$743,120Average Value$440Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes 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.”
A sunset over Bristol Harbor in Downtown Bristol is a lovely way to share the end of the day.
Family fun at the 4th of July Carnival in Downtown Bristol is an annual tradition.
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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.
This large 2-family home in Downtown Bristol has elegant shingle-work with different patterns.
A gilded-age home in Downtown Bristol has a graceful porch and dormered attic space.
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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.
Something on the line at Independence Park may mean a nice meal in Downtown Bristol tonight.
Independence Park in Downtown Bristol has a beautiful green lawn that is great for sitting.
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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.
A view along Hope Street in Downtown Bristol shows a restaurant, a bagel shop, and paper store.
Thames Waterside Bar & Grill in Downtown Bristol has harbor-side dining and mooring for boats.
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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.
The Colt-Andrews School in Bristol has a great reputation for education.
The Mount Hope High School in Bristol serves the Bristol-Warren School District.
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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
Are you familiar with the Downtown Bristol neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Bristol
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Bristol Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Bristol, Bristol sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Bristol, Bristol over the last 12 months is $675,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning Renovated Condo in the Heart of Downtown Bristol! This beautiful and fully renovated two-bedroom condo offers an ideal blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Soaring ceilings and sun-filled living spaces showcase rich hardwood floors and picturesque views of State and Hope Street. The new kitchen features stainless steel appliances, new cabinetry, stone countertops, and a sleek
Rare opportunity for an affordable 2 family in Downtown Bristol. Walk to the common, downtown restaurants and shop or the waterfront. Many updates to the systems and mechanics. Small yard and off street parking. First floor has private entrance. Both units are rented currently below market value with room for future improvement. Whether you want to live in Bristol and have extra income to assist
Rare Gem: Own a Turnkey Home Plus Thriving Neighborhood Restaurant. Seize this unbeatable package at 2 Wilson St: a lovingly maintained 1,440 sq ft, 3BR/2BA single-family home paired with The Casual Inn (MLS 1398420), the local favorite just steps away. Both parcels must convey together for a combined asking price, your all-in-one investment awaits! Steps from bustling downtown yet peaceful and
Spectrum Real Estate Consultants TKeller Williams Leading Edge
Cool commercial conversion completed just a year ago. The old music store is now an amazing 3 bedroom/ 1 bath home with the ultimate one level living with an open floorplan ready for your style and imagination to fill it. Brand new kitchen, bath, flooring and systems including heating and central A/C. 1 dedicated parking spot and plenty of off street parking is available. Walk to downtown in
Bristol Downtown Waterfront Condo. Enjoy the best of Bristol living in this fully furnished two-bedroom condo perfectly situated in the heart of downtown. Featuring an open-concept layout with stylish furnishings and modern finishes, this home offers both comfort and convenience. Step out your back door to breathtaking views of Bristol Harbor-perfect for morning coffee or evening sunset's.
Welcome to this lovely, recently renovated one-bedroom apartment ideally located within walking distance of downtown Bristol, RI. This bright and inviting unit offers a clean, comfortable living space. Enjoy a well-appointed kitchen w/ a stackable washer & dryer and a refreshed bathroom, all designed to complement today's lifestyle. The large bedroom provides a peaceful retreat with ample natural
Second floor, newly remodeled apartment with beautiful hardwoods throughout and walking distance downtown. This apartment boasts a large sun filled living room with two spacious bedrooms as well as an additional room for office space. Large eat in kitchen area with galley style pantry with brand new stainless steal appliances. Full bath with tub and shower off of the kitchen, new energy efficient
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