$280,187Average Value$162Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
"The Birthplace of Country Music" - A twin city shared by Virginia and Tennessee
The Virginia-Tennessee state line runs through the heart of downtown Bristol along State Street. But Bristol doesn’t feel divided on a Saturday night in summer, when locals and visitors alike stroll beneath the glow of streetlamps and the bright lights of the Paramount Theater as music drifts from nearby watering holes. Live music is a mainstay here thanks to the 1927 Bristol Sessions, which drew local musicians to town for recording sessions with the Victor Talking Machine Company almost a century ago. What was once called “hillbilly music” found commercial success, and Bristol became known as the "Birthplace of Country Music." Today, the city’s nearly 28,000 enjoy quick access to the outdoors, the downtown vibe and NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway. Bristol also shares the Tri-Cities region with Kingsport and Johnson City, both of which are about 25 miles away. “All three of the Tri-Cities have really nice downtowns,” says Graham Witherspoon, a Tri-Cities real estate agent with True North Real Estate Advisors. “They’ve done a lot of work to each downtown and it’s reflected in how many people have moved here.” More change is also on the horizon with the imminent opening of the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Bristol on the Virginia side of the line.
State Street is lined with restaurants and antique shops, in Bristol.
Bristol also shares the Tri-Cities region with Kingsport and Johnson City.
Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Bristol is located on the Virginia side of the line.
The holiday light show features 3 million lights spread across a 4-mile trek.
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Downtown entertainment on State Street
Country music historians dub the 1927 Bristol Sessions the “Big Bang” of country music. “The amount of talent recorded – the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers – and the technology used, all contributed to bringing country music into Main Street America,” says Charlene Baker, the communications manager for the nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music organization. Public art and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum spotlight these music traditions. Bristol is also a stop on the 435-mile Crooked Road, a heritage music trail that swings past dozens of music venues in the hills and hollows of the surrounding Appalachians. But it’s not just banjos and fiddles in Bristol. The 1931 Paramount Theater is a regional performance hall hosting live music, plays, dance performances and the occasional big band orchestra.
State Street is lined with restaurants and indie shops, from clothing boutiques to antique stores. Several restaurants have patios, and the vibe is festive on weekends. One restaurant worth a mention is the Burger Bar, said to be the last place country music legend Hank Williams was seen alive. The new Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Bristol on Gate City Highway, about 2 miles west of downtown, is slated to open in November 2024. It will replace the temporary Bristol Casino, which opened in 2022 as the first casino in Virginia. Overlooking Interstate 81 in Tennessee, The Pinnacle is an outdoor mall home to national retailers such as Bass Pro Shops, Best Buy and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
According to the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, industries with the most employees across Greater Bristol in 2023 were retail trade, government and health care. About 1,400 people are expected to be employed at the new casino. The median household income is $49,130, a 12.6% increase from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Stroll beneath the glow of streetlamps and the bright lights of the Paramount Theater.
The city is famously known as “The Birthplace of Country Music".
Shop at one of many antique shops along State Street in Bristol.
Dine in at Southern Craft, A Bristol favorite, serving delicious BBQ.
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Outdoor adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Surrounded by rivers and lakes in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bristol is a recreational hotspot for residents of three states: Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina. “South Holston Lake is very close,” says Baker, ”and in the summer it is packed.” Part of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the man-made lake is famed for its smallmouth bass fishing as well as its boating and water-skiing. Cherokee National Forest, another outdoor hub, hugs 60% of the shoreline. Bristol is 15 miles from the Virginia Creeper Trail, a popular 34-mile rail-trail which links Abingdon, Virginia, with the vast Mount Rogers Recreation Area. Closer to home, families converge on Steel Creek Park to board the kiddie train, explore the nature center and ride the paddle boats.
Bristol is surrounded by rivers and lakes in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Bristol is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
2,200-acre lakefront park with disc golf, a mini train & nature trails at Steele Creek Park.
Tannery Knobs covers over 40 acres of heavily wooded terrain in Johnson City.
