$714,906Average Value$243Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes 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.
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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
Downtown Bristol Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Bristol, Bristol sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Bristol, Bristol over the last 12 months is $210,000, down 46% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience luxury coastal living in the heart of historic Bristol. Perfectly situated along coveted Hope Street, this elegant two-bedroom, two full and one half-bathroom condo offers postcard-worthy water views and effortless single-level living. High-end finishes, hardwood floors, and natural light fill the open-concept living and dining areas, creating a warm and inviting space for entertaining
Just over a mile from downtown Bristol and Roger Williams University, this move-in-ready home is perfectly located in a sought-after neighborhood. This thoughtfully updated 3-4 bedroom, 2 bath raised ranch combines modern style with functional living. The main level features a bright, open layout with brand new appliances, marble countertops and updated lighting. Renovated bathrooms and
Premier Waterview Condo in the Heart of Historic Bristol! Welcome to the most desirable unit in this beautifully restored building offering water views, generous square footage, and impeccable design. This expansive two-bedroom condo is flooded with natural light and features soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and gleaming hardwood floors throughout. Enjoy the brand-new kitchen with stainless
Welcome to 61 Richmond Street A Downtown Bristol Gem! Nestled in the heart of beautiful Downtown Bristol, Rhode Island, this charming single-level ranch offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and location. From the moment you step inside, you'll be impressed by the thoughtful layout and inviting atmosphere of this well-maintained home. The spacious, updated kitchen features modern
Property Id: 2017084INTERIOR PHOTOS WILL BE POSTED ONCE COMPLETE APARTMENT IS CURRENTLY UNDER RENOVATIONWelcome to this sun-filled first-floor unit located in a beautifully maintained building on a quaint, tree-lined street in the heart of Bristol's Historic District. Features Include: 1 spacious bedrooms with plenty of natural light Gleaming hardwood floors throughout Vinyl tile
Charming First Floor 4-Bedroom Apartment for Rent in Historic Bristol, RI.Welcome to your new home! This charming 4-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment will be available for rent August 31st, 2025 in the heart of downtown Bristol RI, home to the nation's oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration and parade.Property Highlights:Spacious Living: The apartment boasts an open and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Vincent Ding,
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.
