18-mile commute can take about 50 minutes without traffic.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrew Romano,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Bristol Town Common
Bristol Playground
Rockwell Park
Independence Park
Colt State Park
Audubon Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge
Boating
Kayak/Canoe
River
Transit
Airport
Rhode Island Tf Green International
39 min drive
Bus
Ferry After Sidney
Bus
Hope Before Oliver
Bus
Ferry Before Fairview
Bus
Roger Williams University (Bristol)
Bus
Hope After Wood
Bus
Metacom After Mt Hope
Bus
Hope After Union
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Bristol
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Bristol, Bristol sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Bristol, Bristol over the last 12 months is $899,797, up 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the heart of beautiful Bristol, RI, just one block from the nation's oldest Fourth of July Parade, this updated single-level ranch style home awaits its new owner! Step inside to find newly refinished hardwood floors and a soft coastal color palette throughout the main level. The renovated kitchen is a standout, featuring white cabinetry, quartz countertops, a stylish backsplash, and
Welcome to this spectacular WATERFRONT ONE-LEVEL CONDO in beautiful historic downtown Bristol. Only steps to what this lovely town offers. Walk down tree-lined streets to restaurants, shops, the East Bay Bike Path, Independence Park, art galleries, and more. This unit features a blend of comfort and scenic beauty. The open concept seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, living room and
An Estate sale, in the very desirable downtown area. A potentially charming Victorian Cottage...once a loved long-time home, now in need of your imagination as well as renovation. Extensive upside potential with a large corner lot within minutes of Bristol's shops, waterfront, parks, and activities.Great for the investor or Buyer looking for a property in need of sweat equity. A newer roof,
Super spacious 1,200 sq ft. 2nd floor bi-level apartment in Bristol, RI, available 6/1. Large kitchen with lots of cabinet space, new flooring, large living room with closet, 1st Bedroom with walk-in closet, 2nd bedroom with closet, 3rd bedroom with closet, small office, and bathroom. Living room could also be used as a bedroom to make a 4th bedroom if needed and office could be a living
Yearly FURNISHED rental available 5/17! All utilities included! This unit is located on the second floor. Plenty of parking is available and comes with a private garage space. Located on a beautifully manicured, spacious lot and surrounded by mature plantings that provide privacy on an already quiet street. Within walking distance to all of the popular downtown amenities and on the 4th of July
Second floor completely updated 2 bedroom apartment in great Bristol location. Granite counters, new flooring, A/C, laundry, storage in basement. Available now.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrew Romano,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
7,485
Median Age
37
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$84,493
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$108,929
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.3%
College Graduates
44.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
32''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
46/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
46/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