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Passionate NASCAR fans at Bristol Motor Speedway
The biggest sport in these parts is loud, fast and extremely popular. And its roots go back to the days of moonshine running, when bootleggers in souped-up cars would try to outrun the federal “revenuers.” These days, NASCAR draws big crowds to Bristol Motor Speedway, which can seat nearly 150,000 spectators and hosts two NASCAR Cup Series races each year. Drag racers blast from the starting line at the adjacent Bristol Dragway, nicknamed Thunder Valley. Music festivals are also popular. The city shuts down State Street for the three-day Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival in mid-September. Local, regional and national acts play for crowds of 30,000 on 14 stages across downtown. “It’s a big collaborative event,” says Baker. “We have around 900 community volunteers over the course of the weekend.”
In late September 2024, Bristol Motor Speedway served as the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center after areas just west of the city were directly hit by Hurricane Helene. Hurricanes are not a common occurrence in Bristol, or Tennessee for that matter. The city experiences all four seasons with mild summers averaging a high of 85 degrees and winters averaging a low of 30 degrees.
Bristol Motor Speedway is a thrilling destination for motorsports enthusiasts in Kingsport.
NASCAR draws big crowds to Bristol Motor Speedway.
The Food City Speedway in Lights is a holiday light show at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Take a lap at "The World's Fastest Half-Mile" at the holiday light show, in Bristol
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Midcentury homes close to churches
The median home price in Bristol is $224,000, compared to the national average of $416,700. The city has more than 13,000 homes, most of which are single-family with a median year built in 1971. These houses cluster in subdivisions like Belle Brook Estates, which is dotted with mid-century homes ranging from $180,000 to $354,000. Homes near Steel Creek Park are a draw for many locals who like to walk to its trails and amenities. A mix of styles, including custom luxury homes, surround the park with prices anywhere from $220,000 to $1 million. With the downtown scene growing in popularity, some opt to rent the areas lofts and apartments.
With Bristol being in the Bible Belt, it’s common for locals to live close to churches of the Christian faith. There are approximately 100 houses of worship in the city, more than a quarter of which are of the Baptist denomination.
Belle Brook Estates is dotted with mid-century homes ranging from $180,000 to $354,000.
Bristol homebuyers can find century-old houses with historic charm closer to downtown.
Homes near Steel Creek Park are a draw for many locals who like to walk to its trails.
Neighborhoods like Belle Brook Estates feature midcentury homes.
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Traveling through Bristol and around the Tri-Cities region
Locals can get around by taking a Bristol Tennessee Transit bus, which operates five days a week. Bristol borders Interstate 81, a busy north-south corridor, which leads 15 miles south to Tri-Cities Airport, served by American and Delta, with direct flights to Charlotte, Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth. To get to the other two of the Tri-Cities, it’s a 25-mile drive west to Kingsport from U.S. 11W and 25 miles south to Johnson City from U.S. 11E.
Teachers in Bristol earn high marks statewide
Bristol City School District earns high marks from Niche.com, earning an A-minus grade and garnering the number 3 spot for “Districts with Best Teachers in Tennessee.” There are about 4,000 students in the school district across five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, Tennessee High School. The high school earns a B-plus and its teachers scored an A. There are several private schools in the Bristol area, including faith-based options. Each has an enrollment under 175 students. The city is also home to King University, a private Presbyterian institution.
Bristol City School District earns an A-minus grade from Niche.
The student population of Anderson Elementary is 308 and the school serves PK-5.
Tennessee High School is a public high school located in Bristol, Tennessee.
St. Mary's Catholic School is a Christian, faith-based school for Pre-K through 8th grade.
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5-year drop in crime
Crime in Bristol has fluctuated over the past five years, but is ultimately experiencing a downward trend, according to FBI statistics. In 2023, the violent crime rate was 44.75 per 10,000 people with a total of 124 violent crimes reported. That’s down from 2018, which had a violent crime rate of 63.96 per 10,000 people with 172 violent crimes reported. As for property crime, the rate in 2023 was 284 per 10,000 people with 787 reported property crimes. That’s also down from 2018, which had a property crime rate of 311.64 per 10,000 people with 838 reports.
