$719,565Average Value$447Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes 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.
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On average, homes in Downtown Bristol, Bristol sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Bristol, Bristol over the last 12 months is $662,500, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The DeWolf-Guiteras home has had many lives since it was built in the Greek Revival style by William Henry DeWolf in 1839. In 1880 it was enlarged/remodeled by its 2nd famous owners, the Guiteras's who years later left it to the Congregational Church to be their rectory. It later returned to residential use, the painted granite exterior was restored and the grounds beautifully landscaped. And now
Welcome to your charming cottage getaway in the heart of Bristol, RI! This inviting 2 to 3-bedroom home offers a cozy and thoughtfully renovated living space, situated on an oversized 8,494 square-foot lot. Step inside to discover a beautifully updated butler's pantry kitchen, where new cabinets, sleek countertops, and a stylish tile backsplash that blends well with stainless steel appliances.
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
Set along the highly desirable shoreline of Bristol Harbor, this custom-built coastal home offers refined living with stunning water views, beautiful sunsets, and direct access to a shared dock, small beach, and option for a mooring. This 5 br, 4.5 ba property provides a rare blend of privacy, natural beauty, and easy access to the harbor lifestyle. The floor plan offers a seamless flow,
34 Central Street is nestled in the heart of the historic district and is just steps to the hustle and bustle of downtown Bristol and all that it offers. This perfectly located Multifamily property is being offered for the first time in three generations and is suited perfectly for all types of buyers. The Central Street neighborhood dates back to the late 1600's and has several historic homes
Expansive raised ranch in a sought-after Bristol location, just a short stroll to the East Bay Bike Path, restaurants, and the waterfront! This 5-bedroom, 3-bath home offers incredible versatility...currently operating as a successful Airbnb, yet equally well-suited as a comfortable single-family residence. The main level welcomes you with a sun-filled living room featuring an electric fireplace,
FURNISHED Sept/Oct flexible move in; 9 month lease; must move out by end of May 2026. This is a Furnished 2+ Bedroom/1 Bath $2,100 a month apt in the Historic section of Bristol, RI. Second floor apt in a 3 family home; must walk up a flight of stairs to enter apt. Huge Backyard with gardens for you to enjoy and grill out. Just one block to the water/Independence Park. The ENTIRE apt is
Available November through June, this fully furnished 960 sq. ft. Victorian apartment offers prime location and convenience in downtown Bristol. Just steps from shops, restaurants, and the waterfront, and close to RWU, this third-floor apartment feels open, bright, and spacious thanks to its smart layout, skylights, and high ceilings. Inside, you'll find gleaming hardwood floors, abundant
Property Id: 1703013Welcome to this sun-filled 3rd-floor unit located in a beautiful historic building on a quaint, tree-lined street in the heart of Bristol's Historic District. Features Include: 3 spacious bedrooms with plenty of natural light Gleaming hardwood floors throughout vinyl flooring in the bathroom, quaint functional kitchen perfect for cooking and entertaining. Enjoy the
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