Compared to the other Tri-Cities, Bristol’s overall crime rate is virtually the same as Johnson City at around 328 crimes per 10,000 people. It’s also lower than Kingsport’s overall crime rate of 428 per 10,000 people.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
Photography Contributed By
Anna Cheng
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kelly Hixson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Bristol, TN sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Bristol, TN over the last 12 months is $276,500, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fall in love with your new house on Valentines Day! Stop by during the open house scheduled for 2/14 from 1:00 to 3:00. Seller negotiable and ready to pass this home on to it's next chapter. Welcome to 222 Old Stage Drive in Bristol, TN — where classic charm meets everyday convenience. Just 11 minutes to State Street and 7 minutes to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, this home sits on a quiet street
***OPEN HOUSE SUN FEB 8th 2pm-4pm*** Welcome to Beckonrindge Arms! Nestled in a tranquil neighborhood, Belmont Drive offers convenient access to essential amenities in Bristol. Located just minutes away from Fairmount Elementary, Bristol Vance, and Tennessee High, this residence is ideally situated for families. This low-maintenance home has been meticulously updated and is ready for its new
Step into history with this charming early 1900s home offering over 2,000 sq. ft. of living space on a spacious 0.58-acre lot in the heart of Bristol. Built in 1907, this two-story residence blends timeless character with everyday functionality, featuring a classic design and an updated kitchen. Inside, you'll find a generous layout with 4 bedrooms and multiple baths, providing flexibility for
Adorable and affordable!Discover comfort, convenience, and value, all wrapped into one beautifully updated, one-level manufactured home with mountain views and an unbeatable Bristol location. Only 10 minutes from the world-renowned Bristol Motor Speedway and just off the Volunteer Parkway, this home offers an affordable, low-maintenance way to enjoy life in Bristol while staying close to
Now is your opportunity to own an Exclusive Mediterranean estate! It is a truly special home where no details have been overlooked and everything is clad in beautiful Mediterranean and Modern Tuscan style. When you enter the soaring entry, the first thing you notice is all the natural light flooding in from the floor to ceiling windows. The foyer is flanked with dual L-Shaped staircases that
Cleared and ready for your vision! This 0.418-acre city lot in Bristol, TN has already been graded and leveled—ideal for a future home site. Water and sewer are available at the street for added convenience. Located in a central, accessible location close to local amenities, this property offers a great opportunity to build your custom home and make it your own.
**Motivated Seller**Design your ideal sanctuary on Lot 19,20,21, located on Skyline Drive within the Sherwood Forest Subdivision. Situated in a highly desirable area, this lot offers the perfect opportunity to build your dream home. With its connection to the picturesque Steele Creek Park, you'll enjoy ample privacy and serene surroundings. Parcel 020N A 003.00, 020N A 004.00 and 020N A
Discover comfort and convenience in this inviting furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bath home tucked inside one of Bristol's most sought-after neighborhoods. Built in 1998, this home blends solid construction with a warm, welcoming feel the moment you step inside.The layout offers easy, everyday living—light-filled rooms, a comfortable primary suite, and a practical flow that just makes sense. Out back,
Discover this newly remodeled 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in the heart of Bristol, TN! Fresh updates shine throughout with new flooring, paint, and a brand-new mini-split HVAC system, offering comfort and peace of mind from day one. The home sits on a spacious backyard with a convenient public access alley behind the property, providing additional parking options and easy entry. Enjoy stunning
Preston Glen, the newest addition to The Virginian, embraces our Appalachian Highlands roots and ties to the land with a farmhouse-style community. Located next to the Nicewonder Farm & Vineyard and backing up to Preston Spring, it's the idyllic place to build your home. Select from five farmhouse style building plans and enjoy the rolling hills of Virginia while also enjoying all of the
Imagine waking up every day in a stunning waterfront home, where the spectacular views are part of your daily routine. Don't just dream about this lifestyle—make it yours! This beautifully maintained waterfront home offers an impressive five bedrooms and three full bathrooms, encompassing a generous 2,430 square feet of single-level living space. Nestled on a spacious 0.44-acre lot within the
9-unit mobile home park with approximately 1.21 acres. Two pads are currently rented; the manufactured homes are owned by the tenants. There is an additional manufactured home that will transfer with the sale of the property. (Home has no value). Sewer, water and electric hook-ups are available at all lots. **Additional lot with 1-unit capacity will be included in the purchase. (Parcel ID: 021O E
One Level Living at its Best! This lovingly maintained, move-in-ready ranch home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The bright eat-in kitchen has custom wood cabinetry. There are formal and informal living spaces, including a space large enough for a combination living and dining room. The massive den/family room has a beautiful wall to wall fireplace making it the perfect place to unwind and
Fall in love with your new house on Valentines Day! Stop by during the open house scheduled for 2/14 from 1:00 to 3:00. Seller negotiable and ready to pass this home on to it's next chapter. Welcome to 222 Old Stage Drive in Bristol, TN — where classic charm meets everyday convenience. Just 11 minutes to State Street and 7 minutes to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, this home sits on a quiet street
Don't miss this beautifully updated condo tucked away in a quiet, well-maintained community. This spacious two-story home features a versatile layout with one bedroom and full bath on the main level, ideal for guests, roommates, or convenient one-level living and a private primary suite upstairs for added comfort. The kitchen is both stylish and functional, perfect for everyday living or
Bristol's new premier lofts are centrally located, adjacent to King University and convenient to everything. Unfurnished and fully furnished units are available to meet your long term or short term needs. The Bungalow, a cool place to live!
Experience luxury living in this fully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo, ideally located directly across from Bristol Motor Speedway. Perfect for travel nurses, out-of-state contractors, or anyone seeking a move-in-ready, sophisticated home, this condo offers central air and heat, high-end stainless steel kitchen appliances, and a fully equipped kitchen with cookware, dishes, coffee maker,
2 Bedrooms with a full bathroom each upstairs. Half bath on main floor w/ laundry room. Unfinished Basement that could fit 2 cars back to back or use it as a one car garage and have plenty of storage!One mile to King UniversityLess than 10 minutes to downtown
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath rental located in Bristol, TN and just minutes from downtown, shopping, dining, and local amenities. This home features a functional layout with comfortable living space, a fully fenced yard perfect for pets or outdoor enjoyment, and easy access to town while still feeling tucked away.Rent is $1,650 per month. Lawn space, privacy, and convenience make this a great
Discover your new home today Bristol Square Apartments! Explore our range of inviting one, two, and three-bedroom apartments designed to meet your needs. Enjoy spacious living areas and generous storage space. Our newly renovated apartments offer beautiful and durable vinyl flooring and sleek stainless steel appliances. Each apartment is perfect for both entertaining and
Less than a mile from State Street, this apartment has been completely remodeled inside and out.This 2-3 bedroom apartment occupies the entire second and third floors of a beautiful historic home in Bristol, TN, and features its own private staircase leading directly to the front door. Inside, you'll find two very spacious bedrooms with large closets, a stunning bathroom with a tiled shower,
Brittany RutherfordPrestige Homes of the Tri Cities, Inc.
Welcome to Shelby Heights Apartments, a good place to call home. Nestled amongst woods overlooking the panoramic hills of Bristol, Shelby Heights Apartments stand quiet and serene. You will be pleased with the extras you'll find here in community living, which includes amenities such as a clubhouse with fireplace, attractive landscaping, a tennis court, and a sparkling swimming pool. Shelby
Cozy Cottage!!! Welcome to this cozy little home located in Bristol, Tn. and close to shopping and downtown. This house has recently been renovated, has beautiful hardwood floors and a new driveway with privacy fence has recently been added. It has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and a full basement. Move in ready!Small pets accepted with $300 pet deposit.
Melissa NormanNorth East Tennessee Real Estate, LLC
Situated 2 miles from Downtown Bristol, next to the Southgate Crossing Shopping Center, Twin Oaks Apartments and Creek Crossing are the ideal place for Tennessee residents! We have a variety of floor plans, including 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms - something for everyone! All units include water, sewer, trash, and basic cable. Come check us out today!
Great single family rental near downtown Bristol, shopping and restaurants is now available. The home has been freshly painted and has new butcher block countertops., new HVAC. The attic has also been finished with heating/cooling -- a great place for climate-controlled storage. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening wine on the large deck out back or sit out on your front porch and enjoy watching
Welcome to Stafford Street Village and the charming town of Bristol, Tennessee, where tranquility meets modern living. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to settle in a friendly neighborhood, our leasing options cater to your unique lifestyle with 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartment and townhomes.We believe better living should be accessible for everyone,
Welcome to the Wilson Cottage located in Beautiful Downtown Bristol, TN. It is perfect for relocating professionals, traveling nurses, contract workers, extended vacation stays, or you just need a place to call home, while you are searching for your perfect home! This fully furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath cottage is newly renovated. On the main living level, you'll find a cozy bedroom, full bath,
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